Do you or someone you know have a passion for Oregon’s rocky intertidal denizens—including octopuses? How about an avid interest in the seabirds and shorebirds that call Oregon home? The Oregon Coast Aquarium is seeking volunteer interpreters to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with guests at our Rocky Shores Exhibit, Octopus Lair and Seabird Aviary.

These ambassadors for nature are an integral part of the Aquarium’s mission. Interpretive volunteers collectively connect with over 400,000 visitors each year, ensuring that they leave the Aquarium with a better understanding of and appreciation for our coastal and marine environments.

Speaking on behalf of animals and their environments is no simple task, which is why the Oregon Coast Aquarium treats its volunteer recruits to a six-weekend crash course, which starts on October 1, on the coastal and marine fauna of Oregon.

Upon graduation, these volunteers spend a few hours each week speaking on behalf of Oregon’s marine animals and their environments to Aquarium visitors. This exposure provides people a tremendous opportunity to make a positive impact for their local environment, and the ocean on a global scale. As volunteers accrue experience, they’ll be able to expand their interpretive know-how into other areas of the Aquarium.

“When a volunteer connects with a visitor about a particular animal such as the Giant Pacific Octopus, or a conservation issue like climate change, they make an impression that may last a lifetime,” said Beth Hawkyard, Volunteer Services Manager for the Aquarium.

Additional perks for Aquarium volunteers include:

·         Complimentary Aquarium membership.

·         Invitations to participate in exclusive lectures and continuing education programs.

·         A behind the scenes look at a marine science exhibition facility that is consistently ranked among the ten best in the U.S.A.

·         Subscription to the monthly newsletter, The Upwelling.

·         Discounts at the Wildlife Trading Company Gift Shops in the Aquarium.

·         The opportunity to join rank with nearly 350 other outstanding volunteers that share a passion for marine science.

For more information visit aquarium.org or contact the Aquarium’s Volunteer Services department at volunteer@aquarium.org. To become one of the newest voices for Oregon’s marine and coastal animals, fill out an online application at bit.ly/aquavol.Applications are due by September 25th.

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is dedicated to the highest quality aquatic and marine science programs for recreation and education so that the public better understands, cherishes, and conserves the world’s natural marine and coastal resources. An accredited Association of Zoos & Aquariums institution, this 501(c)3 non-profit organization is ranked as one of the top 10 aquariums in the U.S. Visit us at 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Rd., Newport, OR. www.aquarium.org, 541-867-3474. Follow us on Facebook.com/OregonCoastAquarium, or Twitter.com/OrCoastAquarium for the latest updates.

Information and photo provided by OCA