Adult Volunteer

Join our Environmental Operations Team and be part of our Facilities Maintenance Department! Environmental Operations oversees the custodial needs of Clearwater Marine Aquarium.  As an E/O Volunteer, you will be making a huge difference for our guests and the animals by performing routine maintenance around the aquarium.

Volunteer Responsibilities Include:

• Maintain a clean appearance to glass/acrylic fixtures and aquariums.
• Keeping the floors clear of debris and water.
• Taking out trash when needed.
• Sanitize touchpoints.
• Stocking guest areas.
• Responding to requests from any department.
• Specialized tasks as needed.
• Inventory management.
• Ability to positively communicate with guests, staff and other volunteers.

Yes, we won’t lie — it can be a dirty job. But, believe it or not, it is very rewarding and pretty fun!

The E/O volunteer position is a weekly reoccurring shift, same day and time each week. Shifts are 5 hours long, with the choice of a morning or afternoon and are available 7 days a week.

Maintaining water quality and appearance of our pools is the top priority for the CMA Dive Team.  Many pools are in direct sunlight which increases algae growth.  Therefore, we need to enlist committed volunteer SCUBA divers to assist with our pool cleaning challenge. Air tanks and some basic equipment are provided. 

Applicants to become a CMA Volunteer Diver must be certified as an Open Water Diver from an internationally recognized agency (PADI, NAUI, SSI, etc) and hold a current CPR/AED/first aid certification.  Dive volunteer applicants will be asked to submit dive logs from 10 recent dives.

The Dive volunteer position allows a flexible schedule with AM shifts available for sign up and a minimum commitment of 4 dives per month.

Education volunteers work two Sea Life Safari boat tours during their shift. Volunteers act as boat mates and participate in other educational activities. Duties include assisting guests from the queue line to the boat, helping passengers to embark and disembark the boat, pulling a trawl net, assisting with marine life data collection, helping with the “show and tell” of marine organisms by passing around plastic containers while onboard. You must be able to lift a bucket with water, and have reasonable balance on a moving boat. In addition to working on our sea life safari boats, volunteers in Education assist the Education Department with other educational activities, such as off-site visits and tabling events.

The Education volunteer position requires a minimum 4 month commitment to a weekly reoccurring shift, same day and time each week. Shifts in this department are 4 hours long, AM and PM volunteer shifts are available in this department 7 days a week; new volunteers are assigned their weekly shift based on their availability and our current shift openings.

Guest Experience volunteers are ambassadors to CMA, providing first impressions and enhancing the visitor experience! Volunteers in the Guest Experience department should possess a positive, outgoing personality, enjoy interacting with people, and be excited about the Aquarium’s mission.

Guest Experience volunteers engage CMA guests and attend to their needs. Tasks include: greeting guests in the ticketing line, facilitating their entry into CMA, manning the glitter tattoo station, and roaming throughout the building engaging guests about our work and mission. Volunteers must be comfortable with standing and walking on cement, going up and down stairs, and moving quickly from one task to another.

The Guest Experience volunteer position requires a minimum 4-month commitment to a weekly reoccurring shift, same day and time each week. Shifts in this department are 4 hours long, AM and PM volunteer shifts are available in this department 7 days a week; new volunteers are assigned their weekly shift based on their availability and our current shift openings.

This department oversees and maintains the water environment of all animals at CMA. It all starts with having an environment in which our resident and rehab animals can flourish! This department is also responsible for aquarist duties.

Responsibilities Include:

• Water chemistry of all animals at CMA
• Logging of Data
• Data entry
• Assist with some fish feedings
• Filter pressure/heater/chiller data recording * Must be able walk throughout the facility for sample collection and climb ladders for equipment inspection.

The Water Quality volunteer position requires a minimum 4 month commitment to a weekly reoccurring shift, same day and time each week. Shifts in this department are 4 hours long, AM and PM volunteer shifts are available in this department 7 days a week; new volunteers are assigned their weekly shift based on their availability and our current shift openings.

In the Mammals Division, some of your responsibilities as a volunteer may include the following:

• Learning and assisting in food preparation – a large majority of the day is spent sorting and inspecting fish, processing fish, and washing dishes.
• Conducting behavioral observations, animal area watches for safety, and assisting trainers with the maintenance of behavioral logs – records of feeding, respirations and observation sessions are maintained daily.
• Participating in the daily maintenance of animal exhibits – more cleaning!
• Narrating presentations for visitors of the aquarium
• Interacting with encounter participants and guests of the aquarium

The Marine Mammal volunteer program is tailored to meet your personal abilities, experience level, and educational background. Marine Mammal volunteers should have no expectation of animal contact / handling. Due to working inside animal areas, volunteers are required to remove all jewelry and loose items from their person prior to the start of each shift. 

The Marine Mammal volunteer position requires a minimum 6 month commitment to a weekly reoccurring shift, same day and time each week. Shifts in this department are 5 hours, several shift times are available each day and volunteers are needed 7 days a week; new volunteers are assigned their weekly shift based on their availability and our current shift openings.

Rescue Response Volunteer:

• Obtain knowledge of rescue policies, Standard Operating Procedures, and day-to-day functions.
• Provide exceptional guest and public interaction for all stranding-related responses.
• Perform behavioral observations on stranded marine mammals.
• Assist with public outreach to promote conservation within the community.
• Communicate clearly and professionally both verbally and in written form.
• Assist the Rescue Team in response to stranding events when contacted.
• Assist other departments as needed and requested.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Our Rescue Team volunteers are on a flexible schedule with 8 hour minimum quarterly commitment to remain active members of the Rescue Team.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY:

Members of the Reserve Team will support the Rescue Team’s active volunteer base. The function of the Reserve Team will be to perform a secondary role in filling shifts and performing other duties in rehabilitation. The Reserve Team is on stand-by, will not require a monthly hour commitment outside of rehabilitation, and will not be called for stranding responses.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Follow all staff instructions and perform other duties as needed.
• Assist the Stranding Team in response to rehabilitation events when contacted.
• Perform behavioral observations on rehabilitating marine mammals.
• Perform duties related to diet preparation and habitat maintenance of rehabilitating animals.
• Assist with maintenance of equipment through sanitation, inspections, and inventories.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Pass bi-annual stranding swim test to participate in rehabilitation requiring shallow or deep-water interaction.
• Commit to at least one shift per week. Inability to fulfill obligations should be reported to staff immediately.
• Knowledge of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), and proven proficiency in completing job functions as outlined in SOPs.
• Knowledge and experience on animal diet preparation and general habitat maintenance.
• Maintain annual Rehabilitation certification through in-person (first time) or online (renewal) training.
• Attend department rehabilitation training sessions related to diet preparation, sanitation, daily checklist, equipment use and inspections.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally both verbally and in written form
• Complete any training established by the HR department.

Rescue Response Volunteer:

• Obtain knowledge of rescue policies, Standard Operating Procedures, and day-to-day functions.
• Provide exceptional guest and public interaction for all stranding-related responses.
• Perform behavioral observations on stranded marine mammals.
• Assist with public outreach to promote conservation within the community.
• Communicate clearly and professionally both verbally and in written form.
• Assist the Rescue Team in response to stranding events when contacted.
• Assist other departments as needed and requested.
• Perform other duties as needed.
• Our Rescue Team volunteers are on a flexible schedule with 8 hour minimum quarterly commitment to remain active members of the Rescue Team

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Comfortable around water and working in extreme weather conditions (hot, humid, cold, rain). Often.
• Ability to lift at least 60 lbs, Frequently.
• Ability to kneel, bend, stand for periods in excess of one hour, walk, and reach with reasonable accommodations. Often.
• Pass bi-annual stranding swim test to participate in rehabilitation. Occasionally.
• Complete shift responsibilities requiring shallow or deep-water interaction. Frequently.

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium reserves the right to revise job descriptions or work hours as required.

All job requirements are subject to change to reflect the evolving position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws). Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.

Company is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. Clearwater Marine Aquarium participates in E-Verify, please view the Notice of E-Verify Participation and the Notice of Right to Work.

In the Sea Turtle and Aquatic Biology Department, some of your responsibilities as a volunteer may include the following:

• Follow all Florida Fish and Wildlife (FWC) requirements for all aspects of resident sea turtle care, demonstrate knowledge of permitting and reporting for FWC.
• Assist in the care of resident sea turtles and a variety of aquatic species, including: food preparation, feeding, exhibit maintenance, cleaning and sanitizing working areas, maintaining animal records and performing routine medical care.
• Assist with resident enrichment, target behavior, and medical management behavior.
• Ability to perform guest focused presentations to the public regarding our resident animal collection.
• Demonstrate a guest focused attitude with the ability to educate the public about the impact of human interaction to include, but not limited to, lighting, beach debris, habitat destruction, and marine pollution with regard to sea turtles.

The Sea Turtle and Aquatic Biology volunteer program is tailored to meet your personal abilities, experience level, and educational background. Sea Turtle volunteers should have no expectation of animal contact/handling, however, there may be opportunities to interact with resident sea turtles and other aquatic species under the direct supervision of staff.

The Sea Turtle and Aquatic Biology volunteer position requires a minimum four-month commitment to a weekly reoccurring shift, same day and time each week. Shifts in this department are 4 hours, AM and PM shift times are available each day and volunteers are needed 7 days a week; new volunteers are assigned their weekly shift based on their availability and our current shift openings.

Volunteers for the Sea Turtle Conservation Program will support the completion of all activities as listed in the Marine Turtle Permit held under the Sea Turtle Conservation Program.  The incumbent will adhere to all policies outlined in the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Marine Turtle Conservation Handbook, CMA policies and all city, state and federal regulations in a collaborative effort to complete FWC-authorized activities during the sea turtle nesting season.  The primary responsibility of this position will be to contribute to the completion and documentation of sea turtle nest surveys, including by not limited to, locating evidence of all nocturnal nesting activity, nest marking, monitoring and evaluations within the survey area, and for regulatory projects as they may apply during the nesting season (April – October).  They will be responsible for other tasks such as education with internal and external customers, participating in PR promotions, and the cleaning and maintenance of all equipment.  These job functions require the volunteer to maintain flexible working hours, be amenable to shifting priorities and other changes, and be able to adjust accordingly.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Assist the CMA Sea Turtle Conservation Program to ensure daily completion of sea turtle nesting surveys, within the survey area, are in compliance with FWC Marine Turtle Conservation Handbook, city, state and federal laws, in addition to compliance with CMA policies and SOPs
• Work with authorized personnel to correctly identify and document all sea turtle nesting activities to include but not limited to:
  • sea turtle crawl tracks –for each species 
  • differentiating between a nest and a false crawl 
  • marking a nest site
  • check each nest daily, identifying signs of predation, vandalism, and/or hatching
  • identifying disorientation events or obstructed nesting attempts
  • performing nest inventories
• Professional communication to municipal entities once surveys are completed to allow for beach cleaning activities to commence
• Educate the public
  • About sea turtle nesting behavior
  • About the impact of lighting, beach debris, habitat destruction, and marine pollution with regard to sea turtles
• Clean and stock nesting equipment and vehicles daily
• Safe operation of CMA vehicles, 4-wheel drive trucks and ATVs, on the beach and in roadways as applicable
• Responsible for executing all vehicle cleaning, maintenance, service transport, and completion of vehicle inspections
• Must pass basic swim test annually
• Perform all other duties as needed

SKILLS:

• Strong communication skills, both oral and written, and ability to comfortably interact with the public on a regular basis
• Able to maintain a positive working relationship with all internal and external entities including, but not limited to, staff, volunteers, interns, municipal employees, and members of the press at all times
• Capable of working in a high stress environment with restrictive timelines
• Strong problem solving and time management skills, with an ability to plan, organize and prioritize multiple tasks at once 
• Self-motivated, confident, and disciplined with excellent work ethics
• Team oriented attitude
• Ability to work independently as well as in a group setting
• Basic familiarity with computers, including but not limited to MS office software (Word/Excel) and Adobe Acrobat Reader
• 6 months experience in another department at CMA is a requirement

SCHEDULE:

• STCP job responsibilities will require the volunteer to maintain flexible working hours, be amenable to shifting priorities and other changes, and be able to adjust accordingly.
• Sea Turtle and Conservation Program Volunteer job responsibilities will require the volunteer to commit at minimum one day a week for a one full field shift with varying hours for the duration of the nesting season (April-October)
• Must commit to a minimum of three (3) hatchling release shifts each season
• Perform night work as needed for nest monitoring, construction, project work etc.
• Time off will be limited and it has to be approved in advance by a staff member. The volunteer will be responsible for finding another volunteer to cover his/her shift before time off is approved
• If the volunteer is sick or has a family emergency that will impede the completion of his/her shift, he/she should speak with a staff member at least 24 hours in advance; or as soon as possible
• If you must call out due to sickness the day of your scheduled shift, you must speak to an on-duty staff member prior to the start of your shift

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: In good physical condition, with an ability to work long hours in extreme weather conditions, including, but not limited to, heat, high humidity, direct sunlight, rain, wind and outdoor conditions (insects, sand, etc.).  Able to routinely perform physically demanding work.  Able to ride on an ATV and drive vehicles in unexpected terrain for extended periods of time.  Additional requirements include an ability to:

• Lift up to 50lbs to waist level – Frequently
• Lift up to 20lbs to shoulders and above head – Moderate Frequency
• Walk/stand for long periods of time – Frequently
• Maneuver safely on uneven terrain or in tight spaces – Frequently
• Safely climb ladders when needed – Low Frequency
• Squat, bend, kneel, twist and reach – Frequently
• Reach above the shoulders – Frequently
• Push and pull larger equipment – Frequently
• Work outdoors in all weather conditions and adapt to changing weather – Frequently
• Work indoors, under cover without air conditioning or heat – Frequently

The primary responsibility of the Sea Turtle Conservation Program Education volunteer is to assist and support the growth and development of the Amigos de las Tortugas project. This project was designed in line with CMA’s mission and vision, and its main purpose is to develop, implement, and/or maintain activities, and events that promote sea turtle and environmental stewardship, increase awareness about various environmental issues in the Spanish-speaking community and involvement in conservation-based activities. The Education volunteer will also participate in other educational outreach events as opportunities arise. Commitment: A minimum of 4 hours a week or able to present one workshop a week.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Lead and assist with workshops and training for the Amigos de las Tortugas project as needed, either in person or virtually.
• Educate Spanish-speaking groups of different age ranges, including children (kindergarten through grade 12) and adults.
• Assist with the creation of new curricula and/or document translation.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• High School diploma or GED.
• Fluent in both Spanish and English languages (Reading, speaking, writing).
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Excellent public speaking skills, or willing to learn how to lead professional presentations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and related software programs (e.g. PowerPoint; Prezi; Excel).
• Interest in wildlife conservation and the environment.
• Volunteers participating must be at least 18 years of age.
• Valid driver’s license.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Lift up to 30lbs to waist level – Low Frequency.
• Walk/stand for long periods of time – Frequently.
• Safely climb ladders when needed – Low Frequency.
• Squat, bend, kneel, twist and reach – Moderate Frequency.
• Drive a company vehicle (or personal).

In the Sea Turtle Rehab Department, we are responsible for the health/safety of our animals and strive to provide the best care possible so they have the best chance of release. As a new volunteer some of your responsibilities may include the following:

• Develop an understanding of sea turtle natural history and anatomy.
• Interact with guests to educate them about the natural and human interaction occurrences that bring patients into the hospital and the process of rehabilitation.
• Assist in the rehabilitation of sea turtles (and possibly other animals in rehab) including food preparation, habitat maintenance, animal feeding & handling, triage, routine medical care, and release.
• Participate in ongoing projects that contribute to the conservation of sea turtles, including strandings and necropsies.

The Sea Turtle Rehab volunteer program is tailored to meet your experience level and educational background. This position requires a minimum 6-month commitment to a weekly reoccurring shift, same day and time each week. Shifts in this department are 6.5 hours, several shift times are available each day and volunteers are needed 7 days a week; new volunteers are assigned their weekly shift based on their availability and our current shift openings.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium offers a unique experience for our guests while providing music, food and a fun atmosphere with an outstanding marine facility as an overlay. HERE’S THE BEST PART – All proceeds from events stay with us here at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to assist in our mission to rescue, rehabilitation, and release.

Our Special Events volunteers are on a flexible schedule with a minimum commitment of 1 event per month to remain active volunteers.