New England Aquarium

Want to know more about the live blue Service Corps? Through this program, we partner with local environmental organizations to provide episodic volunteer opportunities with a smaller commitment that still has an important impact on our mission! This program was built in flexibility; you only sign up for the service events in which you're interested and for which you have the time. To become a live blue Service Corps member, volunteers are first required to attend a one time, hour long orientation at the Aquarium. During this orientation, you'll learn more about the live blue Service Corps, the kinds of projects you'll be doing, and what to expect. It's also a great chance to meet other volunteers! After attending the orientation you'll be able to sign up for any and all live blue Service Corps projects posted on serve.neaq.org/calendar. *On 4/27/19, an orientation will be held after the Neponset River Cleanup on Riverside Ave. You can attend the cleanup before the orientation, then stick around to learn how to stay involved!* [Note that if you are interested in a more committed program, namely those in animal care and education, please visit serve.neaq.org/ClassicCorps to read about the application process]

Water Chestnut is a pervasive invasive plant in freshwater rivers and lakes all over Massachusetts. Preventing its spread can only be done by physically removing these plants wherever and whenever we can. For this project, we are partnering with the Mystic River Watershed Association to tackle the problem head-on! We will be canoeing out onto the river to physically remove water chestnut using hands and tools. Prior canoe experience is not necessary, but be prepared for a wet and muddy day! On Friday, June 21st, the Service Corps and teen live blue Ambassadors will be working to remove the early-blooming water chestnuts found in the Arlington Reservoir. Space is limited due to boat constraints, so please provide a minimum of 48 hours' if you signup but can no longer attend.

Scusset Beach State Reservation is a 1.5 mile stretch along the Cape Cod Canal. The Reservation features a fishing pier, camping sites, a swimming area, and bike paths. A popular destination for locals and tourists alike, this area is in constant need of stewards to protect and clean the coastline. The Service Corps will be helping the DCR combat litter, marine debris, and assist with other work as needed. Parking for volunteers is free for the day, so stick around afterwords to enjoy the beach!

Woodlands Volunteer Corps (Second Saturdays) Franklin and Olmsted Parks June 8, July 13, August 10, September 14, October 12 and November 9 | 10:00am – 1:00pm Help implement a comprehensive woodlands management program and promote a healthier forest through activities ranging from removing invasive plant species to conditioning forest soil. If you are interested in this event, please register at the following link: https://www.emeraldnecklace.org/volunteer/

Volunteers for the Aquarium Lecture Series assist with checking in guests, answer questions, set-up and break down materials, provide general program support, and provide an overall pleasant and inviting atmosphere. You are also welcome to stay to enjoy the lecture! To learn more about the lecture series and to see upcoming speakers, see our website.

At the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, we apply innovative, science-based solutions to combat the unprecedented threat to our oceans represented by climate change and other human activities. We’re saving species, habitats, and strengthening the overall health of our oceans. We combine pioneering marine conservation research with strategic partnerships, and the formidable convening power of the New England Aquarium to combat the unprecedented impacts of human activities on our oceans. For decades, our scientists have been actively working to protect ecosystems from human impacts and conserve threatened animals and habitats. Our conservation and research projects span the globe, from protecting the North Atlantic right whale in New England to helping the next generation of conservation leaders in the developing world. Specifically, the Marine Conservation Action Fund Team’s (part of the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life) mission is to protect and promote ocean biodiversity through small-scale, time sensitive, community based programs and to foster the long-term success of conservation leaders as agents for the ocean. The Marine Conservation Leadership aims to Invest and Inspire Marine Conservation Leaders through our Fellows Program. MCAF aims to ensure these conservation leaders have the financial and professional support they need to be successful. Position Summary: The Marine Conservation Action Fund is seeking a volunteer to assist in Evening lectures and weekend events relating to the Spring MCAF Fellow’s visit and Fall MCAF Summit. The position will also include occasional social media assistance (tweeting and blogging), and any other additional light administrative assistance on nights and weekends relating to the MCAF Summit in the Fall, per direction of MCAF Program Officer and Chair. The volunteer’s primary projects would be to Attend MCAF Lectures and assisting coordination of evening and weekend events for Spring MCAF Fellow visit and Fall MCAF Summit. Volunteer will also assist in occasional social media tweets and posts requested by MCAF Program Officer and Chair. On occasion Volunteer maybe be required to assist in light administrative duties on nights and weekends. Duties/Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Skills/Qualifications: Include any specific degree or course requirements, specific skills or experience, and any preferred characteristics (work independently, problem solving, etc.) We seek a volunteer who is good at prioritizing tasks, a quick learner, independent but works well in a team environment, excellent writing skills, and project management. Volunteer must have event coordination skills and social media posting skills, and be familiar with the MCAF Program. Other necessary skills include: proficiency in Microsoft Excel, ability to multi-task, flexible, and excellent communication skills.

Currently accepting applications for limited weekday openings One ½ day per week Monday through Friday, potential for more time if desired Summary: The human resources volunteer will help with administration of the Human Resources department in support of the policies and procedures of the New England Aquarium. Responsibilities: Assist the Human Resources department with ongoing administrative projects. Perform other position-related duties as assigned. Qualifications: Strong interpersonal communication skills Keen eye for details Commitment to strict confidentiality Ability to handle multiple tasks & projects Motivated, flexible, and willing to take on new responsibilities and initiatives.

Accepting Applications for Waitlist Time commitment: One full day (8:00 am.-5:00 p.m.) per week for a period of 6 months Summary: American lobsters are a cultural icon and one of the most important fisheries in New England. But did you know it takes a lobster 7 years to grow to 1 pound (the legal harvest size)? At the New England Aquarium, larval and juvenile lobsters are raised in a small hatchery and then used in experiments, which have focused on growth, nutrition, and disease. Project Description: Responsibilities: Must have a desire to learn how to care for hundreds of juvenile lobsters in a small research setting. Daily tasks include observing, recording data, and feeding all lobsters in the research collection, collecting and counting newly hatched larvae, changing filters, and cleaning tanks. Opportunities to become a more active participant in ongoing research may become available, but are subject to current progress, research scope, and supervisor discretion. Qualifications: Strong interest in working with animals in a research environment. Must have basic computer skills, be able to follow written protocols, and work independently. Must be comfortable working in a wet laboratory environment, and willing to get dirty. Good attention to detail is essential. Prior lobster experience is not necessary. Must be at least 18 years old.

Volunteer Department Office Assistant Volunteer One ½ day per week Sunday-Saturday to start Summary: The New England Aquarium’s Office of Volunteer Programs & Internships processes hundreds of applications each year and mobilizes a team of 1,000 volunteers/interns annually in support of the New England Aquarium’s mission of protecting the blue planet. Responsibilities: · Assist the with administrative tasks that support the day-to-day operations of the Office of Volunteer Programs & Internships · Assist with filing, scanning, data entry, and other office tasks as needed. Qualifications: · Detail-oriented, organized, friendly, and flexible. · Familiarity with MS Word, MS Excel, and Google Drive preferred.

Limited Weeday Openings One full day per week (8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.) for a period of six months Summary: Marine Animal Rescue responds to calls to provide medical treatment for whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and sea turtles. Established in 1968, the Marine Animal Rescue Team has responded to thousands of calls providing medical treatment to stranded, injured and diseased marine animals throughout the New England coastal region. Volunteers provide support for Rescue staff in all aspects of the program. Responsibilities: A significant amount of cleaning is required in order to maintain the hospital environment. Additional responsibilities include following standard quarantine protocols, food prep, feeding, restraining animals for treatments and injections, monitoring behavior and health of animals, maintaining records including water quality, daily food intake, swim charts and treatment sheets. Qualifications: Previous (large) animal handling experience is recommended. Must be in good physical condition and able to lift 50 pounds. Must be able to perform significant cleaning tasks daily. Must be able to work independently and as part of a team. Must be at least 18 years of age. This position is not located in Boston and is at our Animal Care Center located along the Fore River in Quincy. Transportation to this facility is easiest by car but one can also reach the facility by public transportation. Public transportation requires taking the Redline to Quincy Center, transferring to bus, and walking about 5 minutes.​

Apply Now for limited Weekday and Weekend Openings Time commitment: One full day (8:00 am.-6:00 p.m.) per week for a period of 6 months Summary: The Aquarist Volunteer position will assist staff with basic husbandry responsibilities of the New England Aquarium’s offsite holding facility in Quincy, MA, which cares for animals being quarantined and/or awaiting exhibit display. From sharks to corals to endangered shorebirds, working at the NEAq’s Animal Care Center presents an opportunity to care for a very diverse group of species, both small and large systems. Responsibilities: Daily care, maintenance, and appearance of the facility, plus a significant amount of cleaning to maintain the quarantine environment. Additional responsibilities include food preparation and surface feedings, cleaning filters, maintaining records, organizing dry storage, assisting with the transport of animals, and providing support to divers. Special projects as needed, such as online research or local salt marsh collecting. Qualifications: Strong interest in biology and marine science, previous experience with animals preferred. This position requires physical labor, must be able to lift 40 lbs and be at least 18 years old. Applicant must be able to work independently and as a team; the ability to take and carry out multiple instructions in a timely manner; be comfortable working with live foods such as crickets and black worms, as well as handling deceased animals. Scuba certification helpful. This position is not located in Boston and is at our Animal Care Center located along the Fore River in Quincy. Transportation to this facility is easiest by car but one can also reach the facility by public transportation. Public transportation requires taking the Redline to Quincy Center, transferring to bus, and walking about 5 minutes.​

Apply Now for limited Weekday and Weekend Openings Time commitment: One full day (8:00 am.-6:00 p.m.) per week for a period of 6 months Responsibilities: Assist staff biologists and veterinarians in examining marine animal stranding mortalities. Assist staff with histological sample collection, preparation for shipment and analysis, and skeletal reconstruction. This position has responsibility for ensuring hospital-like cleanliness of the area. Assist in cataloging specimens and biofacts. Qualifications: At least two years college biology experience. Prior experience and comfort working with animal specimens and necropsies. Prefer strong biology lab experience. Must be at least 18 years old. This position is not located in Boston and is at our Animal Care Center located along the Fore River in Quincy. Transportation to this facility is easiest by car but one can also reach the facility by public transportation. Public transportation requires taking the Redline to Quincy Center, transferring to bus, and walking about 5 minutes.​