Maritime Aquarium seeks volunteers

Applications are being accepted now for the Maritime Aquarium’s next gallery ambassador volunteers.

Gallery Ambassadors are stationed at Aquarium exhibits — such as the seal exhibit, Shark & Ray Touch Pool and “Jiggle A Jelly” exhibit — to engage with guests and help them learn about the represented animals.

The application deadline is April 5. Virtual interviews will be held on April 9 and April 12, and the course will start two weeks later for selected candidates. Gallery ambassador volunteer training courses will be conducted in both online and in-person sessions.

“Volunteering here is fun and personally rewarding, and it’s also vital to fulfilling The Maritime Aquarium’s mission of educating and inspiring guests about Long Island Sound,” said Ann Marie Lisi, the aquarium’s associate director of education. “If you’re retired, the aquarium offers a great way to stay active and connected. A weekday-morning shift could be perfect for stay-at-home parents after they get their kids off to school. And serving as a weekend volunteer is a great experience for high-school students thinking about a career in marine biology.”

Prior knowledge about marine animals isn’t necessary and will be taught in the upcoming training course, which will meet in evening workshops on April 19 and April 28 (both virtual) and April 21 and April 26 (both inperson). Participation in all four sessions is required. Candidates also must complete an online course.

Volunteers must be at least 15 years old to sign up.

The minimum time commitment required of Aquarium volunteers is 100 total hours, at four hours per week for weekday volunteers and four hours per month for weekend staff. Letters of recommendation and other service-award forms will be signed at the completion of 100 hours of service.

A $50 fee covers the costs of training materials and uniforms.

For more details and to sign up, go online to www.maritimeaquarium.org /volunteer and download the application.