Please note: We are not accepting Conservation Volunteer applications at this time.
Stream Ecology Volunteers
Stream ecology volunteers will work with biologists to investigate the effects of climate change, invasive species and/or modifications to flow and substrate using artificial stream systems called the “living streams”. Responsibilities include providing daily care for fish and monitoring their health, monitoring and maintaining water quality, maintaining living stream systems in accordance with scientific protocol, and assisting with data collection. This is an opportunity to get hands-on experience with animal husbandry and scientific research!
WORK AREA
- Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute
QUALIFICATIONS
Conservation Volunteers should:
- Be prompt and reliable
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be willing to follow exact instructions regarding fish care and biosecurity
- Commit to a regular volunteer schedule
- Be able to climb ladders
- Be able to work independently with little supervision after training
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITES
- Prepare food and feed fish
- Perform water changes
- Maintain a clean environment for the animals
- Check water quality
- Assist the biologists with other tasks as needed
TRAINING
- Training will consist of shadowing the biologists for each task
SHIFTS
- Volunteers will be asked to work a shift one to two times during the work week (Monday – Friday) in the morning or afternoon. Shifts will be approximately four hours. Times will be agreed upon with the volunteer and staff once accepted into the program.
COMMITMENT
- Commit to four months of service
Conservation Aquaculture Volunteers
Conservation Aquaculture volunteers will work with the reintroduction programs caring for rare and imperiled native freshwater fish species such as Lake Sturgeon, Southern Appalachian Brook Trout, and others. Responsibilities include preparing fish diets, helping maintain good water quality, monitoring fish health, and more. This is an opportunity to get hands-on experience with the conservation of endangered species!
WORK AREA
- Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute
QUALIFICATIONS
Conservation Volunteers should:
- Be prompt and reliable
- Be at least 16 years old
- Be willing to follow exact instructions regarding fish care and biosecurity
- Commit to a regular volunteer schedule
- Be able to handle seafood
- Be able to climb ladders
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITES
- Prepare daily diets
- Assist in feeding fish
- Maintain a clean environment for the animals
- Assist the biologists with other tasks as needed
- Clean fish tanks, rinse dishes, rinse filter socks
TRAINING
- Training will consist of shadowing the biologists for each task
SHIFTS
- Volunteers will be asked to work a shift one to two times during the week in the morning or afternoon. Shifts will be approximately 2-4 hours. Times will be agreed upon with the volunteer and staff once accepted into the program.
COMMITMENT
- Commit to five months of service