Volunteer at the Aquarium for unique educational opportunities!
Gallery Volunteer
The purpose of this role is to assist the Education Department engaging guests in the Aquarium to enhance their visit.
Gallery Volunteers are stationed throughout the galleries to interpret exhibits, animals, and plants by offering educational information to visitors through interpretation and storytelling.
Being a Gallery Volunteer is a combination of correct educational information, using appropriate guest interaction techniques, and good customer service. Please note that Education Gallery Volunteers do not work directly with animals.
Tennessee Aquarium galleries in both buildings: Ocean Journey & River Journey
- Be at least 16 years old
- Be enthusiastic and cheerful
- Outgoing and approachable
- Be prompt and reliable
- Be proactive in problem solving
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
- Ability to work with a diverse group of people
- Requires stationary positions throughout both buildings during your shift
- Engage and answer visitor questions as they visit the Aquarium
- Interpret exhibits and the habitats they represent through cart programs and biofact interpretation
- Convey an environmental message to the public that stresses the relationship between all living things and the importance of stewardship
- Extend hospitality to our guests visiting the Tennessee Aquarium
- Self-schedule online through the Volgistics portal
- Contact the Education Department Team if you are unable to work your scheduled shift
Attend all 6 group training sessions that will be held on Tuesday and Thursday Evenings from 5:30-8:00pm in October 2025.
Shifts are offered from Thursdays thru Sundays for both Adults & Teens
9:30am-1:00pm / 12:30pm-4:00pm
Adults: Commit to 1 full year of service. Volunteer a minimum of one 3-hour shift three times a month and must include one weekend shift a month. Total of 7.5 hours a month that equals to 80 hours a year.
Teens: Commit to 6 months. Volunteer a minimum of one 3-hour shift twice a month and must include one weekend shift a month. Total of 5 hours a month that equals to 50 hours a year.
Interested in being a Gallery Volunteer?
Fill out the application to get started!