Volunteer
Become an Oceaneer: Today!
Come along and share your time, your love for the sea and your dedication to marine conservation. We offer a full and varied training program, and a real sense of community involvement.
To learn more, please contact:
Beth Watkins & Kendra Fowler, Community Coordinators
Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre at Sidney
9811 Seaport Place
Sidney,BC
V8L 4X3
250.665.7511
Email: community@oceandiscovery.ca
Click here to submit a Volunteer Application online.
Click here to print a Volunteer Application and drop it off in person or in the mail.
Flexible hours
Due to our investment in time and training our volunteer positions usually require a commitment of one year, working at least 5 hours per month; however please feel free to talk to us about what works for you.
Many ways to get involved
Oceaneers will guide our visitors through amazing marine exhibits, provide in-depth knowledge of exhibits, and assist with school programs in the Ocean’s Heartbeat. They also staff our Ocean Store gift shop, and work behind the scenes in husbandry operations, marketing, visitor programs and office support. Whether you are a professional, a homemaker, a student or retiree we appreciate your willingness to become a part of the Ocean Discovery Centre.
If you speak a second language, you can help us share the wonders of the ocean with our visitors from around the world.
Volunteering builds communities. Come along and make friends and be a part of this exciting new venture. It’s also your opportunity to explore, discover and learn.
Our Key Positions
Oceaneer Naturalists
Our largest and most challenging need is for Oceaneer naturalists. We provide the training you need to answer visitors’ questions about many aspects of our marine life and equip you to specialize in specific species or areas such as hands-on stations like the touch pools & our wet lab.
It is the knowledge and friendliness of our Oceaneers that will make certain that people will want to return again and again.
School Program Oceaneers
If you love working with children or adolescents and are available during school hours, consider becoming a School Oceaneer. Our Education staff needs help delivering a variety of different school programs from preschool to grade 12.
Training is provided. Although not required, if you have special skill in the areas of storytelling, music, drama or puppetry, we would love to put it to use.
Aquarist Assistant Oceaneer
Ensuring we showcase our live exhibits and marine creatures to the best standards at all times. You will be trained to assist our well qualified aquarists in caring, feeding and cleaning habitats for all the critters in our care.
Student Oceaneer Program
If you are thirteen years or older, join our students on the floor to work as an Oceaneer, assist with special programs, birthday parties and day camps. Learn and have fun!
Diving
If you’d like to volunteer your scuba skills to assist our professional aquarists, and have your scientific diving certification, contact us to find out about opportunities.
