Aquarium Guide

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Join the Aquarium Guide program and share the Tennessee Aquarium's mission to connect people with nature and empower them to make informed decisions about water and wildlife.

Aquarium Guide positions are available for both adults and teens

Shifts are available Monday - Sunday, 9:30AM - 2:00PM or 1:30PM - 6:00PM. Priority will be given to candidates with availability on the weekends. Positions are available for both summer and year-round.

• Spring class applications will be open January 6 through February 29, 2020.
• Seasonal class applications will be open March 1 through May 1, 2020.
• Fall class applications will be open July 1 through August 29, 2020.

Requirements

• Aquarium Guides have an opportunity to interact with guests at various exhibits throughout the Aquarium during their 4.5 hour shift.
• They should be able to communicate effectively with large and small groups.
• Customer service is our #1 priority! Guides are expected to treat guests in a respectful and engaging manner while extending exceptional hospitality.
• As a Guide, you will work a minimum of 1hour at one of our two touch exhibits during each shift.

Commitment

Year-round Aquarium Guides will work a minimum of three 4.5 hour shifts a month for six months; 13.5 hours/month. Must be age 18 or older. Orientations are held in March and September each year.

Not ready to commit for six months? Seasonal Aquarium Guides will work one 4.5 hour shift a week during the summer. Orientation in June, six week commitment; opportunities will be available to transition to year-round for those who are interested. Must be age 18 or older.

Teen volunteers are required to work a minimum of two 4.5 hour shifts each month for a year; 9 hours/month. Teens must be between 14 and 17 years old who have completed at least one year of high school science.

Recruitment Information

Recruitment for the Aquarium Guide program is now open. Please note there is an application, interview and orientation process. After submitting an application, we will reach out to qualified candidates to set up an in-person interview. After the interviewing process we will select candidates that best fit the program and invite them to join our team.

Orientation & Education

All new Aquarium Guides must complete our orientation process. Following orientation, volunteers are scheduled to immediately begin serving on shifts and will be required to complete additional on-the-floor training during their shifts. Initially, the focus will be on learning key exhibits (including the touch exhibits) and then volunteers can add to their knowledge banks by completing additional training and moving through our tiered systems.

If you're interested in becoming an Aquarium Guide, please complete our Aquarium Guide Program Application.