Exciting Volunteer Opportunities
Share your passion for our living planet and help guests Explore, Discover, and Learn. Participants in the LLPA Volunteer Program are valuable members of our team. LLPA volunteers participate in a variety of roles and are an integral part of daily operations, events, and special projects at the aquarium.
Already a volunteer?
Become a Volunteer
See our available positions below!
Depending on the volume of interest and submissions, we will only be contacting applicants who meet all of the minimum requirements listed in the job posting. Only those applicants who align most closely with our minimum and preferred qualifications will be contacted for an interview. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium (LLPA) will retain your application materials for one year and may contact you regarding future opportunities.
Education Volunteer Roles
Join Our Team of Ecosystem Explorers!
Are you passionate about animals and eager to share your enthusiasm with others? At Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, we invite you to dive into a world of education and conservation as part of our dynamic volunteer team. Education volunteers at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium are carefully placed in roles based on their experience, and commitment level. As an Exploration Guide, Discovery Envoy, or Education Ambassador, you’ll play a vital role in inspiring curiosity and fostering a love for our planet. Each role offers a unique opportunity to grow, learn, create unforgettable experiences for guests, and make a lasting impact on conservation.
Ready to Make Waves? Apply now in the links below!
Exploration Guides
Our young nature enthusiasts, aged 14-15, are welcomed as Exploration Guides, where they assist aquarium educators, engage with guests, and learn to use various educational tools.
Requirements:
- Ages 14-15
- This position is Saturdays and weekday afternoons, 4pm-6pm only. Start times for Saturdays are 10am and 2pm.
- Minimum of 8 hours per month
Discovery Envoys
Volunteers aged 16-17 transition to the role of Discovery Envoys, taking on more responsibilities, delivering presentations, and engaging with larger audiences.
Requirements:
- Age 16-17
- Volunteer any day, Shifts start at 10am and 2pm
- Minimum of 8 hours per month
Education Ambassadors
Those with extended experience and a deep commitment to education and conservation can be an Education Ambassador, contributing to all aspects of the education department, from on-site engagements to outreach programs and training new volunteers.
Requirements:
- Ages 18+
- Volunteer any day, shifts start at 10am and 2pm
- Minimum of 8 hours per month
Husbandry and Diving Volunteer Roles
Saltwater Volunteer
Saltwater Volunteers assist staff with the care of marine animals at the Aquarium. With training, volunteers help maintain high standards for cleanliness and welfare for the animals under the care and supervision of the Saltwater Husbandry Team. Volunteers work closely with staff to perform routine tasks large and small. Duties may include but are not limited to the following:
- Animal food preparation (raw fish and shellfish, produce, gel diets, supplements, etc.)
- Washing and disinfecting dishes, surfaces, tools, equipment
- General back-of-house operation and maintenance (organizing and cleaning, disinfectant solutions, equipment, and processes)
- Filtration maintenance (filter sock changing and cleaning, protein skimmer cleaning, etc.)
- Habitat maintenance (scrubbing, vacuuming, water changes, etc.)
- Animal feeds
- Water chemistry testing
Requirements:
- Must be a minimum of 18 years of age
- Must commit to a minimum of 8 hours every month.
- Minimum 1-year commitment
- Thursday mornings, 8am-noon preferred.
*Not accepting applications at this time.
River Otter Survey Volunteer Technician
This citizen science volunteer position will assist in gathering video camera surveillance data as part of a larger project to collect a census of North American river otter populations in the Wasatch area. Volunteers must have their own transportation to the survey sites, be able to hike in uneven terrain to retrieve data cards, and must be willing to review lengthy video footage to identify animals.
Requirements:
- Must be a minimum of 18 years of age
- Must commit to 1 day per month
- Minimum 1-year commitment
- Available to volunteer on weekends
*Not accepting applications at this time.
Husbandry (Endotherm Volunteer)
Endotherm Volunteers assist staff with the care of the mammals and birds at LLPA. With training, the volunteer helps maintain high welfare standards for the animals under the care and supervision of the Endotherms Husbandry team. This is done by working alongside animal keepers to accomplish daily tasks and long-term projects. Duties also include:
- Preparing specific animal nutrition with limited or no supervision
- Disinfecting feeding dishes, tools, enrichment devices, and workspaces
- Assisting with maintenance on and off habitats, as needed
- Working closely with keepers to complete projects
- Cleaning and organizing of husbandry areas
- Observing and recording animal behavior as taught
Requirements:
- Must be a minimum of 18 years of age
- Prefer someone who can commit to one 4-hour shift per week.
- Minimum 1-year commitment
*Not accepting applications at this time.
Volunteer Dive Specialist
The Dive Specialist will be responsible for assisting with LLPA system cleaning, maintenance, repair, and animal care. This position will require the Dive Specialist to be in close proximity to the various LLPA inhabitants and closely adhere to the safety protocols of the LLPA Dive Program.
Requirements:
- Must be a minimum of 18 years of age
- Must have a current Open Water dive certification from an internationally-recognized organization
- Must have completed a minimum of 25 open water dives in addition to their certification dives. Of the 25 dives, five need to have been completed in the past year.
- Must complete a written and practical exam administered by the Aquarium Dive Program
- Must complete and submit a Dive Medical from a board-certified physician
- Must have a current CPR/AED/First Aid/Emergency Oxygen Administration certification from an internationally-recognized organization
- Must commit to two shifts per month
- Participate in one Rescue Training yearly
- Minimum 1-year commitment
- Must have Divers Alert Network Diver Accident Insurance
*Not accepting applications at this time.
Freshwater Volunteer Position
Freshwater Volunteers assist staff with the care of fish, reptiles, amphibians, and terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates. With training, the volunteer helps maintain high welfare standards for the animals under the care and supervision of the Freshwater Husbandry team. This is done by working alongside animal keepers to accomplish daily tasks and long-term projects. Duties include:
- Diet preparation and feeding of both vegetarian and carnivorous species
- Handling frozen/thawed fish and rodents
- Maintenance and handling of live feeder insects
- Washing and disinfecting dishes, surfaces, tools, equipment
- General back-of-house operation and maintenance (organizing and cleaning, disinfectant solutions, equipment, and processes)
Aquarium/terrestrial habitat maintenance:
- Gravel vacuuming, filter sock cleaning/replacement, glass/acrylic cleaning
- Terrestrial substrate changing, may assist with habitat re-models
- Animal observations/note taking
- Perform water quality testing (if interest shown)
- Additional opportunities may be available as skill and interest are shown by individual volunteers such as filter backwashing, assisting with enrichment or animal training.
Requirements:
- Minimum, 8 hours a month
- Minimum, 1 year commitment
- Wednesday mornings, 8am-12pm preferred
*Not accepting applications at this time.
Quarantine Volunteer Position
Quarantine Volunteers assist staff with the care of freshwater and marine fish, reptiles, amphibians, and terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates at the Aquarium. With training, volunteers help maintain high standards for cleanliness and welfare for the animals under the care and supervision of the Quarantine Husbandry Team. Volunteers work closely with staff to perform routine tasks large and small. Duties may include but are not limited to the following:
- Animal food preparation (raw fish and shellfish, produce, gel diets, live feeder insects, etc.)
- Washing and disinfecting dishes, surfaces, tools, equipment
- General back-of-house operation and maintenance (organizing and cleaning, disinfectant solutions, equipment, and processes)
- Filtration maintenance (filter sock changing and cleaning, protein skimmer cleaning, etc.)
- Habitat maintenance (scrubbing, vacuuming, water changes, etc.)
- Animal feeds
- Additional opportunities may be available as skill and interest are shown by individual volunteer.
Requirements:
- Must be a minimum of 18 years of age.
- Must commit to a minimum of 8 hours every month.
- Minimum 1-year commitment.
- Sunday and weekday mornings preferred.
*Not accepting applications at this time.
Life Support Systems Volunteer Position
Aquarium Life Support Volunteers work closely with the Life Support Systems team in maintaining the optimal health and well-being of our animals. Through training, volunteers learn to maintain the systems that create thriving habitats for our animals. Responsibilities include:
- Monitoring and adjusting life support systems, including filtration, water quality, and temperature control equipment.
- Conducting routine inspections and preventative maintenance on habitat systems.
- Assisting with troubleshooting and repairs as needed.
- Collecting and analyzing water quality data.
Requirements:
- Must be a minimum of 18 years of age
- Must commit to a minimum of 8 hours every month
- Minimum 1-year commitment
*Not accepting applications at this time.
Animal Ambassador Volunteer Position
Animal Ambassador Volunteers assist staff in providing exceptional care for our ambassador animals. With training, volunteers contribute to maintaining the highest welfare standards for these animals under the guidance of the Animal Ambassador Team. Volunteers will work closely with animal keepers to accomplish daily tasks. Duties also include:
- Preparing specialized diets for a variety of animals.
- Maintaining a clean and sanitary environment by disinfecting feeding dishes, tools, enrichment items, and workspaces.
- Assisting with habitat enrichment and maintenance.
- Contributing to a well-organized and efficient animal care area.
Requirements:
- Must be a minimum of 18 years of age
- Must commit to a minimum of 8 hours every month
- Minimum 1-year commitment
*Not accepting applications at this time.
Horticulture Volunteer Position
Horticulture Volunteers assist staff in the care and maintenance of plants at the Aquarium. With training, volunteers help maintain a diverse range of plants under the guidance of the Horticulture Team. Volunteers collaborate closely with staff to perform routine and specialized tasks. Duties may include but are not limited to:
- Plant care: watering, fertilizing, pruning, transplanting.
- Grounds upkeep: weeding, mulching, and general tidying.
Requirements:
- Must be a minimum of 18 years of age
- Must commit to a minimum of 8 hours every month
- Minimum 1-year commitment
- Must be able to work outdoors
*Not accepting applications at this time.
Guest Services Volunteer Roles
Guest Ambassador Volunteer Position
Guest Services Volunteers play a vital role in enhancing the visitor experience at the Aquarium. By providing exceptional customer service, volunteers contribute to a welcoming and informative atmosphere. With training, volunteers learn to assist staff in various aspects of guest relations. Responsibilities include:
- Greeting and welcoming visitors with enthusiasm.
- Answering guest questions about exhibits, animals, and Aquarium amenities.
- Providing directions and guidance within the Aquarium.
- Assisting with ticket scanning or membership inquiries.
- Maintaining a clean and organized work area.
- Shift opportunities available during both normal aquarium business hours and during night events
Requirements:
- Must commit to a minimum of 8 hours every month
Accepting youth applications for ages 16-17.
Benefits
Free admission to the Aquarium with volunteer ID.
Discounted admission for guests visiting the Aquarium with you.
Discounts at the Gift Shop when you show your name tag.
Invitation to Aquarium Team events.
FAQs
Age 14 and over for Education Volunteers. To qualify for the dive and husbandry volunteer program, you must be at least 18 years of age.
LLPA posts volunteer positions as needed. Those candidates who meet the minimum and preferred requirements will be contacted for an interview. Once a position has been filled, the position will no longer be posted on the website until the need arises for more volunteers. Candidates who are accepted into the volunteer program will be scheduled for onboarding that included an orientation and training.
All new volunteers go through an in-person training program to get them familiarized with volunteer processes and LLPA operations. This training program consists of shadowing staff members and successfully completing knowledge checks. Volunteers work at their own pace and can stay in this training program until they feel confident and comfortable on their own. Volunteers are also required to complete web-based safety courses, which will be assigned during their first couple weeks of service. Safety is the top priority in our organization, so safety training must be completed in a timely manner. Volunteers may complete online courses at home using their own device, but they also have the option to use LLPA computers if they need staff assistance.
Hourly requirements vary according to the volunteer position, check the position description for further details. On average, volunteers must complete two half-shifts, or one full shift per month. This works out to about 8 ½ hours per month.
Yes! Volunteers receive a variety of benefits that become available immediately upon their start date. These include: free admission to LLPA, discounted LLPA tickets, and discounts at the café and gift shop. Additional benefits become available as volunteers fulfill a certain amount of hours. These include: admission tickets, memberships, animal encounter tickets, and more! Benefits will be discussed in further detail during Volunteer Orientation.
Interested in Internships?
