VOLUNTEER for the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher

Do you love the ocean? Are you interested in teaching others about the amazing creatures that live along the North Carolina Coast? If so, then volunteer at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher!

Volunteers are vital to the operation of all of the Aquarium's programs. From helping to teach the public to assisting with plant or animal care to diving in to clean an exhibit, we simply could not do it without them.

We look for volunteers who are reliable, enthusiastic, and eager to learn and teach others about marine habitats. Please note: volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. A junior volunteer program is available for teens aged 15-17.

In addition, the Aquarium also occasionally offers internships for highly motivated students and career changers who are of college age and above.

Opportunities

Volunteers commit to at least four hours per week for four months, or one semester (with the training involved, volunteers in some areas are encouraged to stay on for a full year), helping in one of the following capacities:

Education Volunteers assist the education staff with a variety of programs for the public. Opportunities may include: Exhibit Interpreters for the Touch Tank and Let's Talk Turtle Exhibit, small group tour guides, smart carts and presentations, classroom crafts, off site festivals and special events. Must be willing and able to relate to the public, including large school and tour groups. Excellent customer service skills are a must.

HorticultureVolunteers assist the staff Horticulturist with plant care among a variety of different habitats. These opportunities may include: planting, watering plants, mulching, fertilizing, inspecting plants, identifying and labeling of a diversity of plant species, caring for seedlings, controlling pests, and cleaning exhibits and back-up areas. Volunteer applicants should have a basic knowledge of plants and their care and be willing to read and learn about daily needs of plant specimens. Must be willing to get wet and occasionally dirty. Must be physically able to work and lift some heavy materials.

Certified Dive Volunteers assist the Dive Safety Coordinator and Volunteer Lead Dive Staff with routine cleaning procedures and maintenance of the Cape Fear Shoals exhibit. Trained volunteers have the opportunity to present popular education programs to audiences at our daily Dive Shows. Volunteer applicants must be scuba-certified and in good health, and proof of a recent physical is mandatory. Potential divers must be at least 18 years of age and must successfully complete a swim test, an underwater skills test and a husbandry practicum.

Volunteer Aquarists assist in the general maintenance of filtration systems as well as both freshwater and saltwater exhibits. Volunteers assist aquarists with tasks such as diet preparation, feeding animals, cleaning tanks, and monitoring water conditions. Other duties may include performing routine water changes, maintenance of back-up areas, record keeping and data entry. Applicants for this position must be prepared to get wet and dirty.

Application and Orientation

Those interested in volunteering at the Aquarium must first complete a Volunteer Application Form and submit it to the Volunteer Coordinator. A list of orientation dates will then be forwarded to each applicant. All potential volunteers must attend one orientation. Orientations are the perfect time to find out what the aquarium is all about, meet aquarium staff, and learn more about our volunteer opportunities.

If you have any additional questions please contact the Volunteer Coordinator.

Current Volunteers Login Here

Youth Advocacy Internships  

The North Carolina Youth Advocacy and Involvement Office funds a variety of summer internships throughout state government, sometimes including internships at the three North Carolina Aquariums. Application deadlines are typically in January. For more information and to check availability of these internships, please visit the YAIO website:

http://www.doa.state.nc.us/yaio/intern.htm

Employment

The North Carolina Aquariums are a state-run facility and full time employment opportunities are handled through the North Carolina Office of State Personnel. For a complete listing of positions available, visit the OSP website or contact the Office of State Personnel at 919-733-3182. All applications for North Carolina Aquarium positions should include a State Application PD-107 form and should be recieved no later than 4:30 p.m. on the closing date. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the PD-107 form.

Applications should be sent to:

NC Aquariums

Attn:// Donna Massey
417 N. Blount Street
Raleigh, NC 27601-1009

Phone: (919) 733-2290, ext. 230

Current Vacancies at Fort Fisher:

Asst. Special Events Coord.- PT/Temp.- reports directly to the Events Coordinator and Aquarium Director; assists in planning and coordinating year-round schedule of events such as weddings, business functions, receptions, socials, etc.; develops working relations w/ florists, caterers, party rental companies, etc.; assists in delineating rental policies and procedures; helps market Aquarium and coordinates w/ staff when planning events; weekend, evening and holiday work dependent on scheduled events; avg. 32-hour/week; ability to communicate effectively, strong organizational skills, self-motivation and attention to details; 1 year experience required; education in Business or Restaurant/Facility Mgt. or an equivalent combo preferred. Fax or email State Application PD-107 www.osp.state.nc.us/jobs to Angie Leary; fax: (910) 458-6812 e-mail: angie.leary@ncmail.net Applications must be received by 4:00 pm December 12, 2007.

JOB TITLE: Diving Safety Officer I

VACANCY #: 27274

SALARY GRD/RANGE: 68T / $34,237 - $54,822

RECRUITMENT RANGE: $34,237 - $34,237

APPT TYPE: Perm Full-Time

CLOSING DATE: 12/04/07

LOCATION: New Hanover

**** Position serves as Dive Coordinator for the North Carolina Aquarium

at Fort Fisher ****

DESCRIPTION OF WORK:

Reports directly to the Director of Operations and Husbandry. Supervises and coordinates all dive planning and dives within the Aquarium and in open water. Maintains all equipment records, air compressor operation logs, dive log certifications and dive plans. Coordinates volunteer divers, including the recruitment, evaluation, testing and scheduling of volunteer divers. Validates physical and mental capacities of volunteer divers. Serves as liaison to area dive shops, clubs and organizations. Schedules volunteer divers and staff divers to maintain tanks, and to conduct educational in-the-water programs. Oversees compliance with Aquarium’s Dive Safety Manual and serves as recording secretary on the Aquarium’s Dive Safety Board. Operates and oversees the air-filling station and trains staff in its operation. Routinely inspects, repairs and maintains all dive equipment. Periodically updates and replaces dive equipment and gear within budget. Schedules, oversees and assists in animal dive collecting trips in coordination with the Husbandry Curator. Routinely schedules training and skill seminars for volunteer and staff divers. Periodic or regular weekend, evening and holiday work required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Capable of operating and maintaining all dive equipment and gear. Capable of operating and maintaining air compressor and air-filling station. Supervisory abilities, including planning, budgeting and organizing. Good physical condition enabling passage on annual physical exam. Knowledge of OSHA, Diving Industry Safety Standards, AAUS and Divers’ Alert Network. Basic understanding of biological sciences, processes and aquatic animal husbandry. Knowledge and understanding of animal life support systems. Ability to handle and operate vehicles and boats. Ability to work effectively with a large and diverse group of volunteers. Valid NC driver’s license.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

Graduation from a four-year college or university with a major in a natural science, a physical science, safety management, occupational safety, or related degree and one year diving experience. Diving experience may be substituted year for year up to a maximum of two years of the formal education. NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Certification as a diving instructor from a nationally recognized organization (NAUI, PADI, YMCA, or other organization).

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

Six years progressive dive supervision experience. Dive Master Certification. Certification in Fill Station Operations, CPR and First Aid. Aquarium diving experience. Marine science or marine engineering background. Training in dive safety management, including emergency oxygen administration. Familiarity with marine fishes and their handling and holding requirements.

**** RESUMES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED IN LIEU OF STATE

APPLICATION PD-107 FORM ****

Applications must be received by 5pm on the closing date. Internet location for PD-107 form: www.osp.state.nc.us/jobs/gnrlinfo.htm#app Specify position #27274 on application.

HOW TO APPLY: Donna Massey Phone: (919) 877-5500, ext. 230

NC Aquariums

3125 Poplarwood Court, Suite 160

Raleigh, NC 27604