Programs for Military & Veterans
If you have a passion for aquatic life and a talent of engaging with people, we can use your skills. Join us in creating an Aquarium experience that will entertain and educate millions of individuals each year!
The Military Volunteer Program is open to active military, retired military, or veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Military volunteers will assist in Georgia Aquarium’s mission to foster a deeper appreciation for our ocean, its animals, and the environment.
Participants will volunteer at least 50 hours per year at the Aquarium and assist in service projects in the metro Atlanta community.
The benefits of volunteering at Georgia Aquarium include the following:
Volunteer Programs staff use email as the primary method of communication and will keep you informed during each step of the volunteer process.
The non-refundable administrative fee goes toward defraying the costs of the background check, uniform, security badges, training material and other items.
The administrative fee is non-refundable as this goes toward processing your background check and other items.
If you are interested in a behind the scenes position, you must first become an active volunteer with at least 50 volunteer hours and complete any trainings and certifications required for the particular position. Then you may apply to volunteer behind the scenes. Volunteers are selected for behind the scenes positions based on interview, experience and availability.
More information about behind the scenes positions is provided in the Volunteer Information Session for prospective volunteers.
Background checks take one to three weeks to complete. Regardless of outcome, you will be notified.
Service hours are earned by completing volunteer shifts (most are 4 hours each) and by attending training classes.
Yes, all team members must wear the approved uniform while “on duty” at the Aquarium. The Aquarium uniform consists of a tucked-in blue shirt (one provided); a name tag (provided); your Aquarium Volunteer Membership Pass with your picture; black pants (you provide); and black closed toe shoes (you provide).
Yes. However, note that 34 of the 50 hours required to apply for behind the scenes positions must be spent volunteering with the public.
For every 150 hours you volunteer, you are eligible for a free uniform shirt. Volunteers must visit the volunteer office to order their free shirt. Additionally, volunteers are able to purchase additional Georgia Aquarium uniform items via check or money order.
On days that you are volunteering, you may park in the parking deck attached to Georgia Aquarium for free. The entrance to the deck is located on Luckie Street.
You will be emailed directions 2-3 days before each class. Please allow extra time to arrive because traffic around the Aquarium can be congested, especially on weekends. If you are running late, please report directly to Aquarium Security, who will direct you to the appropriate classroom.
Day use lockers are available on a first come, first served basis. Items may not be left over night and if storing valuables you should bring a lock.
