Volunteering
Get involved at VIMS by becoming a volunteer. Positions are regularly available in the Library, , , in laboratories, and in the field. There are also opportunities to lead group tours and assist with public outreach events. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, contact Volunteer Coordinator Mimi Beckwith at (804) 684-7784 or via e-mail at [[mimi]]. You can also apply on-line. View our guidelines for minors on the VIMS campus.
Sales Associate, VIMS Gift Shop
We seek volunteers to staff the VIMS Gift Shop during regular working hours (M, W, F from 11 am-3 pm) and for occasional evening and weekend openings. Responsibilities include recording customer purchases on a point-of-sale computer cash register; accepting payment by cash, check, or charge card; and ensuring verification of proper identification according to established procedures. Will also assist in physical inventory, restocking, display, and price marking of merchandise as needed; and handle customer complaints, returns, and exchanges in accordance with established store policy. Individuals will offer prompt and courteous service to Gift Store customers. Apply for this position on-line.
Visitor's Center Attendant
We seek a volunteer for 1 hour per week to ensure that the displays of printed materials in the VIMS Visitor's Center and Aquarium are fully stocked, and to monitor and report on the condition of all print and electronic materials on display. Apply for this position on-line.
Tour Guides
We seek volunteers to assist with our offered Memorial Day through Labor Day. The guides will receive training through our Communications and Development offices. Successful candidates will enjoy speaking to small groups and acting as a host(ess). Training requires attending scheduled meetings and tours totaling approximate 8 hours, and guiding groups based on a script provided. Guiding the tours requires 1 1/2 - 2 hours 2- 3 times per month. Apply for this position on-line.
Tour Hosts
We seek hosts to assist the Communications office with private groups. The hosts are responsible for taking groups between locations on campus. They do not provide the tour content, as it is provided by individuals at each location. A volunteer host must be friendly and enjoy meeting a variety of people. Hosts volunteer as needed, usually 1 - 2 times per month for up to 3 1/2 hour per tour. Apply for this position on-line.
Summer Saturday Volunteers
We seek volunteers to assist with VIMS . Successful candidates will be familiar with local marine life and enjoy being in the water and sharing information with children and adults. A story time is included, requiring an animated reader. Training for this position requires attending 2 meetings totalling approximately 4 hours. The volunteer will donate 4 hours on approximately 3 non-consecutive Saturdays during summer. Apply for this position on-line.
Festival Exhibit Volunteers
We seek volunteers to assist with 1-3 festivals annually. The volunteers will assist with the set-up and/or breakdown of exhibit space and to assist with staffing the booth, including helping with children's activities. Successful candidates will need to be able to lift ~ 30 lbs, and have a full range of motion for bending and stretching. The volunteer may need to work on days that are cold, hot, or wet. The events are usually on Saturday and require early mornings. Festival Exhibit volunteers enjoy talking to strangers and interacting with children. Apply for this position on-line.
Marine Science Day Volunteers
Approximately 30 people are needed to volunteer to work VIMS' annual Marine Science Day. Volunteers are needed to assist with parking, directing people, children's activities, hospitality, set-up and break-down of tents and tables, and various other positions. This event is usually the 3rd Saturday in May. Volunteers will need to attend at least one other meeting. Total time donated is usually between 6-10 hours. Apply for this position on-line.
Media Tracking and Data Entry
This position is currently filled.
This volunteer donates 3-4 hours weekly to assist the Public Relations office with the tracking of VIMS in the news and to mainten the related Media Database. In addition, the volunteer enters data as needed to update the PR Visitors Database. Attention to detail is required. The volunteer should have previous experience working with Access® and Excel®. Apply for this position on-line.
Public Relations News Board
This position is currently filled.
This volunteer is responsible for cutting, matting, and displaying news articles (provided) using Exacto blades and spray adhesive. Experience is not required, however art or craft experience is helpful. The volunteer will need to donate 1-2 hours bi-weekly. Apply for this position on-line.
