The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation is proud to have joined with Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center to expand our volunteer program.  As a not for profit organization, volunteers play a vital role in helping us to achieve our mission of preserving our marine environment through education, rehabilitation, and research.

Volunteer Training Schedule:

All new volunteers must attend an orientation session. Volunteer orientations will take place every month at the Long Island Aquarium. The following is a schedule for 2013:

2013
Saturday, January 12th at 10:00 AM
Saturday, February 16th at 10:00 AM
Saturday, March 9th at 10:00 AM
Saturday, April 13th at 10:00 AM
Saturday, May 18th at 10:00 AM
Saturday, June 8th at 10:00 AM
Saturday, July 13th at 10:00 AM
Saturday, August 10th at 10:00 AM
Saturday, September 21th at 10:00 AM
Saturday, October 12th at 10:00 AM
Saturday, November 9th at 10:00 AM
Saturday, December 14th at 10:00 AM

Volunteer Opportunities

There are many opportunities available to our volunteers.  We are currently offering classes for Exhibit Interpreters. 

Exhibit Interpreter
There are 3 locations throughout the aquarium where we need the help of volunteers to interact with visitors and enhance their experience by augmenting the exhibit with additional information about displays and inhabitants.  Current displays include the Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue Center, Ray Bay, and Touch Tank.

Seal Cruises
Join our naturalists on wintertime visits aboard the Captain Lou Fleet for a Seal Cruise out of Freeport, Nassau County and observe seals in their natural environment.  Help educate the public about these northern visitors as well as record data for current abundance surveys.

Beach Patrols
Become a Beach Patroller and search Long Island Beaches in the fall/winter months looking for cold-stunned sea turtles.  Training is a one evening class, held October-November.  Patrols are conducted November-January (seasonal opportunity, not included in the regular volunteer program).

Fairs and Festivals
Spend time this summer at the local country fairs and festivals as you work at a booth for the Riverhead Foundation, answering questions and informing the public about who we are and what to do when they see a marine mammal or sea turtle in New York waters.  (You must train as an Exhibit Interpreter to be qualified to participate at fairs and shows)

Office Volunteer
For those of you who would like to help in other ways by donating your talent, the office staff always appreciates helping hands with the adoption program, fundraising, data entry, and all other aspects of a not for profit business

Rescue Team
For those who are interested in hands on experience with marine mammals and sea turtles and have proved themselves to be a dedicated volunteer able to donate more time, you can join our staff biologists with the care of our injured marine life.  As you can imagine, this can be an exciting position, and everyone over the age of 18 is eligible to assist the rehabilitation process after completion of an additional training session- scheduled based upon season and ability.  However, it is important for all volunteers to become involved in at least one other part of the organization for two reasons. First, the Riverhead Foundation cannot function and attempt rehabilitation efforts without adequate assistance in all other aspects of the organization. Second, during periods when animals are not at the facility, being active in other parts of the organization will give a sense of belonging and keep you up to date on new programs.  After a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer service and a recommendation from a staff member, volunteers who have expressed an interest will be invited to attend a Rescue Team orientation.

Volunteers assisting with seal releases

Volunteers assisting with an Oceans of Hope fundraiser

Volunteer Requirements:

· A donation of $25.00 to the Riverhead Foundation.
· A minimum commitment of 2 shifts of service per month. (8 hours)
· A minimum age of 18 years old.
· Successful completion of Volunteer Orientation and topic oriented training classes.
· Compliance with the policies and procedures of the Long Island Aquarium and The Riverhead Foundation.
· To be professional and courteous at all times.
· Proper uniform attire worn at all times while volunteering.
· Must commit to a volunteer schedule.
· Must be flexibe in volunteer assignments.

Volunteer Benefits:

· Training materials.
· ID badge—please see Volunteer Coordinator for name you wish to appear on your badge
· A 10% discount in the café, gift shop and “Scoops” ice cream shop upon completion of training.
· One free meal on day of volunteer activity, with a minimum of four hours of service for the day. Additional meal restrictions apply.
· A family or grandparent membership to Long Island Aquarium after 50 hours of service, renewable on anniversary date.
· Two free guest passes to Long Island Aquarium after first six months of service.
· Annual recognition event/awards ceremony.
· Unlimited learning opportunities offering the ability to acquire new skills and knowledge.
· Publications of Long Island Aquarium and the Riverhead Foundation.
· Opportunity to participate in challenging and rewarding life experiences which offer personal enrichment.