The Tennessee Aquarium has some new volunteer opportunities coming up this fall that should be attractive to a wide range of people.

“This is the first time we have ever recruited weekend docents,” said Julie Piper, the Aquarium’s manager of volunteer services. “We know there are plenty of fun-loving people who would enjoy spending time with our animals and visitors, so these new weekend spots should appeal to anyone looking for a more flexible way to get involved.”

Aquarium docents helped to make the Tennessee Aquarium the highest rated aquarium in the United States and one of America’s top ten tourist attractions for overall guest satisfaction in a recent nationwide survey. Their love of the animals and exhibits spills over to visitors who enjoy the added insights passed along by these volunteers.

“The day really flies by for our docents, especially on a weekend,” said Ms. Piper. “You leave thinking, ‘That was pretty fun!’ It’s different than what these volunteers do in their chosen careers.”

Frequently, visitors become volunteers like Sharon Klein. “I always enjoyed coming here and many of the people I met at the exhibits were volunteers,” said Ms. Klein. “So I decided I wanted to do something for the Aquarium and the community. I’ve met a lot of different people and have developed new friendships since I began volunteering here.”

Other volunteers like Karen Gonzales enjoy rolling out the red carpet for guests and sharing knowledge about the thousands of animals and plants that call the Aquarium home. "The weekend docent shift works great for me because of my current study schedule,” Ms. Gonzalez said. “I meet so many different people at the Aquarium on weekends and it's always fun interacting with them and telling them about the animals.”

Ms. Piper adds that everyone should feel comfortable applying to be a weekend docent. No biology or marine biology experience is required. “We teach you everything you need to know about our exhibits and how we care for the animals,” she said. “We’re simply looking for additional enthusiastic people who can add to the Tennessee Aquarium experience and help make a lasting, positive impression of Chattanooga.”

To get started as a weekend docent at the Tennessee Aquarium simply:
- Fill out a short, online volunteer application form at: http://www.tnaqua.org/Get_Involved/Volunteer_form.asp
- Choose a shift on Friday from 1:30-6 p.m., Saturday or Sunday from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. or 1:30-6 p.m.
- Attend all three training sessions on Sept. 25, Oct. 2 and Oct. 9 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. each day.
- Be at least 18.
- Volunteer a minimum of two times a month or more.
- Earn great benefits such as a free family membership, IMAX passes and social events.