Volunteer
Volunteering at the Butterfly House & Aquarium is an experience like none other in the area!
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Join the Adventure
Volunteering at the Butterfly House & Aquarium is an experience like none other in the area! Our volunteers come from all walks of life and give their time according to what best fits their schedule. Some volunteer once to several times a week, while others come in as available.
With over one million guests served since 2002, the Butterfly House & Aquarium’s Volunteers play a vital role the daily operations. A completed application is your first step in joining our team of dedicated Volunteers. We welcome you to join us!
Benefits
- Learn and interact with beautiful tropical butterflies and fascinating ocean creatures
- Socialize with guests from around the world
- Volunteers receive free, year-round admission*
- 40% discount in the gift shop!
*pending participation requirements
Volunteer Position Availabilities
Our Volunteers interact with nearly every guest and serve as a learning resource for those who enter the space. They help individuals connect and engage with ocean life and tropical butterflies. Volunteers gain and acquire many skills including guest interaction, species identification, and environmental education with aquatic life and butterflies.
All Volunteers receive in-depth training in their department to equip them with the knowledge to enhance each guest's visit.
Butterfly House & Aquarium Volunteer
Volunteers transport our guests to the rainforest, welcoming them into a unique experience walking among tropical butterflies. Volunteers provide educational information about butterflies, plants, and the rainforest. Volunteers ensure no butterflies leave with the guests.
Volunteers engage all guests with educational information and an experience that goes beyond the aquarium acrylic. Volunteers transport guests into an ocean adventure and are responsible for monitoring the Stingray and Tidal Touch Pools.
Group Volunteering
Seasonal, group volunteer projects may be available upon inquiry. Volunteers must be over the age of 12, and any group with students under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The Butterfly House & Aquarium can accommodate volunteer groups of 5-50 people. Group projects typically include assistance in our outdoor gardens, trash clean up efforts in Sertoma Park, and various cleaning projects in the facility.
Group leaders should contact the Volunteer Coordinator by emailing volunteer@sdaquarium.org or calling (605)-334-9466 ext.14 for more information.
Husbandry Volunteer
Husbandry Volunteers assist Aquarists and Biologists with animal care, food preparation, general habitat maintenance, and other tasks determined by department. Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator, directly, if you are interested in being a husbandry volunteer. *Applicants must be 18 years old to participate as a Husbandry Volunteer.
Office Volunteer
Internships
Internships are available for individuals seeking experience in marine biology, ecology, lepidoptera, education, and/or horticulture. Interns may receive college credits for their internship. Internships are on a volunteer basis. If interested, please email a resume and cover letter to the email below. Applications accepted year-round.
volunteer@sdaquarium.orgRequirements
Volunteers must be at least 16 years old to volunteer in the Butterfly House & Aquarium. Those under 18 years of age must have a parent complete and sign a consent form prior to their first assignment. Background screening may be required for some positions. Those seeking an internship must be currently enrolled in a college or university.
Husbandry Volunteers must be at least 18 years old.
Let's Get in Touch
Have a question? Contact our Volunteer Coordinator. 605-334-9466 ext. 14