Organization Policies
The New York Marine Center (NYMRC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Please note there are no volunteer opportunities at the Long Island Aquarium. All volunteer opportunities are through NYMRC.
NYMRC's volunteer program offers various volunteer opportunities across different areas of education, fundraising, and event support. We hold various trainings throughout the year to allow you to gain new skills and open you to new volunteer opportunities. Those who are 18+ and meet various qualifications may apply to volunteer in our hospital after 50 hours of service in our Rescue Education Center in Riverhead, NY.
What is Expected of All Volunteers:
- A registration donation of $50.00 ($25.00 for Junior Volunteers) made payable to the New York Marine Rescue Center
- A minimum commitment of 8 hours of service per month
- Ability to travel to New York Marine Rescue Center in Riverhead, NY
- Successful completion of Virtual Volunteer Orientation and In-Person Rescue Center Orientation
- Utilize our online volunteer system to sign-up for shifts and manage your volunteer schedule
- Compliance with the policies and procedures of New York Marine Rescue Center and the Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center
- Behave in a professional and courteous manner at all times, avoiding conversation topics that might isolate, discriminate against or make other individuals feel uncomfortable
- Proper uniform attire worn at all times while volunteering (volunteer shirt and khaki bottoms)
- Ability to work independently and as a team under potentially stressful conditions
- Procure one donated item per year to be provided to the New York Marine Rescue Center for events and fundraisers.
- Any aids and/or caretakers planning to attend shifts with a volunteer must apply and attend all necessary trainings with their volunteers.
What is Expected of Volunteers Under 18 Years of Age:
- 12 to 15 year olds can attend a volunteer orientation with a parent / guardian volunteer
- A parent/guardian volunteer must be present for every volunteer shift until the junior volunteer is at least 16 years old. Parents/guardians must sign up to volunteer.
- 16 and 17 year olds will need their parent to sign a liability form prior to the orientation but will not need a chaperone to attend an orientation or be present while volunteering
- Anyone under 18 years old is not eligible to volunteer in hands on animal positions.
Volunteer Benefits:
- Free admission to Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center on day of shift
- A 30% discount in the café and gift 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 membership to the Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center after 50 hours of service, renewable on anniversary date for active volunteers
- Two free guest passes to the Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center for every six months of continuous volunteer service after initial 50 hours.
- Annual recognition at event/awards ceremony
- Opportunity to participate in challenging and rewarding life experiences which offer personal enrichment
- Training materials and unlimited learning opportunities offering the ability to acquire new skills and knowledge
I fully understand that I am responsible for meeting the criterion listed above in order to remain a volunteer with the New York Marine Rescue Center (NYMRC) and the Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center (LIAEC). I also acknowledge that I will be entitled only to the above benefits as a reward for my active volunteer status. I do not expect any monetary compensation for the services I am providing and authorize NYMRC and LIAEC to use, display, and/or publish any photographs/videos of myself while volunteering.
