volunteer opportunity #10 new york aquarium docent ... · isaac b. honor - internship coordinator...

Alumni Office Room 1W7 Chris LaCarrubba - Internship Coordinator [email protected] Isaac B. Honor - Internship Coordinator Assistant

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY #10

Important Note: If you are selected for the internship, please inform Mr. Honor IMMEDIATELY via email at:

[email protected]

New York Aquarium Docent Opportunities

APPLY BY MAY 1 FOR OUR SUMMER, ACADEMIC-YEAR, AND YEAR-LONG DOCENT PROGRAMS.

Become a docent – also known as an exhibit interpreter – at the New York Aquarium and help staff exhibits, teach

visitors about marine conservation, and assist at events and education programs. As a docent, you will have the

opportunity to meet individuals from around the world and join a family of fellow volunteers, staff, and wildlife

experts who share a passion for our natural world.

The Docent Program is open to anyone age 15 and older: high school students, college/grad students, and adults.

Docent responsibilities include:

• Speaking with aquarium visitors and giving exhibit chats using biological artifacts and other visual aids

• Assisting with the development and implementation of special events

• Staffing information and craft tables during special events on-site and off-site

• Assisting Education Department instructors with school and family programs

• Teaching visitors how to interact with horseshoe crabs, sea stars, and other animals at our touch pools

• Conducting short marine conservation programs on the Coney Island Boardwalk outside of the aquarium

entrance

Requirements

To get involved, print and fill out an application. You must be at least 15 years or older by the deadline date to

apply. Admission to the program is competitive. After an interview and orientation, accepted candidates must

complete an intensive 7-day training course (see training schedule below).

Applications are accepted beginning March 1st until May 1st for the summer, academic year, and year-long docent

opportunities. The training includes sessions on marine science, public speaking skills, and activities designed to




[email protected]

foster good relations among docents. Applicants under age 18 must have a parent sign their application form and

all applicants currently enrolled in high school must have a teacher fill out the recommendation form. Additional

letters of recommendation may be submitted with the application; however, these documents should not be

submitted in place of the official forms. Please do not include copies of your school transcripts.

• Summer Teen Docents (July 2, 2014–September 1, 2014)

Open to high school students, ages 15–18. Participants must volunteer two full days (6½ hours/day) per

week at minimum, in order to complete a total of 120 service hours and 5 education hours. Days are

flexible.

• Academic Year Teen Docents (September 15, 2013–June 30, 2014)

Open to high school students, ages 15–18. Participants must volunteer once every other week during

volunteer shifts in the mornings (9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.), afternoons (1:00–5:00 p.m., weekends only), or full

days (9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.), totaling 150 service hours and 5 education hours.

• Adult Docents (1 year from the start date)

Open to those out of high school, aged 18 years and older. Participants must volunteer either once a week

during volunteer shifts in the mornings (9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.) or afternoons (1:00–5:00 p.m., weekends

only), OR full days (9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.) once every other week, for 1 year, in addition to completing 5

education hours.

Application Process & Training Sessions

We accept applications for consideration from March 1st to May 1st each year. All applications must be complete

and submitted no later than 4:00pm EST on May 1st. An orientation and interview are mandatory. We will call you

to schedule an interview after we received and reviewed your completed application. Late, incomplete or illegible

applications will not be considered.

Please note that due to the high number of applicants, not everyone is called for an interview. Applicants who are

not selected for an interview will be notified by email. If accepted into the docent program, you will be required to

attend the 7-day training courses, which take place from 10:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. each day. Please check the training

dates below and be sure that you can attend all of the dates before applying to the program. All days of training

are mandatory.

Applicants who have been interviewed for the summer training class will receive notification of their acceptance by

June 8th. Applicants that have been interviewed for the fall training class will receive their notification of acceptance

by July 25th.

Summer Training Course For summer and year-long docents

Fall Training Course For academic-year and year-long docents

Saturday, June 21, 2014 Saturday, August 16, 2014

Sunday, June 22, 2014 Sunday, August 17, 2014

Friday, June 27, 2014 Saturday, August 23, 2014

Saturday, June 28, 2014 Sunday, August 24, 2014

Sunday, June 29, 2014 Saturday, September 6, 2014

Monday, June 30, 2014 Sunday, September 7, 2014

Tuesday, July 1, 2014 Saturday, September 13, 2014




[email protected]

Application and Teacher Recommendation form below… Please follow all instructions carefully…

Contact

If you have any questions, please call the volunteer office at (718) 265-3450, Saturday through Thursday, between

9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or email [email protected].

Page | 1

New York Aquarium

Education Department’s

Docent Program

To The Applicant:

Becoming a New York Aquarium Docent can be an exciting and rewarding experience. As a docent, you will serve an important role in the education of guests visiting the aquarium. Being a docent at the New York Aquarium requires that you are able to perform several job functions:

All applicants must be at least fifteen (15) years of age at time of submitting application.

All applicants must successfully complete a 7-day training course, including written assignments and exams. Each day of the course runs from 10:30am to 4pm. Each session covers marine science, public speaking skills and activities designed to foster good relations among docents.

All applicants agree to purchase a docent uniform and materials related to the training course ($40.00).

All applicants must be willing and able to volunteer at the touch tank. This involves handling live invertebrates (including, but not limited to, sea stars and horseshoe crabs), assisting the public in touching these animals, and giving educational talks about them.

All applicants must be willing and able to speak to aquarium visitors and lead educational talks at a chosen exhibit (volunteer may choose exhibit).

All applicants must be willing and able to volunteer both indoors and outdoors, regardless of weather.

All applicants must be willing and able to work with children of varying ages, as well as adults.

In addition to completing the required service hours, all applicants must be willing and able to participate in a total of five (5) hours of special lectures or workshops after completing the training course.

Upon successful completion of the training course, a minimum time commitment of the following is expected (exceptions would be for vacations, illness or emergencies):

High School Students: 15 to 18 years old

120 service hours(Summer Season, July-Labor Day) minimum, plus 5 continuing education hours

One full day or one half day every other weekend during the school year (September through June)

150 service hours (Sept.- June) minimum, plus 5 continuing education hours

Two full days per week during the summer (July through September)

Adults: 18 years old and up

1 year of service minimum, plus 5 continuing education hours

One full day every other week OR One half- day once every week

Please consider all the information above before submitting your application. Applications must be received by 4pm (EST) on May 1, 2014.

Page | 2

New York Aquarium

Education Department’s

Docent Program

Please Print or Type Date: ____________

Name Address ____________________________________________________ Apt. # City ________________________ State _______________ Zip ___________________ Home phone __________________________ Cell/Pager __________________________ E-mail ___________________________________________ Shirt size ______________

What is your level of education?

__ some high school __ high school graduate __ some college __ associate’s degree __ bachelor’s degree __ master’s degree __ doctorate __ other (explain) _________________________

If you are currently enrolled in school, please provide your school’s information.

School Name _________________________________________________________________ School Address _______________________________________________________________ City ____________________________ State ___________ Zip Code ______________ School Phone ____________________________ School Fax ______________________ School District Number (if a public school) ________

Please feel free to attach a resume in addition to the information below.

Work Experience Current Employer _____________________________________________________________ Title/Job Description ___________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________ City/State/Zip __________________ Direct Supervisor _____________________________ E-mail _________________________ Phone Number _________________________ Fax Number ___________________________ Duties ______________________________________________________________________

EDUCATION

For NY Aquarium Date Received _______________ Rescheduled Date ____________

Office Use Only Interview Date _______________ VC ___________ Date Confirmed ______________ AVC__________

EXPERIENCE

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Page | 3

Volunteer Experience Organization __________________________________ Dates _________________________ Title ________________________________________________________________________ Address ____________________________________ City/State/Zip ____________________ Direct Supervisor __________________________ E-mail _____________________________ Phone Number ________________________ Fax Number _____________________________ Duties ______________________________________________________________________

Have you ever worked/volunteered for the Wildlife Conservation Society? Yes __ No __ If yes: which facility? ____________________________ Dates ________________________ Title/Job _____________________________________________________________________ Direct Supervisor _____________________________ E-mail __________________________ Duties ______________________________________________________________________

Other Experience Do you have any public speaking experience? Please specify. ___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

Do you have experience working with children? Please specify.

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

Please list the names and contact information of two people not related to you who know you well and can attest to your character, skill and dependability. High school students must also submit a separate teacher recommendation form.

Name ____________________________________ Phone ____________________________ Address ________________________________________________ Apt. # ______________ City _________________________________________ State __________ Zip ___________ Email ________________________________ Relationship to you ______________________

Name ____________________________________ Phone ____________________________ Address ________________________________________________ Apt. # ______________ City _________________________________________ State __________ Zip ___________

Email _______________________________ Relationship to you ________________________

Please give complete answers. Attach an extra sheet of paper if you feel you need more space.

How/Where did you hear about our volunteer program?

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

REFERENCES

INTEREST SURVEY

EXPERIENCE (continued)

Page | 4

In your opinion, what is the purpose of a zoo or aquarium?

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

How do you feel about animals being kept in an aquarium?

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

Please tell us why you are interested in volunteering at the New York Aquarium, what you hope to gain from the experience and what you feel you can contribute to our organization. Limit your response to 200 words. If you need additional space, please add your comments to a separate sheet of paper. ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

Teen Applicants:

Please indicate the time of year you plan on conducting your service hours: Summer Season____ Academic Year ____

Summer Season (120 hours of service, plus 5 Continuing Education Hours) Summer docent shifts (July 1st to Labor Day, September) requires a minimum commitment of 2 days per week (including weekends) from 9:30am – 5:00pm.

Are you able to commit to a 2-day per week schedule in the summer? Yes___ No___

Are you available to volunteer weekdays during the summer (July – September)? Yes __ No __

Are you available to volunteer weekends during the summer (July – September)? Yes__ No__ Academic Year Season (150 hours of service, plus 5 Continuing Education Hours) During the academic year (Labor Day, September to June 30th, 2013), volunteer shifts are mornings, afternoons*, or full days once every other week:

Morning shifts are from 9:30am – 1:30pm. Afternoon shifts are from 1:00pm – 5:00pm (*afternoons are available weekend days only).

SCHEDULING PREFERENCES

Page | 5

Full day shifts are from 9:30am – 5:00pm. Identify your preferences by marking “1”, “2”, or “3” to indicate your first, second and third choice in this table for academic year shifts only:

Shift Time & Day Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Morning Afternoon Full Day

Are you available to volunteer during Spring Break? Yes __ No __

Are you available to volunteer during Winter Breaks? Yes __ No __

Do you have any requirements to fulfill for your school (such as minimum number of

community service hours)? If so, please list your requirements here:

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Adult Applicants:

Please indicate the training session you would like to attend: June- July Training ___ August-September Training ___

Volunteer shifts are either one (1) full day shift (9:30am to 5pm) once every other week OR one (1) half-day shift once every week. Half-day shifts are morning sessions from 9:30am to 1:30pm or afternoon sessions* from 1pm to 5pm. Adult volunteers must be able to commit to one (1) year of service, plus 5 continuing education hours.

Please note your availability by marking “1”, “2”, or “3” to indicate your first, second and third choice in the table below.

Shift Time & Day Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Morning Afternoon Full Day

*Please note that during the months of September – June, afternoon shifts are only available on weekends.

I am a college student and wish to follow a high school docent schedule to accommodate my classes. (Please answer all applicable questions in the teen applicant section).

All Applicants: The Wildlife Conservation Society’s zoos and aquarium are open every day of the year, including all holidays. Are you available to volunteer during some holidays? (Please do not indicate the need for absence for religious reasons.) Yes ___ No ___

Page | 6

There are a few things that you need to know before deciding to take the next steps in joining our volunteer program. Our mission is to educate the guests visiting the New York Aquarium about wildlife in the park and the need for wildlife conservation. We do not handle any of the aquarium animals other than those in the touch tanks, nor do we help care for them. This is an unpaid volunteer position. The Human Resources Department of the Wildlife Conservation Society is the department charged with processing applications for paid employment. For information regarding other positions, please visit: http://www.wcs.org/about-us/careers.aspx

Adults Applicants:

If accepted as a New York Aquarium Docent, I agree to be available to volunteer two (2) to four (4) days per month and commit to at least one year of service at the New York Aquarium. I understand that I will have NO direct animal contact other than those animals at the New York Aquarium’s touch tanks. I have read the acknowledgment of understanding, I have considered the requirements and essential functions, and I would like to submit my application for the New York Aquarium Docent Program. I certify that I am at least 18 years of age.

Applicant’s Printed Name _________________________________________ Applicant’s Signature ____________________________________ Date _______________

Teen Applicants and Parents/ Guardians:

If accepted as a New York Aquarium Docent, I agree to be available to volunteer 2 days per week (July through September) and commit to at least 120 hours of service (Summer Season) or 2-3 days per month (September through June) and commit to at least 150 hours of service at the New York Aquarium (Academic Year Season). I understand that I will have NO direct animal contact other than those animals at the New York Aquarium’s touch tanks. I understand that I am the potential docent, not my parent/guardian. I understand that I must follow through with the application process, not my parent/guardian. I have read the acknowledgment of understanding, I have considered the requirements and essential functions, and I would like to submit my application for the New York Aquarium Docent Program. I certify that I am at least fifteen (15) years of age.

Applicant’s Printed Name __________________________________________ Applicant’s Signature _____________________________________ Date _______________

If under 18 years of age, please have parent/guardian sign:

Parent/Guardian Name (print) ________________________________________ Signature _____________________________________ Date _______________

Send your completed application to: Coordinator of Volunteers New York Aquarium- WCS Education Department Surf Avenue at West 8th Street Brooklyn, NY 11224

To send your application by E-mail: [email protected]

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF UNDERSTANDING

SIGNATURES

http://www.wcs.org/about-us/careers.aspx

mailto:[email protected]

Page | 1

New York Aquarium

Education Department ’s

Docent Program

High School Teacher Recommendation Form

To The Student:

This form is to be completed by a school faculty member. You may submit an application

without this form; however, the recommendation form must be submitted by the application

deadline in order to be considered complete. If you have already graduated from high school,

you may omit this form. You may submit additional letters of recommendation; however, these

documents should not be submitted in place of this form. Please do not submit copies of your

school transcripts.

To the Evaluator:

The student listed below is applying to the New York Aquarium Education Department’s Docent Program. The Docent Program is designed to be a rewarding volunteer opportunity that allows its participants to assist our conservation efforts by educating guests visiting the New York Aquarium. Through interpretation and mini lectures at aquarium exhibits, touch pools, boardwalk programming, and special events, docents interact with thousands of visitors from all over the world.

The Docent Program is a highly competitive and unpaid volunteer opportunity. We recruit high school students from public & private schools within New York City and neighboring counties. Space in this program is limited. We are looking for enthusiastic, outgoing, creative, motivated, team players, who have an interest in science, education, or conservation. Prospective docents should also have the ability to adapt to a fast paced environment. Your insight regarding this student is important to us and we would appreciate your candid responses to the questions below. Please feel free to attach a separate sheet of paper, if needed.

If you have any questions regarding the program, please call the Coordinator of Volunteers at 718-265-3450, Saturdays-Thursdays, between 2pm and 4:30pm.

Student’s Printed Name _______ __________________________________________________ School _________________________________________________________________

Teacher’s Name ________________________________________________________________ Work Phone ____________________________ Work Fax _______________________________ Business E-mail __________________________________________________________ Subject Taught ___________________________ Signature_ _____________________________

Recommendation Submission Deadline: 4:00pm (EST), Saturday, May 1, 2014.

Complete and return by mail to: Coordinator of Volunteers, New York Aquarium, Education Department,

Surf Avenue @ West 8th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11224. Recommendation form may also be submitted by e-

mail at [email protected] .

mailto:[email protected]

Page | 2

1. In what capacity and for how long have you known this student?

2. In what way have you observed this student’s interpersonal skills?

3. Does this student have a well developed interest or background in aquatic science, biology or conservation? What special projects or studies has he/she undertaken?

4. Which best describes this student’s relationship with their peers? Please explain your selection. __ shows leadership __reserved __ is easily accepted by peers __ prefers to be alone

5. What other comments can you offer in support of this student’s application to become a New

York Aquarium Docent?

6. How would you rate this student’s ability to be able to work with the public? Please check the

rating that best describes this student.

Outstanding - Student has excellent oratory skills, commands attention, and uses visual

aids effectively.

Excellent – Student speaks very well, has a good command of attention, and uses visual

aids well.

Good- Student is comfortable giving presentations, makes an effort to uses visual aids,

and able to command attention for a short time.

Not Applicable (N/A) - I have not had the opportunity to observe this student’s ability to

work with the public.

Please evaluate this student. Place an “X” mark under the appropriate rating for each quality. 1=Outstanding 2=Excellent 3=Good 4=Average 5=Fair 6=Below Average U=Unknown 1 2 3 4 5 6 U

Oral Communication Skills

Common Sense

Curiosity

Creativity

Dependability

Sense of Responsibility

Self Motivation

Ability to work in a group

Reaction to Criticism

Regard for Authority

Regard for Rules

Cooperation

Flexibility

Sensitivity to feelings of others

Ability to follow directions

Thank you for your time and input.

volunteer opportunity #10 new york aquarium docent ... · isaac b. honor - internship coordinator...

Documents