Family Friendly Attractions & Events
Nestled amidst breathtaking natural surroundings, Moody Gardens offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement for guests of all ages for work or play. From tropical rainforests to the oceans of the world, a wide range of attractions, educational activities, kid's events, dining options, and exciting entertainment await. This island resort uniquely accommodates large conferences, weddings and social events as well as being the romantic escape and family destination where special memories are created.
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Adult Volunteer Program
Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer at Moody Gardens!
Apply Now!
ARE YOU UNDER 18?
Explore our SAVY Program
ARE YOU OVER 18?
Submit a General Volunteer Application
Submit a Dive Volunteer Application
Who Volunteers?
Our Adult Volunteer Program is for all individuals aged 18 years and older. Applicants should be able to pass a background check, commit to a minimum of 8 hours per month for at least one full year and comfortably interact with guests as a representative of Moody Gardens. Additional volunteer positions become available with the accrual of 40 hours of volunteer service. Accrued hours do not guarantee acceptance into any position. Advanced volunteer positions, such as volunteering behind the scenes alongside our Rainforest keepers and Aquarists, are demanding, competitive and require an internal application process.We do not accept individuals seeking court-appointed service hours and at this time, we cannot accept international applicants.
Volunteer Diver Program
Interested in the Moody Gardens Volunteer Diver Program? Below are the requirements to be completed before helping our staff maintain exhibits and work with animals underwater. Before submitting your application, be sure to review these and ensure you are able to satisfy these requirements. Applicants must be able to fulfill each requirement in succession to progress through on-boarding and begin participation in regular volunteer diver shifts. Applicants unable to satisfy an individual requirement are still able to participate in the general volunteer program and will be encouraged to reapply to the volunteer diver program in the next application period. These will be covered in greater detail during the interview for successful applicants.
The Moody Gardens Volunteer Diver Program accepts applications during January and September of each year.
The September application period will close on Monday, September 30, 2024 at 5 pm.
Prerequisites:
Open Water certification
10 logged dives outside training
Prerequisites:
Online Application & In-person Interview
Swim & Dive Assessment - 4 hour commitment
AAUS Diver Medical Assessment - scheduled & paid for by Moody Gardens
DAN First Aid for Dive Professionals Course - 8 hour commitment
Volunteer Orientation - 3 hour commitment
Why Should You Volunteer?
Our volunteers are a diverse group of individuals that comprise a variety of professions, backgrounds, and ages. Each has a distinct passion to share our mission with our guests. In exchange for volunteers sharing their passion with us the Volunteer Program offers professional development opportunities, social events, member benefits, recognition of service, and opportunities to learn about and get an up close look at how Moody Gardens operates.
What Roles Are Available?
As a public, non-profit educational destination utilizing nature in the advancement of rehabilitation, conservation, recreation and research, most of our volunteers initially focus on guest experience for a minimum of 40 hours and then based off of availability may apply to work behind the scenes alongside our staff keepers and aquarists. The exception to this is for those interested in the Volunteer Dive Program.We also encourage skill specific applicants. If you have a passion for sharing a specific skill (e.g. marketing, events, arts, electrical, etc) please submit an application and contact us directly detailing your interest.
How To Become A Volunteer
Submit a General Volunteer Application or a Dive Volunteer Application. (Applications will be accepted in January and September.)
You will be contacted by email to sign up for an interview where you will receive a better understanding of the program and the position(s) you are interested in working.
We will run a Criminal History Background Check on all applicants as part of the interview process. Applicants must be cleared before being accepted.
If accepted into the program, you will be contacted with our available orientation dates.
At orientation, you will learn about Moody Gardens as well as receive training on our customer service, safety, and general policies. Confirm your chosen volunteer area and schedule any training sessions that might be necessary for your area.
Accept your volunteer name tag, volunteer shirt and official welcome!
Attend any required training sessions
If you have any further questions, please contact our Adult Volunteer Specialist at 409-683-4281 or email avolunteer@moodygardens.org.
Adult Continuing Education Programs
Connect with our different attractions in exciting new ways through our all-new Adult Continuing Education Classes, taking place each month here at Moody Gardens. These 1-2 hour classes are for adults ages 18 and older to gain a hands-on learning experience on a variety of topics including nature and conservation.
Thursday, August 15, 2024 – Jellies Biology
Sunday, October 13, 2024 – Coastal Plant Identification
Saturday, October 19, 2024 – Medicinal Plant Program
Thursday, November 21, 2024 – Mesoamerican Culture
Thursday, December 12, 2024 – Program Development
Non-Member: $20 (per person)
Members: $10 (per person)
Moody Gardens Volunteers: Free (email avolunteer@moodygardens.org for a volunteer registration link)
Pre-registration is required for all attendees. Registration closes at 4:00PM the day before each class.
