I want to work as an aquarist when i'm older, but there aren't any aquariums around?

Question

i figured i should volunteer at an aquarium.

but i live near oklahoma city, and the closest aquarium is in tulsa (2 hours away).

after i finish community college i plan on moving to orlando/winter park, and going to a college like rollins or something.

but i want experience now so i can put it on my resume.

any ideas on where i could work/volunteer?

also, the closest petco (only place i know that hires people at 16) is about 30-40 minutes away.

Answer 1

Most of the places that I'm familiar with that work with salt water fish and life are small businesses. I worked for one when I went to college. They don't tend to follow strict employment rules like large corporate stores and aquariums, and most of the ones I knew and patronized were happy to employ high school or community college students as part time help, doing things from cleaning to customer service to water testing.

Working at one of these stores can give you a lot of hands on experience in dealing with the needs of aquatic creatures (usually fish and coral in hobby stores), as well as getting to at least help maintain the sorts of equipment used to keep aquatic creatures alive in captivity.

Open your yellow pages and browse for pet and fish stores, you'll probably find a local place that caters to reef keepers.