Careers / Internships

FACILITY MANAGER

Summary:
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum (BMNSM) is seeking applicants for the position of Facility Manager. BMNSM is a non-profit educational organization, a natural history museum with a primary focus on shells, mollusks, the ecosystems of mollusks, and conservation. The Museum opened its renowned Great Hall of Shells exhibit in 1995, became accredited by the American Alliance of Museums in 2010, and in 2020 opened the Beyond Shells Living Gallery of aquariums. The aquariums exhibit over 60 species of temperate and tropical living marine life including fish, corals, anemones, and a wide range of mollusks such as Giant Pacific Octopus, Flamboyant Cuttle, Red Abalone, Giant Clam, and many more.  In addition to the Great Hall of Shells and the aquariums, the Museum includes a gallery for changing exhibitions, a gift shop, admissions lobby, and small auditorium and classroom. 
 
BMNSM welcomes 50,000-60,000 visitors annually, has a staff of 20, and is located on beautiful Sanibel Island, a sanctuary barrier island that is 70% conserved and considered one of the top beach and shelling destinations in the world. The Facility Manager is responsible for performing and/or coordinating the general maintenance of the Museum’s approximately 15,000 square-foot building and surrounding campus. (Primary responsibility for maintenance of the aquarium systems specifically is with Aquarists on staff.) The Facility Manager reports to the Director of Finance and Operations, and the position may be either part-time or full-time based on the individual’s skills and experience. 

Location:
Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum
3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road
Sanibel, FL  33957

Responsibilities:
•    Maintain the building’s various HVAC systems (Filter changes, minor cleaning, monitoring for issues)
•    Maintain the Museum’s permanent exhibits in the Great Hall of Shells 
•    Work with staff to prepare and install temporary exhibits (minor carpentry, painting, coordinating with vendors)
•    Basic maintenance of plumbing (bathrooms, drains, water heaters, condensate lines)
•    Basic maintenance of electrical systems (lighting, ballasts, electrical outlets)
•    Attention to minor landscape needs in proximity of the Museum building; coordinate with the Museum’s contracted landscape maintenance service
•    Assist aquarium staff with issues as they arise (changing pumps, plumbing, wiring) 
•    Coordinate with vendors as needed to ensure proper repair, service, and larger maintenance projects (chilled loops water maintenance, HVAC, security systems, elevator, waste management, etc.)
•    Some cleaning when needed; coordinate with the Museum’s contracted custodial service 
•    Central, proactive participation on the Museum’s Hurricane Preparedness Team 
•    Other tasks as requested

Qualifications:
•    Ability to perform basic repairs/maintenance of HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical systems, and all-around building maintenance
•    Highly organized and able to complete task in a timely manner
•    Ability to effectively communicate with staff, vendors, and Museum visitors 
•    Integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality
•    Excellent attention to detail
•    A sense of humor and interest in marine animals is a plus!

Availability Requirements: 
•    Minimum 24 hours/week with immediate possibility for up to 40 hours/week based on skills and experience. Extra hours may be needed during emergencies, during exhibit changes, or in relation to special events.

To Apply:
Please email letter of interest, resume, and three references to Ryan Powell, Director of Finance and Operations: rpowell@shellmuseum.org. 

AQUARIST

Summary:
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum (BMNSM) is seeking applicants for the position of Aquarist. BMNSM is an educational non-profit, a natural history museum with a primary focus on shells, mollusks, the ecosystems of mollusks, and conservation. The Museum opened its renowned exhibits of shells in 1995, became accredited by the American Alliance of Museums in 2010, and in 2020 opened a major new feature: the Beyond Shells Living Gallery of aquariums. The aquariums include about 10,000 gallons and exhibit over 60 species of temperate and tropical living marine life including fish, corals, anemones, and a wide range of mollusks such as Giant Pacific Octopus, Flamboyant Cuttle, Red Abalone, Giant Clam, and many more. The Museum is now in process of seeking accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. 
 
BMNSM welcomes 50,000-60,000 visitors annually and is located on beautiful Sanibel Island, a sanctuary barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico that is 70% conserved and considered one of the top beach and shelling destinations in the world. The Aquarist works very closely as part of a two-person team with the Senior Aquarist, along with assistance from volunteers, for the care of animals and the aquariums. The Aquarium Team reports to the Science Director and Curator. 

Location:
Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum
3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road
Sanibel, FL  33957

Responsibilities:
•    Maintain exhibits, life support systems, and support areas at a high level without direct supervision
    - Includes cleaning, feeding, water quality testing, mechanical maintenance, and more
•    Keep detailed records of all aspects of animal care including feeding, maintenance, and water quality
•    Perform public presentations such as Keeper Chats 
•    With the Senior Aquarist, assure institutional practices meet the standards of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums
•    Train and manage volunteers and interns
•    Other duties as needed

Requirements:
•    Bachelor Degree in Marine Biology, Aquaculture, or similar field
•    Minimum two-years paid experience in a public aquarium or similar facility
•    Minimum of one-year paid experience caring for cephalopods in a public aquarium or similar facility
•    Previous experience with the maintenance and operation of small-scale LSS including pumps, UV sterilizers, protein skimmers, CO2 reactors, and heat exchangers
•    Knowledge of LSS closed system 
•    Able to prepare fresh and frozen animal food items
•    Able to assess basic invertebrate and fish health
•    Comfortable with public speaking in small groups 
•    Willing to provide public interpretations of animals in the aquariums
•    PC experience:  MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Drive applications
•    Capable of working independently and as part of a team
•    Able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
•    Self-motivated with attention to detail
•    Display enthusiasm about the Museum and its mission
•    Able to work occasional evening events and help deliver custom programs for supporters and special groups 
 
Desirable Experience: 
•    Professional animal training experience
•    Experience caring for gastropods and bivalves
•    Experience caring for tropical marine fish
•    Ability to identify common marine fish diseases and parasites, and their treatment
•    Experience caring for corals 
•    Experience caring for newly started systems
•    Experience with quarantine procedures
•    Experience with AZA accreditation process
•    Experience with scientific writing and communication
•    Experience developing volunteer and intern programs
•    Salary commensurate with experience
 
To Apply:
E-mail applications to Senior Aquarist Carly Hulse: chulse@shellmuseum.org. Applications must include:  1) A cover letter; 2) Resume/CV; 3) A list of three references (references will not be contacted without your permission).  Applications without all three of these items will not be considered complete. 

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum is an Equal-Opportunity Employer.