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Careers + Internships

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Current Opportunities

SUMMER 2024: MARINE BIOLOGY EDUCATION INTERNSHIP

Summary:
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium is seeking candidates for a paid
Marine Biology Education internship. The Museum is a nationally-accredited natural history
museum and aquarium with a focus on shells, mollusks, marine ecosystems, and conservation.
Over 10,000 square feet of exhibit and public program space includes 11 aquariums with over
60 species of marine life including a Giant Pacific Octopus, the Great Hall of Shells displaying
thousands of shells from all over the world, an auditorium, classroom, and space for rotating
exhibits.

Interns will have the opportunity to work with experienced Marine Biologists and educators to
learn about mollusk biology, ecology, biodiversity, and teaching methods. Interns will gain
valuable job experience helpful for a career in museums and aquariums and natural history,
ecology, and conservation education.

Location:
Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium, 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957

Duties:
● Educate Museum visitors at interactive touch pools
● Provide exhibit interpretation and answer questions for visitors in the Living Gallery of
aquariums, Great Hall of Shells, and temporary exhibits
● Engage with K-12 students through Museum field trips and Mollusks on the Move
outreach programs
● Lead interpretive beach walks on various Sanibel beaches
● Engage with the community through various community science initiatives
● Develop programs designed for K-12 students and/or Museum visitors
● Design and complete a project and presentation related to the internship

Qualifications:
● Currently enrolled or a recent graduate in Marine Biology, Biology, Environmental
Sciences, or related field
● Comfortable with public speaking in a variety of settings to small audiences
● Must be able to work outside in a variety of weather conditions including heat and
humidity, wind, and rain
● Must be able to stand for extended periods of time
● Must be able to lift up to 25lbs
Time Requirements:
● 20 hours per week (including one weekend day per week), for 10 weeks (200 hours total;
start and end dates flexible)

Stipend:
$1,500

Available Openings: 2

To Apply:
Send a resume, cover letter, and 2 references to Associate Director of Education, Jorden Falker
at jfalker@shellmuseum.org. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

SUMMER 2024: AQUARIUM HUSBANDRY INTERNSHIP

Summary:
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium is seeking candidates for a paid Aquarium Husbandry internship. The Museum is a nationally-accredited natural history museum and aquarium with a focus on shells, mollusks, marine ecosystems, and conservation. Over 10,000 square feet of exhibit and public program space includes 11 aquariums with over 60 species of marine life including a Giant Pacific Octopus, the Great Hall of Shells displaying thousands of shells from all over the world, an auditorium, classroom, and space for rotating exhibits.
Interns will have the opportunity to work with experienced Aquarists to learn about marine animal care, aquarium systems, the operation of a public aquarium, and mollusk biology, ecology, and biodiversity. Interns will gain valuable job experience helpful for a career in aquarium operations, animal husbandry, and public education, among other areas.

Location:
Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957

Duties:
●    Assist in maintenance of aquarium exhibits and systems
●    Conduct water quality testing
●    Animal diet preparation and feeding
●    Animal enrichment
●    Monitoring behavior changes in animal health
●    Record keeping
●    Learn Association of Zoos and Aquariums guidelines, procedures, and protocols
●    Educate visitors through Keeper Chats, public feedings, and other programs
●    Design and complete a project and presentation related to the internship

Qualifications:
●    Currently enrolled or a recent graduate in Marine Biology, Biology, Environmental Sciences, or related field
●    Comfortable with public speaking to small audiences
●    Must be able to work outside in a variety of weather conditions including heat and humidity
●    Must be able to stand for extended periods of time
●    Must be able to lift up to 40lbs

Time Requirements:
20 hours per week (including one weekend day per week), for 10 weeks (200 hours total; start and end dates flexible)

Stipend:
$1,500

Available Openings: 2

To Apply:
Send a resume, cover letter, and 2 references to Senior Aquarist, Carly Hulse at chulse@shellmuseum.org. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

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

Volunteer Opportunities also available at ShellMuseum.org/volunteer

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