Careers & Internships

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, as well as 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, Discovery Cart, and temporary exhibits
• Engage with K-12 students through Museum field trips and/or Mollusks on the Move outreach programs
• Assist with interpretive beach walks on various Sanibel beaches
• Deliver in-Museum programs about various topics regarding Mollusks and their biology, ecology, cultural significance, and conservation
• 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 audiences of all ages
• 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 at least one weekend day per week), for 10 weeks (200 hours total)
• Start/end dates are flexible, and number of hours per week/number of weeks working can be adjusted to work with class schedule if needed

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.

Please note that housing is not available for interns at this time. Interns will be responsible for sourcing their own housing for the duration of the 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 Aquarist, Claire D’Agostino at cdagostino@shellmuseum.org. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Please note that housing is not available at this time. Interns will be responsible for sourcing their own housing for the duration of the internship.