Careers + Internships

CAREERS

AQUARIUM AND FACILITY OPERATIONS MANAGER

Opportunity
The Aquarium and Facility Operations Manager is responsible for maintaining the aquatic life support systems (LSS) and managing key aspects of the basic infrastructure of the Museum & Aquarium. This position plays an important role in assuring optimal conditions for the animal collection and contributes to a safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing environment for staff and visitors. This is a full-time position with benefits. 

Key Responsibilities
•    Oversee the operation, maintenance, and repair of LSS equipment including pumps, filters, and associated piping systems.
•    Ensure water quality parameters meet the specific needs of the animal collection by collaborating with veterinary and animal care staff. 
•    Develop and implement preventive maintenance schedules for LSS components to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
•    Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to life support systems.
•    Manage the maintenance and repair of the facility's physical infrastructure, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, security/fire, landscape; coordinating with external vendors as needed. 
•    Develop and implement maintenance plans.
•    Provide general facility support as needed across departments for a museum and aquarium that is open to the public daily. 
•    Monitor and control budgeted expenses, including procurement of equipment, parts, and supplies for life support and facility operations.
•    Working with staff and departments, implement emergency response protocols related to LSS failures, facility issues, and other crises.
•    Play a key role on the Museum’s hurricane readiness and response team. 
•    Be available to address urgent facility or life support system issues.

Qualifications
•    Bachelor's degree in Marine Biology, Aquarium Science, Engineering, Facilities Management, or a related field is preferred but not required. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered. 
•    Knowledge of aquatic life support systems, water quality management, and mechanical systems. 
•    Familiarity with building maintenance practices, including HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems.
•    Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills. 
•    Preference for experience in life support system operations and/or facility management within a zoo, aquarium, or similar environment.
•    Preference for knowledge of regulatory requirements related to animal care, or certifications related to aquatic animal life support operations (e.g., AALSO certification). 
•    Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and occasional evening events as needed.

About the Museum
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium is a natural history museum and aquarium with a primary focus on shells, mollusks, marine life, and conservation education. It is a non-profit, educational organization that and is accredited by both the American Alliance of Museums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. 

The Museum’s permanent exhibits include the Great Hall of Shells which is one of the largest public exhibitions of shells in the world, and 11 aquariums and touch pools that exhibit hundreds of animals including octopuses, conchs, Giant Clam, California Sea Hare, fish, corals, and many more. Temporary exhibitions, publications, and a year-round schedule of educational offerings for all ages assure a dynamic, ever-evolving program. 

In a typical year the Museum welcomes about 60,000 visitors with tens of thousands more served by offsite educational and outreach programs. The Museum’s home of Sanibel and the surrounding Southwest Florida region is considered by many to the best beach and shelling destination in the United States, and one of the most desirable places to live. 

To Apply
Please submit a letter of interest, resume, and three references by email to Ryan Powell at rpowell@shellmuseum.org.  
   

INTERNSHIPS

SPRING 2025: 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, 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

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.