Careers + Internships

CAREERS

FACILITY OPERATIONS MANAGER

Opportunity
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium seeks a Facility Operations Manager to assist in a range of activities that support the maintenance, care, and presentation of the museum facility, grounds, and exhibits. The Facility Operations Manager works with the Director of Finance and Operations, Executive Director, and Senior Aquarist to prioritize needs, and will have the opportunity to set a work plan and schedule that is flexible. This is a full-time position with benefits including health insurance, toll reimbursement and reciprocal admission to other museums.  

Scope of Work Includes
•    Routine HVAC cleaning and maintenance 
•    Simple electrical and plumbing 
•    Support aquarium staff as needed in the maintenance and operation of aquarium systems 
•    Coordination with building systems vendors (e.g., janitorial, security/fire, pest, elevator, HVAC, landscaping) as needed 
•    Ordering museum supplies 
•    Routine monitoring and upkeep of exhibits 
•    Minor janitorial 
•    Painting 
•    Organization and management of storage, tools, and back of house areas 
•    General grounds upkeep and preventative maintenance
•    Assistance setting up and breaking down for special events 
•    Play a key role on the hurricane readiness and response team 
•    Available to respond to emergencies 

Qualifications
•    Understanding and ability to perform basic repairs/maintenance of HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical systems, and all-around building maintenance
•    Effective troubleshooting and collaborative problem-solver 
•    Independent, organized, and able to complete tasks in a timely manner
•    Ability to effectively communicate with staff, vendors, and Museum visitors 
•    Integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality
•    A sense of humor and interest in marine animals and/or shells is a plus

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 and the Living Gallery of Aquariums which displays hundreds of animals including octopuses, conchs, Giant Clam, California Sea Hare, fish, corals, and more. Temporary exhibitions, publications, and educational offerings for all ages provide a dynamic year-round 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 be among 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 Sam Ankerson at sankerson@shellmuseum.org.     



INTERNSHIPS

FALL 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.