Careers & Internships

Summary:

Join a fun, fast-paced team work environment and be surrounded by amazing shells, marine life, and visitors from all over the world. Position welcomes visitors to the Museum, processes admissions, and assists customers in the Museum Store. Some weekend work is necessary.  

Submit resume and letter of interest to eswatfigure@shellmuseum.org.

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.