Careers & Internships

The Museum seeks individuals to assist with guest services including Admissions and the Museum Store. 
Responsibilities include greeting and checking in guests and providing a brief overview of the Museum for
their visit.  Duties in the Museum Store include helping stock merchandise and ringing up sales. 
An outgoing, friendly personality is important to interact positively with visitors and help provide an
excellent guest experience. The Museum is seeking candidates who are able to commit 2-3 days a week,
ideally including 1 weekend day.

To apply please email a letter of interest and resume to larnold@shellmuseum.org

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium is seeking a Senior Aquarist to oversee the daily care and management of the living animal collection and aquarium exhibits, which focuses on marine invertebrates. The Senior Aquarist ensures exceptional animal welfare in accordance with Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) standards and best practices, while supporting and participating in the Museum’s mission and activities in education, conservation, and research. 

The Senior Aquarist works closely with the Ambassador Animal Aquarist to manage the living collection and aquariums, and with the Science Director and Curator and Ambassador Animal Aquarist on animal selection and research. This is a full-time position with benefits including health insurance, toll reimbursement, and reciprocal admission to other museums and aquariums, among other benefits. The Senior Aquarist reports to the Executive Director. 

Scope of Work Includes

• Oversee daily husbandry, life support systems, and water quality monitoring. 
• Develop and implement species-specific care protocols aligned with AZA husbandry guidelines and animal welfare standards.
• Manage, train, and mentor aquarists, interns, and volunteers in proper animal care, safety procedures, and aquarium operation. 
• Support exhibit design, installation, and maintenance with a focus on both animal welfare and guest engagement.
• Document animal health, behavior, breeding and life history events; collaborate with veterinary professionals on animal care. 
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records using Species360.
• Create and manage annual budgets for aquarium equipment and supplies, life support systems, and the living collection.
• Support conservation, research and breeding initiatives, including potential propagation of native mollusk species.
• Collaborate with education staff to enhance outreach programming and public engagement.
• Participate in emergency response and manage weekend and holiday coverage as needed
• Coordinate with staff and external vendors as needed on aquarium and life support system improvements and repairs.
• Serve as the institution’s point of contact or animal related matters and represent the Museum within AZA and the broader zoological and aquarium community.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology, Zoology, or related field; or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a professional aquarium or zoo, with at least 1-2 years in a management or supervisory role.
• Strong working knowledge of marine invertebrate husbandry, closed aquatic systems, and aquatic life support operations.
• Familiarity with AZA accreditation standards, animal welfare policies, and best practices in zoological institutions.
• Proficiency in water quality testing, diagnostics and system troubleshooting.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and recordkeeping skills.
• Willingness to participate in educational and public-facing programs. 
• Ability to lead positively and energetically in a fast-paced work environment on a small staff that is collaborative, mission-driven, and flexible as needed. 
• Ability to lift 50 lbs., work in wet environments, and perform physically demanding tasks.

Preferred Qualities

• Passion for marine conservation.
• Experience with mollusks. 
• Working knowledge of Florida marine ecosystems and native species.
• Experience contributing to or preparing for AZA accreditation processes.
• A sense of humor 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 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 about 60 species of marine life 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 sankerson@shellmuseum.org

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium seeks a Director of Finance and Operations to oversee the financial operations and financial planning for the Museum, and to supervise the logistics of key departments and functions including aquariums, facility management, and IT. The Director of Finance and Operations collaborates closely with the Executive Director and is a member of the senior leadership team. The position offers an exciting opportunity to play a central role in a unique, dynamic, growing museum and aquarium. This is a full-time position with benefits.

Responsibilities Include

• Working with the Executive Director and the Finance Committee of the Board, prepare and manage annual operating budgets, capital budgets, and project budgets.
• Maintain the Museum’s accounting, prepare financial statements and reports, manage invoices and payments, credit card accounts, and daily cash receipts.
• Monitor the Museum’s bank accounts and investments and maintain relationships with banks and investment advisors.
• Manage payroll and HR logistics including administration of benefits, new employee onboarding, and interface with the Museum’s outsourced Professional Employer Organization (TriNet).
• Work with accounting firm to complete annual audits and tax returns.
• Review and manage vendor contracts, select grant agreements, and insurance coverages.
• Working with Development staff and the Executive Director, maintain procedures for accounting and acknowledgment of philanthropic gifts, grants, and memberships.
• Working with the Director of Retail, provide support for financial functions of the Store including sales analysis, inventory purchase, and inventory audit.
• Maintain relevant licenses and permits and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Supervise aquarium operations staff and ensure support for mechanical and animal welfare needs involving staff and external vendors.
• Supervise facility manager and help set priorities for facility maintenance.
• Coordinate staff and external vendor(s) to sustain IT functionality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, or a related field. CPA preferred.
• Minimum 3-5 years in a financial/management position, preferably with some experience in non-profit and/or retail accounting.
• Experience in Intuit QuickBooks and generating reports and statements. Preference for experience with CRM and POS systems.
• Working knowledge of GAAP, audits, and other regulatory requirements in the financial field.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and comfort working with a Boad of Trustees and interacting with donors and volunteers, in addition to visitors and staff.
• A demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and discipline in procedures.
• Experience managing personnel.
• Some experience in the operations of a museum, aquariums, or similar organization is preferred but not required.
• A demonstrated readiness to be flexible, positive, and public-oriented in a creative cultural and educational organization with significant social and community impact.

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

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

• 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
• Record keeping
• 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
• Assistance setting up and breaking down for special events
• Integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality
• A sense of humor and interest in marine animals and/or shells is a plus

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

The intern 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: 1

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.

The intern 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. They 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 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 fit with class schedule if needed

Stipend: $1,500

Available Openings: 1

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.