The application for this program is NOW OPEN!
The deadline to apply is Sunday, June 15th, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST.

 

The Mote Aquarium Sciences Apprenticeship Program (Mote ASAP) provides a one-year extensive, fully-immersive experience giving young professionals the essential experience and support to enter the Aquarium and Animal Care industries as skilled, qualified applicants. The goal of the program is to provide vital training opportunities to those who might not otherwise have access to them. 

This stipend-supported apprenticeship program aims to make highly competitive candidates for hire at Mote (if available) and in the greater aquatic animal care industry, and to lower financial barriers to gaining the minimum required experience for entry-level animal care employment opportunities. Apprentices will be provided invaluable experiential learning opportunities for one year, and will be mentored by a team of experienced aquarium biologists. This program offers new opportunities to employ and retain the full spectrum of the nation’s diverse talent in the aquarium sciences field, and at Mote Aquarium specifically.

Apprentice(s) will be provided with a variety of professional development and networking opportunities, and receive hands-on training and supportive mentorship. 

 

2025-2026 Opportunity:

Throughout this one year position, the Apprentice will follow a structured schedule that allows them to gain experience working alongside Mote Aquarium’s Fish and Invertebrate Department and the Aquatic Mammal, Reptile, and Bird Department. The Apprentice will learn how to provide care for live collections featuring over 100+ species of teleosts, elasmobranchs, aquatic invertebrates, resident manatees, river otters, sea turtles, and penguins. Candidates can expect to gain experience and skills in the following areas: food preparation, habitat cleaning and maintenance, water chemistry testing, record keeping, behavioral observations/analysis, animal enrichment, and public speaking (via educational presentations and guest interactions). They will also gain knowledge of operant conditioning and positive reinforcement training. 

This Apprenticeship position will include the following additional opportunities:

  • Opportunities for shadow experiences at other Florida-based Zoos and Aquariums
  • Opportunity to earn Basic Open Water SCUBA Certification or advance current dive certifications
  • Opportunity to complete online animal care learning courses and certifications
  • Opportunity to attend an aquarium husbandry conference alongside a conference mentor
  • Pre and post-program pathway guidance

The Mote Aquarium Sciences Apprenticeship Program will run September 2025 – September 2026.

Physical Conditions and Requirements:
  • Standing (up to 4 hours per day)
  • Walking (up to 7 hours per day)
  • Carrying (up to 50 lbs.) — Occasionally
  • Lifting (up to 50 lbs.) — Occasionally
  • Bending/Stooping/Squatting/Kneeling/Balancing — Frequently
  • Crouching/Crawling — Occasionally
  • Sitting (up to 2 hours per day)
  • Climbing heights (12’) — Frequently
  • Reaching above shoulders — Frequently
  • Pushing/Pulling — Frequently
  • Strength to lift a net holding 10 lbs with one arm
  • Exposure to marked changes in temperature and humidity
  • Exposure to dust, fumes and gases
  • Using hands for repetitive movements — fine manipulating
  • Typing on a computer keyboard
  • Viewing a computer screen for extended periods
  • Ability to work outside in hot and humid Florida weather conditions
  • Capable of climbing and working from ladders
  • Tolerance to work in the proximity of noisy machinery & equipment
  • Ability to work in confined spaces
  • Tolerance for the smell of fish and animal feces
  • Capable of working around bleach and other sanitizing chemicals
  • Tolerance working with wet hands, feet and clothes regularly
  • Daily contact with a living collection of plants and animals in a central Florida climate
  • Ability to interact and be around wild animals
  • Exposure to various plants and birds
  • Subject to on the job hazards related to working with animals that bite and need to be lifted or restrained.
Please Note:
  • This is not a research position/opportunity.
  • This is not an animal rehabilitation position/opportunity.
  • Hands on animal training experience will be limited. 
  • Candidates should be willing and able to work with all species outlined above and follow the set structure of the program. 
Mote ASAP Application Process

Applicants must complete the online application form (located in the banner on top of this page) and upload a one-to-two page personal statement or statement of interest, a resume, two letters of recommendation (which must be uploaded directly by their recommender), and the contact information for three professional references. More detailed instructions for preparing and submitting these materials are provided on the application page.

Application Details

The goal of this program is to provide financial support, mentorship, and pathway guidance to those interested in entering the aquatic animal care science fields. Through this program, we strive to provide critical training opportunities to those who might not otherwise have access to them.

Eligibility:
  • U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. or its territories.
  • Completed degree program in the last 2 years: Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree
  • Available for the full duration of the one-year program
  • Must have an interest in fish and invertebrate care
  • Must have an interest in mammal and reptile care
  • Must plan to pursue a career in aquatic husbandry
  • Must be willing/able to work holidays and weekends

Applicants must also meet one of the following criteria:

  1. Completed at least one aquatic animal care internship
  2. Obtained 3 months or more of zoo or aquarium volunteering experience
  3. Graduated from an academic program that focuses on aquatic aquarium care

Program Runs: September 2025 – September 2026

Deadline to apply: Sunday, June 15th, 2025 at 11:59pm EST

Apprenticeship Hours

The Apprentice should expect to work an 8-hour workday within the 7:30am – 5:30pm time frame (with 1 hour for lunch), but should be flexible and able to adjust schedule to meet the needs of our animals and in the event of potential on-call emergencies.This position will include weekend and holiday hours. Occasional longer daily hours or evening hours may be required to complete specific tasks. 

Stipends, travel and housing information

Participants in the Mote Aquarium Sciences Apprenticeship Program can receive:

  • Financial support via stipend for up to 1 year
  • Financial support for travel/relocation expenses to Sarasota, FL

Apprentices are responsible for finding and arranging their own housing in the surrounding areas, so bringing a car is highly recommended. Apprentices are responsible for providing or making arrangements for daily transportation to Mote. 

Note: The Apprentice may be at all three of Mote’s Sarasota campuses throughout their Apprenticeship experiences: MoteSEA, Mote’s Aquaculture Park, and City Island campus.

More about Mote Science Education Aquarium:

The aquarium serves as a gateway to the ocean, showcasing hundreds of marine species and offering unique views into laboratories where real scientific research takes place. Inside, exhibits totaling more than 1 million gallons will feature a stunning array of sharks, coral reefs, diverse fishes, cool crustaceans, gracefully drifting sea jellies, manatees, sea turtles, otters and a myriad other wildlife. For more about Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, click here.

Mote is proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), highlighting our excellence in animal care, science, conservation, education and more.