Marine Science 2026 Summer Education Program Internship
Mote Marine Laboratory’s Mission:
“The advancement of marine and environmental sciences through scientific research, education and public outreach leading to new discoveries, revitalization and sustainability of our oceans and greater public understanding of our marine resources.”
Mote Education Department Vision Statement:
“Mote’s Education Department will facilitate Mote’s education and outreach efforts in collaboration with the Research and Aquarium Divisions. As a leader in informal education, we will develop and deliver programs using innovative best practices and technology to reach diverse and global audiences. With a focus on our local community, we will inspire active involvement in environmental stewardship and foster learning in future generations. Our department will continue to seek out opportunities to improve and expand our programs and ourselves.”
Education Department Website: www.mote/org/education
Internship Description:
Every year Mote Marine Laboratory reaches more than 600 students during its summer programs, inspiring a new generation of marine scientists and ocean conservationists. Camps are offered for students ages 6-13. Camps run for one week with half day sessions and each week alternates between two topics. This year is especially exciting with TWO Mote facilities open for camp (Mote at City Island and Mote SEA). At City Island, Mote Adventure Camp will allow campers to explore the local ecosystems; snorkeling, dipnetting, and kayaking. At Mote SEA, Mote STEM Camp will have campers explore our new facility and conduct their own experiments and research. For more specifics on camp schedules and themes, please visit mote.org/summercamp.
Mote Education Summer Interns play a critical role in preparing and delivering these programs. Duties include, but are not limited to, developing, teaching, and assisting in evaluating marine science educational programming; supervising/lifeguarding snorkeling and other water-based activities; maintaining education spaces; daily preparation of camp activities; and assisting with other on-site activities and programming.
The internship is an intensive 12-14 week commitment, beginning in late May. Most work weeks run Monday – Friday with a 7:30 am – 1:00 pm or 1:00pm – 5:30pm schedule, with some weekend or evening work. Interns will work in the classroom, in the Aquarium, and in the water.
Interns will receive a $1200 stipend for this position. The stipend will be paid in three payments during the internship: beginning of summer, mid-summer and end of summer (based on completion of commitment). Applicants must be available for the full duration of the internship to qualify for the stipend. Applicants must be US Citizens or permanent residents to receive payment. Interns must be able to pass a background check to participate in this internship.
Potential interns should be pursuing a degree in education or (marine) science, have strong communication skills, and enjoy working with children. They should be comfortable spending long, hot days outside and in the water. CPR and First Aid certifications are required; and Lifeguard certifications are preferred. Though teaching experience is a plus, it is not required.
All interns will receive intensive and thorough training in marine science topics, education pedagogy, and the work of Mote Marine Laboratory. Mote Summer Education Interns will become more comfortable and confident educational instructors, gain curriculum development experience, and make valuable professional contacts for future scientific and/or educational endeavors. Interns may have some limited opportunities to shadow or visit with other Mote research and/or aquarium staff.
Training and Supervision
Interns will receive extensive training before the beginning of camp which will introduce them to the Aquarium, technology and online resources, and camp activities such as field sampling, kayaking and snorkeling. In their second week, interns will practice classroom management and interpretation skills as well as prepare curriculum for the summer. They will also learn the developmental stages of the ages they will be working with and participate in some professional development activities. For the first week of camp, interns will shadow education staff to learn the schedule, activities and become comfortable with how Mote Camp is run. This training will provide the necessary skills for interns to be comfortable and confident instructors.
Interns are supervised by all staff members of Mote’s Education Department, reporting directly to the Camp Programs Manager. Performance is evaluated on an ongoing basis and interns receive feedback throughout the internship both formally and informally. Interns are expected to be valuable members of our team, being motivated to learn, asking questions, and sharing experiences.
Location:
Mote Science Education Aquarium (SEA) 225 University Town Center Dr, Sarasota, FL 34243
AND
Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236
Program Dates:
Start Date: May 20th, 2026
Preferred End Date: August 5th, 2026
Contact:
Amanda Shuman
Camp Programs Manager
(941) 388-4441 ext 325
Travel:
Interns are required to have reliable transportation to both Mote locations.
Available Resources:
MML is a fully equipped and staffed research institute. Interns will have access to all facilities during their program. MML will provide resources to help locate housing.
International participants will also have full access to the following MML resources:
1. Library
2. Computers, including email.
Equal Employment Opportunity
During the internship application process, Mote, through responsible managers, will recruit, select, train and promote in all positions without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sec, physical disability, age, status as a military veteran, or status as a disabled veteran, except where sex, age, or physical ability is a bona fide occupational qualification.
Managers will ensure that all other personnel actions will be administered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, physical disability, age, status as a military veteran, or status as a disabled veteran, except where sex, age, or physical ability is a bona fide occupational qualification.
Managers will base decisions on the principles of equal employment opportunity for all applicants.
