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Interested in Volunteering?
Realize the good you can do by simply giving your time. You can be a part of something meaningful and help support one of the world's most important marine research organizations by becoming a Volunteer at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.
Mote’s volunteer corps is over 1,000 strong and offers the opportunity to get involved with peers who share your love of the sea and its creatures. Take a look at our current volunteer opportunities below.
Mote Aquarium Opportunities
Aquarium Guide
Aquarium Guides engage guests throughout Mote Aquarium, interpreting exhibits, facilitating touch pool opportunities, teaching about marine life, conservation, and Mote research.
Requirements:
- 15+ years of age
- Weekly 4 hour shift; minimum commitment of 100 hours per year
- Passion for marine science, animals, and ocean habitats
- The ability to interact with aquarium visitors with patience and enthusiasm
- Completion of online orientation and in-person training with an experienced Aquarium Guide
SARASOTA VOLUNTEER APPLICATION
High School Volunteer Opportunities
- Teen Volunteer Program (TVP)
- Summer High School Volunteer Program (SHSVP)
Please visit our High School Volunteer Program page for more information.
Aquarium Volunteer Diver
Volunteer Divers assist with the maintenance of our largest exhibits through cleaning and animal observations while being in the water. As a bonus, Volunteer Divers in good standing also have opportunities to directly interact with guests during special event dives.
Requirements for eligibility:
- 18+ years of age
- 2 4-hour shifts/month for a minimum of 1 year
- Rescue diver certification or above
- Current CPR with AED certification
- Current First Aid certification
- Current Oxygen Administration certification
- Current DAN Dive Accident insurance
- Ability to pass a swim and dive skills evaluations
- Ability to pass a dive physical
If you are interested in becoming an Aquarium Diver please attend an upcoming informational meeting, held periodically.
Our next Diver Recruitment Event will take place in February of 2024. Visit mote.org/events for more information and to RSVP. If this date has passed, follow us on social media or check back here on occasion for updates.
Other Mote Aquarium Volunteer Opportunities
Occasionally, we have additional volunteer opportunities. Most require that interested individuals be a current Mote volunteer with at least 6 months of service completed as an Aquarium Guide. These opportunities may also require additional background screening and training.
- Education Assistants: Aid staff in teaching pre-designed classroom & field programs for student groups from age two-adult.
- Special Event Volunteers: Serve as a guide in the Aquarium during after-hours events (after 5:00 p.m.), such as wedding receptions and parties.
- Husbandry Volunteer: Aid staff with various aspects of animal care, such as food prep, cleaning animal habitats, etc.
- Exhibit Volunteer: Assist staff with exhibit construction, painting, gardening, set-up/breakdown of special exhibits, etc.
- Research Volunteer: Varies based on assignment. May involve lab, field, and/or remote work.
Sea Turtle Patrol Volunteer
If you are interested in participating as a volunteer in Sea Turtle Patrol with our Sea Turtle & Conservation Research Program (STCRP), please send an email to the STCRP at turtledata@mote.org and you will be provided with more information. Keep in mind that space is limited and there is usually a substantial waiting list for positions, so volunteer opportunities are not immediately available.
Volunteer at Mote’s Other Locations
Mote’s Education Outreach Center on Anna Maria City Pier
As a volunteer at Mote’s Educational Outreach Center on Anna Maria City Pier, you will engage visitors by teaching about local wildlife, marine science, conservation, and Mote research!
Requirements:
- 18+ years of age
- Weekly 4 hour shift; minimum commitment of 100 hours per year
- Passion for marine science, animals, and ocean habitats
- The ability to interact with aquarium visitors with patience and enthusiasm
- Completion of online orientation and marine science education, and in-person training with an experienced Aquarium Guide or Mote staff member
ANNA MARIA CITY PIER VOLUNTEER APPLICATION
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is Mote’s Educational Outreach Center located?
- Mote’s Educational Outreach Center is located at the end of the Anna Maria City Pier, 100 N Bay Blvd, Anna Maria, FL 34216
- Is there parking available?
- Yes! There are reserved parking spaces for Mote staff and volunteers.
- When will the Educational Outreach Center open?
- The projected opening date for the Center is April 2023.
- Will there be animals at Mote’s Educational Outreach Center?
- Yes! There will be several exhibits focusing on local wildlife, species including a touch exhibit!
Volunteering in the Florida Keys
There are currently three Mote facilities located in the Florida Keys. Click on each link to learn more about volunteer opportunities in the Keys!
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Mote’s Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration (IC2R3)
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Mote’s Key Largo Coral Nursery
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Islamorada Coral Nursery
ALL KEYS VOLUNTEER APPLICATION
Benefits
- Mote membership privileges
- Gift Shop & Deep Sea Diner discounts
- Professional training
- Social events & opportunities
- A chance to learn something new every day
Please Note
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium does not currently offer:
- Short-term, group, or corporate volunteer opportunities
- Volunteer opportunities for kids under 15 years of age
- Court-appointed community service opportunities
- Job shadowing. For college students and recent graduates, see our internship page here.
Contact
Have additional questions? Reach out to our Office of Volunteer Resources! The best way to get a hold of us is via email (volcoordinator@mote.org). You can also call our office at (941) 388-4441, ext. 852.
