You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.
Start making a difference today as an Aquarium guide. You’ll connect visitors with our mission and educate them about our oceans at our main Aquarium in Sarasota or our outpost on the Anna Maria City Pier. From there, you can explore other ways to help—contributing to Mote research, conservation, education programs, events and more!
Check out our current volunteer opportunities below.
We are not currently onboarding new volunteers at this time. If you are interested in volunteering at Mote SEA (the new facility being constructed near UTC Mall), please add your name and email address to our interest list to be notified when volunteer applications reopen.
We have several different options for high school students to get involved by volunteering at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. See our High School Volunteer Opportunities page for more information and to apply for one of the open positions.
Volunteer Divers assist with the maintenance of some of our most iconic habitats at the Mote Aquarium campus located on City Island. Standard tasks include in-water cleaning via window wiping, scrubbing and vacuuming, identifying and observing animals, maintaining back-up areas and equipment, and speaking with visitors to educate them about the animals and their ecosystems. As a bonus, Volunteer Divers in good standing have opportunities to participate in special event dives.
If interested, please review the requirements below, then complete our Mote Aquarium Volunteer Diver Interest Form. As positions become available, we will reach out to provide further information and set up interviews.
A full position description can be found here.
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. Opened in April 2023, Mote’s Educational Outreach Center features several exhibits focusing on local wildlife species, including a touch exhibit.
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.
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.
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.
