Education Division

Marine Science Education Summer Program

Every year Mote Marine Laboratory reaches more than 500 students during its summer programs, inspiring a new generation of marine scientists and enthusiasts. Camps are offered for students ages 2-18. Most run one week for four hours a day, plus After Camp Care. Mote Education Summer Interns play a critical role in delivering these programs. The Internship is an intensive 12-14 week commitment, beginning in late May. Most work weeks run Monday - Friday on an 8 - 5 schedule, with some weekend or evening work. Interns will work in the classroom, in the Aquarium, and in the water. Duties include, but are not limited to, developing, teaching, and evaluating marine science activities; supervising/lifeguarding snorkeling and other water-based activities; cleaning and organizing education spaces; daily set-up and break down of camp activities; and overseeing After Camp Care.

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, First Aid, and Lifeguard certifications are required (SCUBA certification optional). 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 Education Summer Interns will become more comfortable and confident teachers/presenters, gain curriculum development experience, and make valuable professional contacts for future scientific and/or educational endeavors. Most Interns will spend at least one week in the Florida Keys, assisting with our snorkel/dive camps, and may have some limited opportunities to shadow or visit with Mote research and/or aquarium staff.

For more information on our summer programs, please visit www.mote.org/education. The online application for Mote Internships can be accessed below. Application deadline is March 15. For more information regarding the Internship, please contact Brad Tanner at 941-388-4441, extension 351 or bradtanner@mote.org.

“I spent my summer working at Mote in the Education Division. Whether you know about marine life or not, you are guaranteed to learn something new at camp; I sure did. The biggest reward is the kids; you teach them about a crab or seastar they have never heard of and the next day snorkeling they find and identify that same species! I had a blast and made some life-long friends with other interns and staff who share my interests for the water. This internship is a great opportunity!”

“My summer spent at Mote Marine Lab was definitely the best summer of my life. Although my overall goal in life is to be involved in shark research, I still benefited greatly from the Education and Public Programs internship. I had the opportunity to practice my research skills while writing classes for summer camp and doing various projects. This internship was a great opportunity to get my foot in the door and I was even able to get involved in other areas at Mote because of it. The internship is very high energy and a lot of fun.  The campers learn a lot of fun and valuable facts about marine animals and ecosystems.”

Apply for a Mote Internship now!