Education Specialist Internship

About Mote Marine Laboratory

Situated in the heart of the Lower Florida Keys, Mote Marine Laboratory’s Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration (IC2R3) is a state-of-the-art marine science facility dedicated to advancing coral reef research, restoration, and education in the Florida Keys.

Internship Overview

Mote Education Interns in the Florida Keys play an integral role in delivering a wide range of impactful education programs, including school field trips, residential and immersive programs, citizen science initiatives, community outreach events, and more. This highly hands-on internship provides valuable experience in science communication, environmental education, and informal learning across diverse audiences and settings.

Interns support program development, assist with the creation of educational resources, and gain confidence leading activities in the classroom, field, and outdoor environments. Interns will also become familiar with Mote Marine Laboratory’s research and conservation efforts, connecting real-world science to engaging educational experiences.

Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Developing, teaching, and evaluating marine science lessons and activities
  • Supporting citizen science and community outreach programming
  • Supervising and lifeguarding for snorkeling and other water-based activities
  • Assisting with field sampling and outdoor learning experiences
  • Creating, organizing, and maintaining educational materials and spaces
  • Completing daily setup and breakdown of education programs

Interns are expected to be highly organized, proactive team members who take initiative and contribute positively to a fast-paced education environment.

Training & Professional Development

Mote Education Interns receive comprehensive training in marine science content, education pedagogy, safety procedures, and Mote’s ongoing research and restoration work. Throughout the internship, interns will build confidence as educators and presenters, gain experience in curriculum development, and develop transferable skills applicable to careers in science, education, conservation, and outreach.

There may be opportunities to travel, assist with snorkel and dive programs, and participate in limited shadowing or interactions with Mote researchers.

Qualifications

Applicants should:

  • Be pursuing a degree in education, marine science, or a related field
  • Have strong communication skills and enjoy working with children and teenagers
  • Be comfortable spending extended periods outdoors and in the water
  • Be highly organized, proactive, and able to work independently and as part of a team
  • CPR and First Aid certifications are required. Lifeguard and SCUBA certifications are strongly preferred. Teaching experience is beneficial but not required.

Schedule & Commitment

This is a full-time internship (40 hours per week) running from February through May, with flexible start and end dates. The work schedule varies based on programming needs and may include weekdays, weekends, holidays, and occasional evening hours.

Compensation

Monthly stipend provided.

For more information regarding the internship, please contact Jade Bosco at (305) 745-2729, extension 709, or keyseducation@mote.org. 

*PLEASE NOTE: THIS INTERNSHIP WILL STAY OPEN UNTIL FILLED*