This stipend-supported apprenticeship program aims to make highly competitive candidates for hire at Mote (if available) and in the greater aquatic animal care industry, and to lower financial barriers to gaining the minimum required experience for entry-level animal care employment opportunities. Apprentices will be provided invaluable experiential learning opportunities for one year, and will be mentored by a team of experienced aquarium biologists. This program offers new opportunities to employ and retain the full spectrum of the nation\u2019s diverse talent in the aquarium sciences field, and at Mote Aquarium specifically.<\/span><\/p>\n Apprentice(s) will be provided with a variety of professional development and networking opportunities, and receive hands-on training and supportive mentorship.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Throughout this one year position, the Apprentice will follow a structured schedule that allows them to gain experience working alongside Mote Aquarium\u2019s Fish and Invertebrate Department and the Aquatic Mammal, Reptile, and Bird Department. The Apprentice will learn how to provide care for live collections featuring over 100+ species of teleosts, elasmobranchs, aquatic invertebrates, resident manatees, river otters, sea turtles, and penguins. Candidates can expect to gain experience and skills in the following areas: food preparation, habitat cleaning and maintenance, water chemistry testing, record keeping, behavioral observations\/analysis, animal enrichment, and public speaking (via educational presentations and guest interactions). They will also gain knowledge of operant conditioning and positive reinforcement training.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This Apprenticeship position will include the following additional opportunities:<\/span><\/p>\n The Mote Aquarium Sciences Apprenticeship Program will run September 2025 \u2013 September 2026.<\/span><\/p>\n Applicants must complete the online application form (located in the banner on top of this page) and upload a one-to-two page personal statement or statement of interest, a resume, two letters of recommendation (which must be uploaded directly by their recommender), and the contact information for three professional references. More detailed instructions for preparing and submitting these materials are provided on the application page.<\/span><\/p>\n The goal of this program is to provide financial support, mentorship, and pathway guidance to those interested in entering the aquatic animal care science fields. Through this program, we strive to provide critical training opportunities to those who might not otherwise have access to them.<\/span><\/p>\n Applicants must also meet <\/span>one<\/b> of the following criteria:<\/span><\/p>\n Program Runs:<\/strong> September 2025 \u2013 September 2026<\/span><\/p>\n Deadline to apply:<\/strong> Sunday, June 15th, 2025 at 11:59pm EST<\/span><\/p>\n The Apprentice should expect to work an 8-hour workday within the 7:30am – 5:30pm time frame (with 1 hour for lunch), but should be flexible and able to adjust schedule to meet the needs of our animals and in the event of potential on-call emergencies.This position will include weekend and holiday hours. Occasional longer daily hours or evening hours may be required to complete specific tasks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Participants in the Mote Aquarium Sciences Apprenticeship Program can receive:<\/span><\/p>\n Apprentices are responsible for finding and arranging their own housing in the surrounding areas, so bringing a car is highly recommended. Apprentices are responsible for providing or making arrangements for daily transportation to Mote.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Note: The Apprentice may be at all three of Mote\u2019s Sarasota campuses throughout their Apprenticeship experiences: MoteSEA, Mote\u2019s Aquaculture Park, and City Island campus.<\/span><\/p>\n The aquarium serves as a gateway to the ocean, showcasing hundreds of marine species and offering unique views into laboratories where real scientific research takes place. <\/span>Inside, exhibits totaling more than 1 million gallons will feature a stunning array of sharks, coral reefs, diverse fishes, cool crustaceans, gracefully drifting sea jellies, manatees, sea turtles, otters and a myriad other wildlife.<\/span> For more about Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, <\/span>click here<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n Mote is proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), highlighting our excellence in animal care, science, conservation, education and more.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n 2025-2026 Opportunity:<\/b><\/h5>\n
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Mote ASAP Application Process<\/strong><\/h5>\n
Application Details<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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Apprenticeship Hours<\/strong><\/h5>\n
Stipends, travel and housing information<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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More about Mote Science Education Aquarium:<\/span><\/h6>\n
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