Organization Description:
Mote Marine Laboratory, a nonprofit organization, was founded in 1955 as a place “where people can learn more about the sea.” Today Mote, one of the few remaining independent marine research facilities in the United States, serves as a center for research, scientific collaboration, and public education focused on our marine environment. Mote has gained international recognition through the quality and diversity of its research conducted in over 50 countries by its multidisciplinary staff of recognized scientific research leaders. Unique to Mote is an adjacent public aquarium open daily with over 400,000 worldwide visitors annually and over 200 displays and educational programs originating from the laboratory’s research.

Dive Operations Program Description:
The Dive Operations Program is faced with the challenge of providing scientific support for various field operations. The program is further challenged with providing in depth scientific diver training to the faculty and staff at the laboratory. Current contracts include providing scientific diver oversight at the Lowry Park Zoo, impingement sampling at local power plants, artificial reef surveys, and biological assessment of the impacts of artificial reef systems on natural systems within Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The program is also responsible for providing other support operations as scientific projects arise. Other responsibilities include provision of recreational, and scientific dive training to the general public. The public outreach sector includes the planning and execution of scuba diving based events such as an artificial reef clean up and an underwater haunted house.

Dive Operations Intern Duties:
Provide technical assistance and preparation of all field work; assist with dive training; biological sampling; logistic preparation of dive and dive programs; learn the business of scientific diving and the uses of scuba diving as a valuable collection method for scientific investigation; other duties as required for the project scope of work.

Required Qualifications/Education:
Ability to work in a complex fast paced environment; to lift and carry 50-75 lbs of dive gear; to work in inclement working conditions; to handle work in and around boats. Open water scuba certification with 50+ logged scuba dives. Use personal dive gear if available. Dress is generally shorts and t-shirts that can be gotten wet and dirty. Some sampling days will require closed toed shoes and long pants. Available 3-4 months full time depending on individual schedules. Should expect to be continually challenged and be willing to learn in a fast paced scientific environment. College junior or senior preferred

Financial Information:
Internships are unpaid. Mote provides assistance in locating housing but interns should plan on spending $75-$90 per week for housing plus food and entertainment. Interns should arrange for their own transportation due to limited public transportation.

Application Contact Information:
Additional information regarding Mote and the intern application is available online at www.mote.org. Contact gmartin@mote.org with any questions.