Jobs & Internships

Job Title: Business Development & Event Coordinator
Department: Marketing
Reports To: Director of Marketing & Development
Salary Range: $35,000-$40,000
Status: Full Time, Non-Exempt
Closing Date: Until Filled

POSITION OVERVIEW

Marine Discovery Center (MDC) is a 501 (C) 3 non-profit organization that aims to protect and restore Florida’s coastal and Indian River Lagoon ecosystems through education, conservation, and exploration.

The Business Development & Event Coordinator (BDEC) is a key component of the marketing team and reports directly to the Marketing and Development Director. The BDEC is responsible for driving earned revenue and corporate support through strategic partnerships, tour sales, and successful event execution. This role blends relationship-based sales, community engagement, and operational coordination to expand the organization’s visibility, revenue streams, and mission impact.

This position serves as a key ambassador for the organization, cultivating partnerships, increasing participation in boat and kayak eco-tours, and leading the planning and execution of revenue-generating events.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES 

Business Development & Partnerships

• Identify, cultivate, and steward strategic partnerships with businesses, community organizations, tourism partners, and sponsors.
• Develop and execute strategies to grow earned revenue through corporate partnerships, group bookings, sponsorships, and cross-promotional opportunities.
• Represent the organization at networking events, chamber meetings, and community gatherings to increase visibility and build relationships.
• Track partnership outreach, proposals, and outcomes to support long-term growth and retention.

Boat & Kayak Eco–Tour Sales 

• Drive sales and bookings for boat and kayak tours, including public tours, private charters, group outings, and corporate experiences. 
• Develop and implement sales strategies to increase tour participation during peak and off-peak seasons. 
• Manage relationships with hotels, NSB Visitors Bureau, SEV Chamber of Commerce, HOAs, and other partners to increase referrals and group bookings. 
• Monitor sales performance, trends, and customer feedback to inform pricing, promotions, and new offerings.

Event Management

• Plan, coordinate, and execute organizational events, including fundraising events, donor engagement opportunities, community programs, and partner events.
• Manage event logistics, including timelines, vendors, sponsorship fulfillment, volunteer and staff coordination, and on-site execution.
• Collaborate with development and marketing to support event sponsorships, promotion, and attendee engagement.
• Evaluate event success through attendance, revenue, and engagement metrics, and recommend improvements for future events.

Marketing & Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with staff to support promotion of tours, events, and partnerships through digital, print, and community channels. 
• Contribute content ideas, partnership highlights, and sales messaging that support broader marketing and fundraising goals. 
• Ensure consistent messaging that reflects the organization’s mission, values, and brand. 

Administrative & Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of sales, partnerships, and event outcomes in CRM and booking systems.
• Prepare regular reports on revenue performance, partnerships, and event metrics for leadership.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and goal setting related to tours, partnerships, and events.

Financials & Budgets

• Work with the Director to develop, implement, and manage monthly, quarterly, and annual marketing budgets in conjunction with the annual operational budget.
• Work with staff to reconcile monthly, quarterly, and annual marketing event financials.

OTHER RELATED FUNCTIONS

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of MDC’s mission and the organization’s strategic vision.
• Comply with MDC Employee Handbook guidelines and expectations.
• Attend internal staff meetings.
• Assume responsibility for professional growth and development.
• All other duties as assigned by the Marketing & Development Director.

WORK HOURS
40 hours a week in a highly active office. The schedule can vary, but a typical schedule is 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday. Evenings and weekends will be required for event execution.

EDUCATION/TRAINING/EXPERIENCE

• College preferred
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in a similar position is preferred
• Computer Skills: Microsoft Office Suite

ESSENTIALS THAT WILL MAKE YOU SUCCESSFUL

• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to multitask! 
• Ability to take initiative.
• Positive attitude. 
• Superior attention to detail. 
• Ability to work well and collaborate with others. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Highly organized.  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to remain stationary part of the time at a computer.
• Needs to move inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Continually operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
• Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand and exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Occasionally work in outdoor weather conditions.

EXPOSURE TO HAZARDS

Many MDC operations involve being on, in or near water. Additionally, chemicals are used for various laboratory tests, in aquaria, and in restoration work. All safety protocols must be followed.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to [email protected]. Position open until filled.

Job Title: Lead Camp Instructor for ages 5-14
Department: Education
Reports To: Education Coordinator
Salary Range: $15/hour, 40 hours/week (Monday-Friday 7:45 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.)
Status: Seasonal Employment – Full Time Non-Exempt
Starting Date: May 18th, 2026
Ending Date: August 7th, 2026

GENERAL OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION
To deliver the Marine Discovery Summer Camp Program to children ages 5-14. The Lead Camp Instructor will utilize the classroom, kayaks, a boat and the outdoor environment to teach a hands-on, feet-wet summer camp curriculum. The Lead Camp Instructor must demonstrate the ability to interact professionally and exercise careful oversight of all campers and volunteers. This individual must be able to navigate productive conversations with parents, MDC staff, MDC Board and the general public. This position calls for excellent independent work skills, strong discernment, and a flexible attitude.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

Teaching and Program Activities:
Under supervision of the Education Staff, the Lead Camp Instructor will:
● Ensure that health, happiness and safety are top priorities at all times.
● Lead activities, games, arts and crafts, and songs.
● Provide an understanding of marine topics
● Oversee all campers.
● Set-up and breakdown all activities.
● Keep inventory of supplies up to date.
● Organize educational and recreational activities.
● Meet and greet parents/guardians and participants at check-in and check-out each day.
● Be prepared to get wet and muddy in the field.
● Clean and maintain grounds and facilities as needed.
● All other duties as assigned by the Education Coordinator.

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Training:
B.A. or B.S. in Environmental Science, Biology or Education degree preferred. A background in K-12 education in either a classroom or an informal environmental education setting is desirable. Computer literate in Microsoft Office.

Licensure/Certification:
CPR and First Aid preferred. Will be subject to Level II background screening and First Mate training.

Other:
The successful candidate will have excellent writing and communication skills, a positive attitude, enjoyment of the outdoors, and an ability to communicate environmental education principles to children. Sufficient mobility and strength to move about the facility, on and off of boats, assist children and move educational equipment (lift at least 50 pounds). The individual must be able to work in sometimes adverse conditions that include rain, heat, insects, etc.

Application Requirements

Please submit a cover letter and resume to Carley Metcalf, MDC Education Coordinator at [email protected]. Position open until filled.

Job Title: Coastal Naturalist/Mate
Department: Boat Operations/Education
Reports To: Boat Operations Coordinator/Education Coordinator
Hourly Range: $14.00
Status: Part Time – Non Exempt

GENERAL PURPOSE

The Coastal Naturalist/Mate position works in a variety of informal education settings including the Marine Discovery Center (MDC) “DISCOVERY”, a 40-foot, 40-passenger vessel, a fleet of kayaks, classrooms, exhibit areas and the outdoors to deliver marine science-based, hands-on, feet-wet educational programs. The Coastal Naturalist/Mate is responsible for the safety and well-being of all guests while providing informal education tours/programs like field trips. He/she will assist the Captain in all related boat functions and is responsible for all required narration during MDC boat, kayak and educational programs. He/she is also responsible for all equipment required to conduct these programs. The Coastal Naturalist/Mate is a representative of the Marine Discovery Center and will adhere to all MDC policies.

WORK HOURS
As needed; some weekend work-related activities may be required.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Education/Training:
B.A. or B.S. in Environmental Science, Biology or Education, or five years of work-related experience as an equivalent. Certification as a Florida Coastal Naturalist is preferred (must be obtained within the first 18 months of employment).

Experience:

Boat handling and leading environmental education/interpretation experience recommended.

Interpersonal Skills:

The Coastal Naturalist/Mate must have excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills to interact professionally with MDC guests. The Coastal Naturalist/Mate must be a good team player able to establish working partnerships inside and outside the organization and be responsible for personal/professional growth and development.  This position calls for excellent initiative, creativity, problem solving and independent work skills.

The ideal candidate will have a positive attitude, enjoyment of the outdoors, and an ability to deliver environmental education programs to both children and adults.

Technical Skills:

The Coastal Naturalist/Mate must have a working knowledge of all safety equipment and some boat operating experience.

Physical Requirements:

The Coastal Naturalist/Mate must have mobility and strength to perform all required functions of DISCOVERY, including but not limited to assisting guests on and off DISCOVERY and lifting/moving equipment up to 50 lbs.  This position requires both field and classroom tasks, therefore the applicant must be able to work in an estuarine environment, including wading in water, walking on trails and kayaking. The individual must be able work in sometimes-adverse conditions that include rain, heat, insects, etc.

Additional Requirements:

A pre-requisite to employment will be a criminal background check per the Volusia County School Board Jessica Lunsford Act. All Coastal Naturalists/Mates are members of the Maritime Consortium and are therefore subject to random drug testing.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnelThe Coastal Naturalist/Mate must have a working knowledge of all safety equipment and some boat operating experience.

Application Requirements

You must submit the following documents to be considered for the position:
1) Cover Letter
2) Resume
3) Three Professional References

Please send the above to Laura Stapleton, Guest Services Specialist, at [email protected]. Position is open until filled.

Marine Discovery Center Internship Opportunities
Marine Discovery Center is offering internship opportunities in our Conservation, Education, and Exhibits departments. Interns will care for MDC exhibits, nurture a growing seagrass nursery, lead K-12 education experiences, build restoration materials with volunteers, and more!

Applications are accepted year-round for semester long terms:
• Fall: September to December
• Spring: January to May
• Summer: May to August

Requirements:
• Set schedule with a 10 hour/week minimum commitment
• Background check (cost covered by MDC if selected)
• Reliable transportation to MDC

Please contact Julia Petersen at [email protected] with any inquiries or questions.