On behalf of a partnership between Tampa Electric Company (TEC), The Florida Aquarium (TFA), and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), we are excited to share the Florida Conservation and Technology Center (FCTC) with visitors.
FCTC is a wonderful educational environment that is free and open to the public November 1- April 15. At the northern end of the campus, there is the Manatee Viewing Center (MVC) where guests can see Florida manatees and Cownose Cove (CC) where guests can touch stingrays. In the middle, there is the Clean Energy Center (CEC) where guests can learn about cutting-edge energy technologies.
At the Southern end of the campus, there is the Center for Conservation (CFC) which includes the Suncoast Youth Conservation Center exhibit hall, the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center, Coral Care Center, and Marine Fisheries Enhancement Center. The wildlife observation tower is nestled along the nature trails which connects the campus.
The Manatee Viewing Center along with the entire Florida Conservation and Technology Center property is open to the public 7 days a week from November 1st until April 15th from 10AM-5PM
FCTC Volunteer Position: Docent
Service Location: Manatee Viewing Center – 6990 Dickman Road, Apollo Beach, FL 33572
Purpose of the Position: Docents will act as environmental educators. Your focus is to provide information and guidance so that visitors may learn about the Florida manatee, stingrays, energy technologies, sea turtles, and marine fisheries depending on the location of your choosing. Being an environmental educator is a very rewarding experience!
Responsibilities and duties: The docent’s primary responsibility is to greet and interact with visitors and school groups on behalf of Tampa Electric Company (TEC), The Florida Aquarium (TFA) and Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) to promote environmental stewardship and positive community relations. We will provide you with the materials and learning opportunities, so that you may share your knowledge with visitors. Being an environmental educator is a very rewarding experience!
Qualifications: No specific experience is required. Volunteers must pass a background check.
Commitment Expected: One 4-hour shift per week, 9:45am-1:45pm or 12:45pm-4:45pm. The Manatee Viewing Center is open 7 days a week, November 1-April 15.
Training: Must attend a training session. Our next docent training is scheduled for December. Manatee Viewing Center training Dec 27th 8am-noon, Center for Conservation training Dec 28th 8am-noon, Center for Conservation training Jan 8th 11am-3pm, Clean Energy Center training Dec 28th 12:30-3pm. Cownose Cove is full for the 2021-2022 season. The first step is to complete the online application. The link to this application will be sent to you by the Volunteer Coordinator when the email you initiate below has been received.
Next Step: Seniors in Service helps nonprofits throughout Tampa Bay find volunteers like you to help accomplish their mission. Fill out the form below and someone from Seniors in Service will contact you soon to walk you through the next steps to begin volunteering. In question 4, please include the words “Florida Conservation and Technology Center.”