Meet Jason Bultman
Florida Oceanographic Society is proud to highlight Jason Bultman, a native Floridian, lifelong waterman, and passionate advocate for protecting Florida’s natural ecosystems. Jason brings a unique combination of scientific expertise, outdoor experience, and community leadership to his volunteer work, all driven by a deep commitment to restoring and safeguarding the places he loves.
Jason holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and a master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh, both in biomedical engineering, where his research focused on artificial organs. His professional career has centered on designing and developing surgical and implantable medical devices, and he currently supports heart transplant programs along the East Coast.
Born and raised in Jacksonville, Jason later lived in Gainesville, Pittsburgh, and Salt Lake City, where he spent a decade exploring the region’s wilderness. During that time, he co-founded and led The Bicycle Collective, a nonprofit focused on community building, fundraising, sustainability, and expanding access to cycling as transportation. Under his leadership, the organization grew into a well-established community resource.
In 2011, Jason and his family returned to Florida, settling in the Jensen Beach area. Today, he and his wife, Michelle, share a blended family of five children. When he’s not working or volunteering, Jason can often be found on the water surfing, paddling, winging, sailing, or exploring the Indian River Lagoon. He also enjoys tennis, gardening, and playing guitar and piano. A passionate grow-your-own-food enthusiast, Jason enjoys working with neighbors to promote more sustainable ways of living.
Inspired by Marjory Stoneman Douglas and The Everglades: River of Grass, Jason has developed a deep commitment to Everglades restoration and improving the health of Florida’s waterways. He serves as a Vice President on the Board of Directors of VoteWater, a nonprofit dedicated to combating pollution and advocating for clean-water policies in Florida.
Jason’s concern for water quality, particularly following the 2021 manatee die-off associated with widespread seagrass loss, ultimately led him to Florida Oceanographic Society. Today, he plays an important role in the FLOWSS water-quality monitoring program, helping track the health of the Indian River Lagoon. He also collaborates with partner organizations on phytoplankton monitoring with NOAA and seagrass assessments with Florida Sea Grant.
His engineering background, particularly his experience designing test systems and analyzing complex data, provides a valuable perspective to the scientific challenges surrounding water quality and seagrass restoration.
Jason says his favorite part of volunteering is “learning as much as possible about the lagoon’s health and partnering with scientists and activists to help restore our local ecosystem.” That commitment extends far beyond his volunteer hours; conservation and environmental stewardship have become an integral part of his life.
Florida Oceanographic is grateful for Jason’s scientific expertise, passion for conservation, and dedication to protecting the waterways that define our region. His service is a powerful example of how community members can turn their knowledge, skills, and passion into meaningful action for Florida’s environment.
Snapshot:
Where were you born? Jacksonville FL
Where did you attend college? UF and Pitt
Favorite local restaurants and why? Colab and Bunkhouse. Locally sourced food and community building enterprise.
Recent book you have read and favorite authors? Everglades: River of Grass, by Marjorie Stoneman Douglas. Couldn't stop reading this one.
Movies, TV, streaming series you would recommend? "Honestly, I would recommend trading any TV series for an activity out in the real world. Discover something not involving a screen. It appears to me we as a society are overconsuming media and we're losing an appreciation for life around us.”
