Mote Marine Laboratory is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively seeks to diversify its work force. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected category. Mote Marine Laboratory participates in E-Verify.
Unless otherwise noted all positions are located in Sarasota, FL
Current open positions:
Volunteer Coordinator, Florida Keys
Analytical Chemist, Ecotoxicology
Guest Services Associate - Part Time Positions
Education Specialist I - part-time
Postdoctoral Researcher in Marine Sediment Science
Volunteer Coordinator, Florida Keys
Located at Summerland Key, FL.
Responsibilities
The Keys Volunteer Coordinator will work with the Volunteer and Intern Office staff, under the Director of Volunteer and Intern Resources and Associate Vice President for Education to support new and existing Mote volunteers in the Lower Keys. This position will be located at the International Center for Coral Reef Research and Restoration in Summerland Key. Job duties will include, but are not limited to:
- Providing outstanding support and resources for Mote volunteers and interns
- Assisting with managing the volunteer and intern database, record-keeping, communication, and other support activities in coordination with the Volunteer and Intern Office in Sarasota
- Leading field- and land-based coral restoration activities, including dive trips with citizen scientists
- Fielding phone calls, electronic communications and visits to answer questions about volunteer opportunities
- Development, planning, execution and evaluation of volunteer training and volunteer performance
- Liaising with Mote science staff to place, train and evaluate new volunteers
- Assisting with communication of volunteer opportunities internally and throughout the community to recruit new volunteers
- Developing and maintaining productive, positive relationships with the FL Keys staff, volunteers and interns
- Other duties as needed to support volunteers and interns in the FL Keys
Knowledge, Skills, and other Characteristics
This candidate will possess outstanding communication skills, poise, and confidence, skilled in written and oral communication with the ability to represent Mote Marine Laboratory to a variety of audiences, and to train others to do so. They should have a strong commitment to customer service, sound judgment, an understanding of the challenges and opportunities of organizations with extensive volunteer engagement, and the determination to work towards a common purpose with skill in facilitating change.
- Experience working with, recruiting, scheduling and managing volunteers
- Experience working with undergraduate students in educational settings
- Experience in leading dive trips for participants with a range of experience levels in a variety of conditions
- Preparation and electronic distribution of communications to a variety of audiences
Our ideal candidate is honest, caring, and professional with a strong work ethic and a contagious, positive energy. They are a giving team member, a creative and proactive problem solver, and an enthusiastic collaborator who believes deeply in Mote and its mission.
Normal hours are 8:30-5:00 with 30-minute lunch break: Tuesday-Saturday; however, regularly flexible weekend and modified weekday hours will be required
Minimum Requirements
- College degree in biology, marine science, or related field
- Experience working with volunteers or college interns
- Excellent verbal/written communication skills
- SCUBA Divemaster Certification (or willingness and ability to obtain within 4 months of hire at own expense) and ability to SCUBA dive on a regular basis
- AAUS Scientific Diver certification (or willingness and ability to obtain within 4 months of hire at own expense)
- Strong computer skills including MS Access, Word, Excel, PowerPoint
- Strong customer service experience
- Florida driver’s license (or eligibility to obtain one upon arrival) and the ability to drive Mote service vehicles including pickup trucks
- U.S. citizenship or foreign citizen U.S. work permit appropriate for the work
- Stamina for working occasional long hours at outdoor locations in hot/cold weather, high humidity, intense sunlight and wet weather while responsible for interns and volunteers
Supervisory Responsibilities
There are no staff supervisory responsibilities associated with this position. This position does assist in the supervision of Florida Keys volunteers.
Hiring Conditions
The hiring of a successful candidate for this position is conditional on a background check within two weeks of start date.
To Apply
Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2024 Volunteer Coordinator, Florida Keys” at https://mote.smapply.org/prog/job_applicants or mail a single package including cover letter, resume or c.v. and the contact information for three references to Mote Marine Laboratory, Attn: Human Resources, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236 before 5pm April 26, 2024
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected category. Mote participates in E-Verify.
Analytical Chemist, Ecotoxicology
The Ecotoxicology Program at Mote Marine Laboratory is seeking an analytical chemist to join a diverse team of scientists investigating synergistic effects on marine life from exposure to multiple stressors, including natural biotoxins (HABs), toxic organic pollutants (pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and other endocrine disrupting compounds) in association with natural and anthropogenic stressors, including climate change. Current projects address investigations into the source, fate and effects of toxic substances in the coastal marine environment, including coral reef communities. These studies include trophic transfer, bioaccumulation and persistence of natural biotoxins as well as anthropogenic contaminants in water, air and marine organisms. The chemist will participate in the design and testing of innovative technologies for controlled lab tests and in situ detection of toxic substances, working with colleagues and stakeholders to assess and reduce risk to marine life and public health.
Mote Marine Laboratory is celebrating its 69th anniversary as an independent, non-profit international marine research and education facility with 29 diverse research programs, an impactful array of K-12, undergraduate STEM education/outreach and graduate research programs, including the NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates, NSF-sponsored Louis Stokes Alliance Minority Participation Centers of Excellence. Mote has a staff of over 260 members (40 PhD-level) and a group of 1,500 volunteers at its main campus in Sarasota Florida, along with five additional campuses/facilities including a marine and freshwater aquaculture research park, International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration in Summerland Key, coral restoration nursery in Islamorada, and a future Science Education Aquarium under construction in Sarasota.
The chemist position requires a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Chemistry, or equivalent, with a minimum of 3 years experience and proficiency in laboratory techniques, focusing on HPLC- MS/MS, and GLC- MS. The position requires the ability to work with other scientists, including chemists, toxicologists and biologists, to design and implement a broad range of research projects encompassing controlled laboratory conditions as well as natural field studies. The chemist must have a command of statistical analysis for data verification and the ability to prepare reports, with the ability to work as part of a team, as well as innovative, independent research. The position involves interactions with scientists from multiple disciplines at Mote, student interns, and visiting scientists.
Applications will be reviewed immediately with an ideal start date by May 22, 2024. The position is full time, with a competitive annual salary. Benefits include partially-subsidized health insurance, with family options available. an opt-in retirement plan with employer matching, leaves for holidays, illness, and vacation.
Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2024 Analytical Chemist, Ecotoxicology” at https://mote.smapply.org/prog/job_applicants or mail a single package to Mote Marine Laboratory, Attn: Human Resources, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236 before 5pm May 17, 2024.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other protected category. Mote participates in E-Verify.
Guest Services Associate - Part Time Positions
The Guest Services Associate serves as a first point of contact for Mote Aquarium guests. This position is responsible for a variety of guest service operations including daily ticketing and memberships, warmly greeting and assisting guests, and operating specialty stations such as Virtual Reality and Fossil Creek. The Guest Services Associate will interact with guests and provide exceptional customer service with the goal of exceeding guest expectations for their visit.
Job Responsibilities
- Greet every guest in a friendly and welcoming manner
- Provide a great aquarium experience by assisting guests with any questions or concerns and providing direction as it relates to any aquarium programs
- Work with the point of sale system to accurately conduct transactions using cash, credit cards, checks, coupons, and vouchers
- Sell Aquarium memberships and educate guests on opportunities for ticket transfers, renewals, and upgrades, in alignment with membership goals
- Provide excellent customer service through knowledge of all Aquarium experiences, offerings and basic operations
- Operate the Virtual Reality station by conducting transactions to sell rides, teaching guests how to safely operate equipment, and troubleshooting any program issues
- Operate the Fossil Creek area by giving guests directions on sifting for the fossils, identifying fossils, selling fish food for the freshwater ponds, stocking materials and preparing sand drying areas
- Control guest entry by adhering to ticket times, directing guests to the appropriate line, and answering all questions relating to their ticket options
- Provide event staffing for all Aquarium special events, including some late nights and weekends
- Maintain a clean and orderly work space
- Perform assigned opening and closing duties of all buildings
- Put safety of guests, employees, interns and volunteers as a top priority
- Assist customers that may have experienced injury, sickness, lost child, etc. according to the associated Mote protocols
- Routinely practice safety drills (fire, lost child, animal escape, severe weather, etc.) in accordance with the Aquarium’s drill schedule
Working Hours:
Normal working hours are 8:30 am to 5 pm, with a half hour unpaid break for lunch. Must be available to work weekends and holidays.
Qualifications:
The ideal team member will be energetic, outgoing, and patient with a desire to provide a positive and memorable experience for each Aquarium visitor. The ideal candidate is a team player able to perform additional functions as assigned. Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, are essential for this role.
Minimum Experience:
- High school diploma
- Basic computer skills
- Must interact courteously and tactfully with public, staff, and volunteers
- Able to work independently or as a team
- Communicate clearly both verbally and in writing
- Ability to work outside in all Florida weather conditions
- Ability to lift and carry 25 Ibs occasionally
- Previous cash handling and guest service experience preferred
To Apply:
Part Time Positions are Available
Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2024 Guest Services Associate” at https://mote.smapply.org/prog/job_applicants or mail a single package including cover letter, resume or c.v. and the contact information for three references to Mote Marine Laboratory, Attn: Human Resources, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236 before 5pm May 24, 2024
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected category. Mote participates in E-Verify.
Education Specialist I - part-time.
Mote’s Education Department develops and delivers high quality education programs using best practices and technology to reach diverse and global audiences. We inspire active involvement in environmental stewardship, foster learning in future generations, and continue to seek out opportunities to improve and expand our programs and ourselves. The Education Specialist I will lead education programs and work closely with staff, volunteers, and interns throughout the Lab and Aquarium to ensure that the needs of the audiences are being met.
General Duties
The Weekend Education Specialist I is responsible for leading a wide variety of Mote’s education programs. Audiences may include school, family, scout, community, camp, and educational travel
groups. They will prepare materials and spaces for programs, ensure the safety of all participants, interns, and volunteers during the programs, and provide outstanding guest service.
Programs include (but are not limited to): guided specialty tours, animal encounters, kayaking tours, birthday parties, sleepovers, scout workshops, dip netting, nature walks and outreaches.
Working Hours
The schedule for this position will vary based on program requests. Shifts will take place on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays and may include evening or overnight hours.
Minimum Requirements
- Enrollment in post-secondary program in education, science, or related field or equivalent experience
- At least one-year teaching experience in either a formal or informal education facility
- Reliable transportation and the ability to arrive at work locations at designated times
- U.S. citizenship or foreign citizen’s U.S. work permit appropriate for the work
- Certifications required: CPR/First Aid (must be obtained prior to start date)
- Excellent verbal/written communication skills
- Stamina for working occasional long hours at outdoor locations in hot/cold weather, high humidity, intense sunlight, and wet weather while responsible for youth and/or adult guests
- Ability to carry/move heavy objects occasionally
Hiring Conditions
The hiring of a successful candidate for this position is conditional on a background check.
To Apply
Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2024 Education Specialist I – Part Time” at https://mote.smapply.org/prog/job_applicants or mail a single package including cover letter, resume or c.v. and the contact information for three references to Mote Marine Laboratory, Attn: Human Resources, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236 before 5pm May 24, 2024.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected category. Mote participates in E-Verify.
Postdoctoral Researcher in Marine Sediment Science
Position: The Chemical and Physical Ecology Program at Mote Marine Laboratory seeks a research scientist in Marine Sediment Science focused on the influence of terrestrial nitrate in submarine groundwater seeps on water chemistry and severe blooms of the dinoflagellate Karenia brevis. The applicant will study groundwater seepage where limestone aquifer strata intersect the southwest Florida shelf, either diffuse or via karst features, and how this may contribute to the marine nitrogen cycle, especially in regard to the role of dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium in benthic sediment. This research will build on the previous findings of Mote scientists working in this area. The research scientist will be expected to complete the proposed research involving field sediment and water collections and laboratory experiments, develop collaborations with other internal and external scientists, and publish research. This position will benefit from experience in enzyme-mediated nitrogen chemistry, ability to work with large datasets, and a strong background in experimental design and statistical analysis. Training in scientific scuba diving is desirable but not mandatory. The incumbent will be mentored by the manager of the Chemical and Physical Ecology and Ocean Acidification Programs, Dr. Emily Hall, and will receive additional mentoring from both internal and external scientists.
Mote Background: Mote is celebrating nearly 70 years as one of the few remaining independent, non-profit international marine research laboratories. The Mote research enterprise has over 25 diverse research programs, an array of STEM education/outreach programs, and an aquarium featuring working laboratories with more than 100 marine species. Mote currently has more than 40 PhD-level scientists, nearly 300 staff and approximately 1300 volunteers located on its main campus in Sarasota and across seven additional campuses/facilities, including a state- of-the-art 200-acre marine and freshwater aquaculture research park, and a 19,000 square foot International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration in the Florida Keys. Work on a new 110,000 square foot Mote Science Education Aquarium is nearing completion.
Application: Applicants must have a Ph.D. in marine chemistry, biogeochemistry, or similar field. This is a full-time position for up to 3 years (pending acceptable performance) and includes an expected initial annual salary of approximately $60,000, health insurance with family options, and benefits including an opt-in retirement plan with employer matching, leaves for holidays, illness, and vacation, and other benefits. The Research Position will also have established researchers assigned to serve as a Mentors. The position will be for a period of three years, assuming appropriate annual progress.
Applicants should submit the following:
- Cover letter of interest including present employment status.
- Academic transcript of doctoral studies
- Copy of PhD if achieved or expected graduation date.
- Curriculum vitae
- Names and contact information for three references.
To Apply:
Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2024 Postdoctoral Researcher - Sediments” at https://mote.smapply.org/prog/job_applicants or mail a single package including cover letter, resume or c.v. and the contact information for three references to Mote Marine Laboratory, Attn: Human Resources, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236 before 5pm July 26, 2024.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected category. Mote participates in E-Verify. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas at this time. Mote Marine Laboratory is an E-Verify employer.
Questions regarding this position may be sent to Emily Hall, Senior Scientist and Program Manager, Chemical and Physical Ecology and Ocean Acidification Programs at emily8@mote.org.
