Employment Opportunities

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Employment Opportunities

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.

Our current employment openings are listed below.

Aquarium Guest Services Associate

Postdoctoral Fellow, Marine Microbiology

Facilities Scheduling Manager

Facilities Technician, Plumber

Custodial Services Worker

Ocean Technology Project Manager

Aquarium Guest Services Associate

The Aquarium Services Associate serves as the first point of contact for Mote Aquarium guests. This position is responsible for facilitating ticket and membership sales, greeting and assisting guests with entry, cashiering and assisting guests at our Fossil Creek area, cashiering and assisting guests at our virtual reality experience, and providing other services to give our guests a great experience during their visit. Qualified applicants will have basic computer skills, cashier experience, and enjoy working with the public.

Job Responsibilities

Greet every guest in a friendly manner
Accurately conduct transactions using cash, credit cards, checks, coupons, and vouchers
Work with the point of sale system to sell and renew memberships and update membership information
Connect with our guests to provide the best possible experience by suggesting exhibits, providing safety information and helping to resolve any issues that may occur.
Assist guests at our virtual reality experience by informing them how to sit, put on their headset, and setting up the experience
Assist guests at our Fossil Creek area by informing them how to sift through the sand and identify the fossils, as well as sell pond fish food
Maintain a clean and orderly work space
Perform assigned opening and closing duties
Preparing and stocking Fossil Creek materials and merchandise
Other duties as assigned

Working Hours:

Normal working hours are 9 am to 5 pm. Must be available to work weekends and holidays.

Experience:

Previous cash handling and guest service experience preferred.

To Apply:

Interested applicants should apply on line by selecting “2022 Aquarium 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 31, 2022.

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Marine Microbiology

Position: Mote Marine Laboratory intends to grant a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Marine Microbiology. An applicant’s research focus should be in microbial culture-based techniques, derived products from the sea (to include antibiotics, probiotics and other non-prescription health supplements for aquaculture and humans), factors driving microbial distribution and community structure, and interest in maintaining and expanding a Mote microbial library for culture work.

Mote: Mote is celebrating over 67 years as one of the few remaining independent, non-profit international marine research laboratories. The Mote research enterprise has over 20 diverse research programs, an array of education/outreach programs, and an aquarium featuring working laboratories with more than 100 marine species. Mote currently has more than 40 PhD-level scientists, over 260 staff and approximately 1300 volunteers that are located on its main campus in Sarasota and across six additional campuses/facilities including a state-of-the-art 200 acre marine and freshwater aquaculture research park, a 19,000 square foot International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration in the Florida Keys and work is underway for a new 110,000 square foot Mote Science Education Aquarium.

The Mote scientific expertise is considerable and diverse, and is augmented by approximately 150 non-resident scientists from more than 100 different U.S. and international institutions who are involved in projects at Mote. In addition, more than 70 non-resident scientists from around the world have been appointed as Adjunct Mote Scientists due to their significant level of sustained collaboration with Mote scientists and regular use of Mote facilities to conduct their research.

Application: Recent (2019 and after) PhD graduates are invited to apply. Applicants with a firm expectation of graduation by December 31, 2022 will be considered. This full-time position includes an expected initial annual salary of $55,000, 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 Postdoctoral Fellow will also have an established researcher assigned to serve as a Mentor and will receive office/laboratory space at the Mote Aquaculture Research Park in Sarasota, and funds for startup, operations, and travel. The Fellowship will be for a period of three years assuming appropriate annual progress. Exemplary Fellows may be invited to join Mote as a Staff Scientist upon completion of their initial three-year appointment.

Mote envisions significant growth of its Marine Microbiology Research Program as part of the evolution of its current Sarasota campus into an International Marine Science, Technology and Innovation Park, continued expansion of the Mote Aquaculture Research Park, and stand up of satellite campuses/facilities along the Florida coral reef. The position also affords the opportunity for hosting visiting scientists, interactions with scientists from multiple disciplines at Mote, and oversight of student interns and volunteers. Postdoctoral Fellows are selected based on their ability to not only strengthen and diversify the Laboratory’s significant existing research expertise, but also the potential to establish their own innovative research initiatives that address Mote’s Beyond 2020 Vision & Strategic Plan.

Applicants should submit the following:

Cover letter addressed to Kevin Claridge, Vice President of Sponsored Research and Coastal Policy, of interest including present employment status
Academic transcript of doctoral studies
Copy of PhD if achieved, and expected graduation date.
Curriculum vitae
Two-page essay, excluding references and exhibits, describing intended research and mentors.
Three representative journal publications, in press or published
Names and contact information for three references

Applications should be submitted by selecting “2022 Postdoctoral Fellow, Microbiology” 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.

Review of applications will begin June 1, 2022 and will close when filled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other protected category. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is a U.S. citizen or otherwise 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 Kevin Claridge, Vice President of Sponsored Research and Coastal Policy Programs at kclaridge@mote.org.

Facilities Scheduling Manager

This position is responsible for scheduling the operations of the Facilities Department and its contractors. The Facilities Department is a service department that provides maintenance, repair, renovations and new installations to the entire Mote organization, 365 days a year which includes weekends and holidays. This position requires a high level of organization, excellent communication skills, and a positive attitude with a “customer” focused goal of satisfying all maintenance requests in a timely and positive manner. Must be able to keep up with a continuous but often uneven workload, provide excellent customer service, work well with staff, interns and volunteers and be able to coordinate with various other departments. Reports directly to Mote Facilities Director.

Duties

Responds to all maintenance requests received in person, by phone and email
Tracks and maintains the working schedules of the Mote Facilities team to provide 365 days a year support to the organization
Communicate effectively with all maintenance requesters that the maintenance request has been received, provide a timeline for completion, and follow up with a job completion notification
Schedule all work to be completed by Mote facilities staff and its associated outside contractors at all of Mote’s facilities
Develop relationships with outside contractors to facilitate the completion of maintenance requests in a timely and professional manner
Discover or develop, then implement and maintain an electronic record keeping system that tracks all maintenance requests and subsequent actions taken and communicates back to the requester
Prepare POs related to maintenance department activities and deliver them to necessary account managers for their approvals

Working Hours:

Typical operating hours are 8am-5pm but due to the nature of this position weekend, holiday and evening or early morning duty may occasionally be required.

Labor Category:

Non-Exempt (Federal Fair Labor Standards Act)

Minimum Requirements:

Basic computer software skills with spreadsheets, word processing, etc. and willingness to learn new electronic scheduling and purchase order skills. Time management and organizational skills a must, as are communications with a wide variety of personnel.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Experience:

Preferred 3 years’ experience in a service operation with scheduling responsibilities.

Minimum Requirements:

Ability to safely lift 70 pounds
Good verbal communication skills
Able to safely work on ladders and elevated platforms

Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing the job “2022 Facilities Scheduling Manager” at https://mote.smapply.org/prog/job_applicants or mail a single package including cover letter, resume and the contact information for three references to Mote Marine Laboratory, Attn: Human Resources, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236 before 5pm May 27, 2022.

Facilities Technician, Plumber

Mote Laboratory and Aquarium is seeking a Facilities Technician-Plumber to join our team. This role will help keep all buildings, equipment, and grounds well-maintained, clean, and working in a first-class manner. They will also support the Life Support Department. Additionally, this role assess, repairs, replaces, rebuilds and maintains all equipment as necessary. Advanced plumbing experience preferred.

Essential Functions:

Knowledge and experience, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, carpentry, and/or pump system trades
Complete work-orders in a proactive and customer-oriented manner
Responsible for work in all Aquarium buildings and grounds in all locations
Good working knowledge non-journeyed trades including areas such as Ozone, life support systems, pumps, motors, sand filters, etc.
Learn and master critical skills in other journeyed trades to ensure complete cross-training within Facilities team to ensure work orders can be completed by any Facilities team member when required
Maintain all facilities systems to operate consistently and reliably
Maintain Life Support & general building pumping systems
Troubleshoot and solve problems
Working knowledge of basic computer programs such as Windows Office
Ability to be flexible and work on unrelated problems and projects within one day
Communicate regularly with staff in other departments, in particular the status of work orders, changes, complications, completions and resolutions
Interact with the Life Support Team on a daily basis to insure equipment reliability
Coordination of work between facilities and other departments, such as Life Support, to minimize disruptions to the daily business and visitors
Oversee all major pump repairs made by outside vendors
Ability to complete work and projects in a timely fashion and within the set schedule
Ability to work weekends and holidays as scheduled

Qualifications/Position Requirements:

High School Education, or equivalent
Must be able to work with minimal supervision
Must have a minimum of 3 years in the specified trade of which at least 1 year was at the Journeyman level. Completion of a recognized apprenticeship program and Journeyman certificate preferred. The specified trades of interest include but are not limited to Electrical, Plumbing, Pumps, Mechanical, and Carpentry

To apply:

Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing the job “2022 Facilities Technician, Plumber” at https://mote.smapply.org/prog/job_applicants or mail a single package including cover letter, resume and the contact information for three references to Mote Marine Laboratory, Attn: Human Resources, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236 before 5pm May 27, 2022.

Custodial Services Worker

Mote Marine Laboratory is looking for a responsible custodian to maintain and protect our facilities. The ideal candidate will be experienced in a custodian role focused on building upkeep and able to work responsibility without the need of supervision. They will have great physical endurance to cover a large space. A keen eye for detail and diligence are imperative in custodial maintenance jobs. Must be able to follow directions.

Responsibilities

Ensure spaces are prepared for the next day by taking out trash, dusting surfaces
Sweep and mop floors and vacuum carpets
Wash and sanitize toilets, sinks and showers and restock disposables (e.g. soap)
Wipe mirrors and windows
Upkeep on aquarium indoor/outdoor spaces
Maintain outer premises by cleaning entrances
Report major damages to facilities
Secure facilities after operating hours by locking doors, closing windows and setting up the alarm
Undertake occasional custodial and janitorial tasks (sweep sidewalks, lifting heavy items, moving chairs etc.)

Skills

Proven experience as custodian, janitor or in a similar role is preferred but not required
Knowledge of use and maintenance of industrial cleaning equipment and appliances is preferred but not required
Knowledge of safe disposal of chemical liquids and other hazardous components
Attention to detail and conscientiousness is a must
Very good physical condition and strength
High school diploma is preferred but not required

To Apply:

Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing the job “2022 Custodial Services” at https://mote.smapply.org/prog/job_applicants or mail a single package including cover letter, resume and the contact information for three references to Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236. For best consideration, please apply before 5pm, May 27, 2022.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other protected category. Mote Marine Laboratory participates in E-Verify.

Ocean Technology Program Manager

The Ocean Technology Research Program of Mote Marine Laboratory has an opening for a full-time, Staff Scientist/Program Manager. The ideal candidate will have a PhD or equivalent in ocean science & engineering with experience in instrumentation for the marine environment. Experience in interdisciplinary research, biogeochemical measurements and instrumentation, optics, autonomous instrument platforms, and/or ocean observing systems will be advantageous. The successful candidate must have a demonstrated capability to conceive, design and implement instrumentation or device intended for an application in their field of study. Hands-on experience with mechanical, electrical, optical or computer technology will be a rated metric in the selection process.

The successful candidate will manage an existing small engineering and ocean technology team and will be responsible for identifying additional personnel needs. The new program manager will interact with optical instrument developers, apply existing instrumentation on autonomous platforms (Webb gliders) and fixed stations, to research questions involving Harmful Algal Blooms under existing projects, lead the migration of existing instruments to additional generations and novel platforms, participate in regional and national activities supporting the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System, manage and enhance Mote’s existing Sarasota Operations – Coastal Ocean Observing System (SO-COOL), develop new instrumentation, and procure grants in support of his/her specific areas of interest.

Mote envisions significant growth of its Ocean Technology Research Program to include innovations in sensor development, robotics, artificial intelligence and machine learning as part of the evolution of its current Sarasota, FL campus into an International Marine Science, Technology and Innovation Park. The position also affords the opportunity for hosting of visiting scientists, interactions with scientists from multiple disciplines at Mote, oversight of student interns and volunteers. Mote Scientists may serve as Courtesy Faculty at various colleges and universities, as well as sharing information to the public to enhance understanding about Mote’s Ocean Technology Research.

Mote is an independent, not-for-profit, 501c(3) research and education institution. The hire will be at the Staff Scientist (Assistant Professor equivalent) level with the opportunity to advance to Senior Scientist (Full Professor equivalent). As a Staff Scientist, the successful candidate is expected to report findings in significant peer reviewed professional publications and participate in professional organizations and meetings. The starting salary will be commensurate with experience, with a generous benefits package but we are especially interested in early career engineers who will continue to grow with our expanding Ocean Technology Research Program.

Technical questions regarding this position may be sent to Kevin Claridge, Vice President of Sponsored Research and Coastal Policy Programs at kclaridge@mote.org. Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2022 Ocean Technology Program Manager” at https://mote.smapply.org/prog/job_applicants or mail a single package including cover letter, resume or c.v. with a complete publications list (accepted, in press and in review) and the contact information for three references to Mote Marine Laboratory, Attn: Human Resources, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236 before 5pm July 15, 2022.

Postdoctoral Fellowship, Seagrass Ecosystem Research

Position: Mote Marine Laboratory is seeking candidates for a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Seagrass Ecosystem Research. Seagrass Ecosystems are critically important to Florida’s ecology and economy, serving vital functions for various fisheries, nursery habitats for a variety of keystone species, sediment stabilization, absorbing nutrients, and coastal resilience. This position will assist in the development of cutting-edge propagation and out-planting technologies, establishing the research structure for ensuring the most genetically resilient seagrass strains are utilized in restoration (similar to Mote’s proven success with coral research and restoration), bringing together the best and brightest scientists and practitioners to collaborate on science-based solutions (similar to Mote’s proven success under the Florida Red Tide Mitigation and Technology Development Initiative), serve as the hub for innovative applied restoration research (similar to the Protect Our Reefs Grant Program), and act as a conduit to education/outreach statewide managed areas in need of seagrass restoration.

Mote: Mote is celebrating over 67 years as one of the few remaining independent, non-profit international marine research laboratories. The Mote research enterprise has more than 25 diverse research programs, an array of education/outreach programs, and an aquarium featuring working laboratories with more than 100 marine species. Mote currently has over 260 staff and 1500 volunteers that are located on its main campus in Sarasota and across six additional campuses/facilities including a state-of-the-art 200 acre marine and freshwater aquaculture research park, a 19,000 square foot International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration in the Florida Keys and work is underway for the over 100,000 square foot Science Education Aquarium.

The Mote scientific expertise is considerable and diverse, and is augmented by approximately 150 non-resident scientists from over 100 different U.S. and international institutions who are involved in projects at Mote. In addition, more than 70 non-resident scientists from around the world have been appointed as Adjunct Mote Scientists due to their significant level of sustained collaboration with Mote scientists and regular use of Mote facilities to conduct their research.

Application: Recent (after 2019) PhD graduates are invited to apply. Applicants with a firm expectation of graduation by December 31, 2022 will be considered. This full-time position includes an annual salary of $55,000, health insurance with family options, and benefits include an opt-in retirement plan with employer matching, leaves for holidays, illness, and vacation, and other benefits. The Postdoctoral Fellow will also have an established researcher assigned to serve as a Mentor and will receive office/laboratory space at the Mote Aquaculture Research Park in Sarasota, and funds for startup, operations, and travel. The Fellowship will be for a period of three years assuming appropriate annual progress and exemplary Fellows may be invited to join Mote as a Staff Scientist upon completion of their initial three-year appointment.

Mote envisions significant growth of its Seagrass Ecosystem Research Program as part of the evolution of its current Sarasota campus into an International Marine Science, Technology and Innovation Park, continued expansion of the Mote Aquaculture Research Park, and stand up of satellite campuses/facilities along the Florida coral reef. The position also affords the opportunity for hosting of visiting scientists, interactions with scientists from multiple disciplines at Mote, and oversight of student interns and volunteers. Postdoctoral Fellows are selected based on their ability to not only strengthen and diversify the laboratory’s significant existing research expertise, but also the potential to establish their own innovative research initiatives that address Mote’s Beyond 2020 Vision & Strategic Plan.

Interested applicants should submit electronic files in pdf format including:

Cover letter addressed to Kevin Claridge, Vice President of Sponsored Research and Coastal Policy, of interest including present employment status
Academic transcript of doctoral studies
Copy of PhD if achieved, and expected graduation date.
Curriculum vitae
Two-page essay, excluding references and exhibits, describing intended research and mentors.
Three representative journal publications, in press or published
Names and contact information for three references

Applications should be submitted by selecting “2022 Seagrass Ecosystem Postdoctoral Fellow” at https://mote.smapply.org/prog/job_applicants

or by mailing a single package to Mote Marine Laboratory, Attn: Human Resources, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236.

Review of applications will begin June 1, 2022 and will close when June 30, 2022. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other protected category. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is a U.S. citizen or otherwise eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas at this time. Questions regarding this position may be sent to Kevin Claridge, Vice President of Sponsored Research and Coastal Policy Programs at kclaridge@mote.org.

Philanthropy Officer

Position Overview

The Philanthropy Officer at Mote Marine Laboratory will be responsible for securing significant revenue for Mote Marine Laboratory. He/She will be expected to develop dynamic fundraising strategies focused on engaging, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding an assigned portfolio of major donors as well as developing new prospects focused on leadership level giving for the organization. The Philanthropy Officer will report directly to the Director of Development and work independently and as part of the Development Team.

The Philanthropy Officer will:

Manage an assigned portfolio of donors and prospects with intent to form deep relationships and identify specific areas of interest. Cultivate, solicit and steward donors at the $5,000 level or higher, with an emphasis on maximizing revenue for Mote. Personally solicits assigned donor portfolio through face to face visits, including preparation of personalized materials.
Establish personal relationships with major donors, identifying their interests and articulating programmatic aspects of Mote Marine Laboratory’s work that appeal to them.
Leverage individual donor relationships to expand and deepen giving from connected individuals.
Personally solicit a specific portfolio of 100-200 prospects, with an emphasis on leadership level annual gifts as well as multi-year pledges. Meet minimum annual fundraising goal tied to individual donor portfolio. Develop donor solicitation plans for entire portfolio resulting in strategic, targeted asks.
Identify, cultivate and solicit planned gifts within the portfolio.
Develop strong funding proposals with Mote education, aquarium and research staff.
Draft and coordinate correspondence to donors, including gift agreements, letters, email updates and reports.
Represent Mote at community events to increase Mote’s visibility, establish new prospects and create donor stewardship opportunities.
Ensure correct and timely records are maintained for all donor communication in Mote’s database.
Enhance the culture of philanthropy at Mote Marine Laboratory.
Become an expert on Mote Marine Laboratory and convey that knowledge to the donors in a manner that encourages their philanthropic support.

Requirements:

The Philanthropy Officer is an energetic, goal-driven, customer service-oriented team member.
The successful candidate should possess a broad knowledge of the principles of fundraising, moves management and the ability to participate in all aspects of the gift cycle.
Candidate must also possess a proven track record in individual gift fundraising, managing a large portfolio including experience closing gifts of $25,000 and higher.
The Philanthropy Officer must possess an understanding of the principles and vehicles of Planned Giving.
Candidate must have at least three years of professional major gift experience. Preference will be given to candidates who have demonstrated qualitative success in working with member-based organizations and volunteers.
Must demonstrate strong listening skills, strong oral and written communication skills, sophisticated interpersonal and relationship-building skills, and be literate in standard office software.
Experience maintaining donor records in database.
Attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
Bachelor degree or equivalent experience is required.

To Apply:

Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2022 Philanthropy Officer” 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 June 17, 2022.

Employment Opportunities

Aquarium Guest Services Associate

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Marine Microbiology

Facilities Scheduling Manager

Facilities Technician, Plumber

Custodial Services Worker

Ocean Technology Program Manager

Sponsored Programs Accountant

Postdoctoral Fellowship, Seagrass Ecosystem Research

Philanthropy Officer

Sea Turtle Nesting

The Humans of Mote