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.
Deputy Chief Financial Officer
Postdoctoral Fellow, Seagrass Ecosystem Research
Education Programs Coordinator
Deputy Chief Financial Officer
Mote Marine Laboratory (Mote) seeks a Deputy Chief Financial Officer (DCFO) to support operations at their Sarasota headquarters. Mote is celebrating over 67 years as one of the few remaining independent, non-profit international marine research laboratories. Mote has an annual operating budget of approximately $30 million, has 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 Summerland Key, new strategically located coral nurseries in Islamorada and Key Largo, and work is underway for a new 110,000 square foot, one million gallon Mote Science Education Aquarium set to open in 2024.
Position duties
The DCFO will support the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), assisting in all oversight areas of Mote's business, accounting, finances, audits, internal controls, human resources, and administration, and serves on behalf of the CFO when CFO is not available. The position plays a key role in the development of financial budgeting and planning systems. The DCFO will also interface directly with, and receive regular guidance from, the Vice President for Sponsored Research and Coastal Policy Programs to closely coordinate on contracts, grants, donations, and align with Mote’s vision, policy interactions, and strategic operations. In addition, the position provides a facilitating interface between the Business Services department, and management of various Mote departments. The DCFO helps ensure the development of relevant financial information, and timely financial budgeting and planning and financial reporting for Mote's President & CEO. The DCFO will assist CFO in managing and controlling the organization's financial processes, making the necessary changes to upgrade and improve processes, policies or procedures, and ensure accountability and compliance with applicable legal, governmental and regulatory requirements. Occasional travel to other Mote facilities may be required.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Provide leadership support to the Business Services department which includes the areas of accounting, cash management, accounts receivable, accounts payable, human resources, payroll, subawards management, fixed assets, audit and compliance.
- Help ensure compliance of financial systems with Mote policies and procedures, grantor’s rules, regulations and requirements, and grant/contract/cooperative agreement awards requirements.
- Assist in the development, analysis and monitoring of program budgets; tracking obligations and expenditures against budgets.
- Advise senior leadership regularly on financial and agreement-related matters.
- Close coordination via regular/routine meetings with the Vice President of Sponsored Research and Coastal Policy Programs
- Assist with directing and reviewing all month end closing activities including general ledger maintenance and balance sheet reconciliation.
- Participate in preparation of annual audited financial statements and cooperate with external audits as deemed necessary.
- Assist with filing federal and state tax returns on a timely basis.
- Assist with supervision of Business Services staff, including human resources and payroll.
- Ensure that accurate fixed asset records are maintained.
- Assist with oversight, review, and approval of monthly financial reports preparation.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements
Education, Training & Experience:
- BBA/BS/BA degree or higher in accounting, finance, business administration or related field from an accredited institution.
- Relevant experience in administrative and financial management of equally large and complex budgets, staff and organizations/institutions
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Knowledge in generally-accepted accounting, budgeting and fiscal control principles.
- Demonstrated skills in developing and managing multi-year budgets.
- Working knowledge of rules and regulations for grants and contracts.
- Relevant skills in automated accounting software systems and database spreadsheets.
- Strong accounting analysis skills.
- Knowledge of cost accounting principles.
- Demonstrated leadership qualities, depth and breadth of financial management expertise.
- Strong interpersonal, writing and oral presentation skills.
- Proven ability to manage staff of various skill levels and abilities.
- Ability to work independently and manage a high-volume workflow.
- Relevant computer software skills and familiarity with accounting software (including, at a minimum, the standard applications in MS Office).
- Highly organized, detail oriented, creative thinker, able to problem solve and ability to multi-task/prioritize and meet deadlines with meticulous attention to detail.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of an integrated team in a fastpaced environment.
- Excellent analytical, organizational, written and oral communication skills.
Additional Desirable Qualifications:
- Government awards management experience.
- Experience working for a non-profit science, research or education organization.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation or the ability to secure CPA within 1 to 2 years.
Applications should be submitted as a single electronic file (to include 1) a cover letter, 2) resume, and 3) the names and contact information for three references) by selecting “Deputy Chief Financial Officer” 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 October 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 Deanna Bebak at deanna@mote.org.
Postdoctoral Fellow, Seagrass Ecosystem Research
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.
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.
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 $60,000 -$70,000, 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.
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 Postdoctoral Fellow, Seagrass Ecosystem Research” 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 October 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. Questions regarding this position may be sent to Kevin Claridge, Vice President of Sponsored Research and Coastal Policy Programs at kclaridge@mote.org.
Education Programs Coordinator
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 Coordinator will develop, coordinate, instruct, and evaluate educational programs at Mote Marine Laboratory campuses and within the community. They will work closely with staff, volunteers, and interns in the Education Department and throughout the Lab and Aquarium to ensure that our mission and the needs of our audiences are being met.
Expectations:
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of Mote’s research, local marine habitats, and best practices in informal science education.
- Work collaboratively with other Mote staff on program development to facilitate the translation and transference of scientific information to a variety of audiences.
- Implement effective, high energy, developmentally appropriate and non-discriminatory experiences that are aligned with Mote’s mission (and standards as applicable).
- Provide an enhanced participant experience through positive interactions and engaging activities.
- Create a safe, inclusive, and rewarding program for every participant.
- Prioritize customer service and consistently demonstrate a positive and welcoming demeanor in interactions with guests, participants, staff, interns, and volunteers.
- Understand, abide by, and ensure enforcement of Mote’s and the Department’s policies, safety procedures, and animal safety protocols.
- Possess knowledge and ability to work within Mote’s registration systems and technology databases.
- Possess the ability to oversee teams of staff/interns/volunteers during programs with a positive attitude and strong leadership skills.
General Duties
The Public Programs Coordinator will support all education program areas including school programs, virtual programs, public programs, community engagement programs, camps programs, and education animal care.
- Coordinate program logistic arrangements, scheduling, materials procurement, curriculum development, and any other duties to ensure successful programs. This position will be responsible for coordinating programs including (but not limited to): camp programs, school holiday programs, scout programs, birthday parties, sleepovers and grant funded youth programs.
- Develop and lead current & relevant education programs based on Mote’s expanding research programs and local marine environments that enhance ocean literacy and incorporate consistent conservation messages.
- Lead hands-on educational on-site classroom/lab/field programs; outreach programs; programs based at Mote field stations around Florida.
- Provide high quality group management to groups of participants of varying ages.
- Provide direction/mentorship to Education Specialists, interns, and volunteers.
- Prepare, organize, and maintain current educational resources with innovative ideas for future uses, working within the determined budgetary guidelines.
- Provide outstanding customer service to our guests.
- Assist with Education animal care and exhibit maintenance.
- Participate in Aquarium docent shifts as needed.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in education, science, or related field or equivalent experience.
- 2 years experience in informal science education program coordination, development, and delivery.
- Experience demonstrating the ability to:
- Coordinate multiple projects simultaneously.
- Oversee seasonal staff, volunteers and/or interns.
- Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
- Follow departmental and organizational policies and procedures.
- Work occasional longer hours at outdoor locations in hot/cold/wet weather, high humidity, intense sunlight while responsible for students and/or teachers.
- Preferred experience leading virtual/on-camera programs.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and/or Google Docs required, experience with spreadsheets and CRM or camp registration systems a bonus.
- Certifications required: CPR/First Aid, Lifeguard & EpiPen (may be acquired within 3 months of hire date)
- Ability to carry/move heavy objects up to 40 lbs and lead rigorous outdoor activities such as nature walks and kayaking programs.
- Florida driver’s license (or eligibility to obtain one upon arrival) with clean driving record and at least 5 years of driving experience.
- Reliable transportation and the ability to arrive at (off-site) locations on time.
- U.S. citizenship or foreign citizen’s U.S. work permit appropriate for the work.
Core Competencies and Characteristics
Our ideal candidate is an honest, passionate, and professional educator with an extremely high work ethic and a contagious, positive energy. They need to be a dynamic presenter, a diligent innovator, a natural leader, and an enthusiastic collaborator and networker who believes deeply in Mote and its mission.
Supervisory Responsibilities
The Education Coordinator will assist with the training, supervision and evaluation of Education Specialists, college interns, high school student interns, and volunteers during programs.
Hiring Conditions
The hiring of a successful candidate for this position is conditional on a background check within three months of starting.
Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2022 Education Programs Coordinator” 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 December 2, 2022.
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.
