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.
Current open positions:
Graphic Designer, Aquarium Exhibits and Science Illustration
Guest Services Associate - Part Time
Postdoctoral Fellow, Seagrass Ecosystem Research
Graphic Designer, Aquarium Exhibits and Science Illustration
The Graphic Designer is responsible for designing graphics and other illustrated materials for Mote Aquarium’s exhibits. Graphics will include printed signage, digital graphics for exhibit monitors, editable templates for other aquarium teams to use, directional signage, proposal materials for new exhibits, and other aspects as required.
Applicants with a passion for using innovative design to create an outstanding educational experience for Mote’s guests are encouraged to apply. All work performed by the Graphic Designer must demonstrate a high level of professionalism and attention to detail. The Graphic Designer often works on multiple projects concurrently and is responsible for documenting and communicating progress towards goals effectively with stakeholders in multiple departments.
General Duties:
- Design printed signs and other graphic materials for the aquarium.
- Reprint and replace existing signs as they show wear.
- Design infographics that communicate complex scientific information to the general public.
- Work closely and communicate effectively with Mote staff from multiple departments and outside vendors.
- Maintain organized storage of small signs (staff only, exhibit in progress, out of order, etc) and other print items (cardstock, lamination pouches, etc).
- Maintain organized digital file storage.
- Support Mote’s brand identity by designing graphics that match and supplement our core brand.
- Handle projects from concept through installation, including (but not limited to) consulting with internal clients, working with print vendors, copywriters, and photographers.
- Prioritize a clean, organized, and safe work environment and observe safety and risk management procedures in public areas and workspaces.
- Complete work in compliance with related plans, policies, procedures, laws and standards including; Local, State, and Federal laws – (copyright permissions, etc.), AZA standards, Disaster preparedness, and ADA guidelines.
- Make immediate/emergency repairs within one's abilities or make sure area is safe for Mote guests and staff before reporting issue promptly to maintenance team and supervisor.
- Record work completed and in progress on the exhibits project task list database.
- Other duties as assigned.
Working Hours:
Normal hours are 7:30am to 4:30pm Sunday-Thursday with a one hour unpaid break for lunch. A normal work week is 40 hours. Weekend, holiday and occasional evening duty will be required. Mote Aquarium is open to the public 365 days a year from 9:30am-5pm. Travel will occasionally be required for offsite exhibit installation and maintenance.
Minimum Requirements:
- First Aid and CPR certified or the ability to attain within 3 months of hire date
- Florida Drivers License or the ability to obtain one within 1 month of hire date
Experience:
- Formal education/a degree in graphic design, science illustration, general illustration, a related field, or equivalent experience. Visual science communication experience is preferred but not required
Skills:
- Creative mindset; strong problem-solving and analytical abilities
- Strong organizational and time management skills, and ability to prioritize projects
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Self motivated
- Exceptional attention to detail
- Experience working with and editing photos
- Interest in learning how to install rigid and vinyl signage on a variety of surfaces (concrete, drywall, stucco, etc.) or prior experience with sign installation
- Experience working in Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop
- Interest in working with and mentoring volunteers and interns
- Interest in working with traditional media (could include painting murals on a variety of surfaces) preferred but not required.
Physical:
- Ability to work outside in all Florida weather conditions
- Ability to spend the majority of the workday walking, standing, bending and lifting.
- Capable of climbing and working from ladders
- Tolerance to work around noisy machinery & equipment
- Tolerance for the smell of fish and animal feces
- Ability to lift and carry 60 lbs occasionally
- Ability to lift 25lbs overhead occasionally
- Capable of working around bleach, solvents, epoxy, and other chemicals typically used in exhibit fabrication and maintenance.
- Tolerance working with wet hands, feet and clothes
- Close vision and color vision
- Ability to tolerate sitting, repetitive movement, standing, walking
- Ability to use hands to handle, control or feel objects
Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2023 Graphic Designer, Aquarium” at https://mote.smapply.org/prog/job_applicants or mail a single package including cover letter, resume or CV, portfolio, and the contact information for three references to Mote Marine Laboratory, Attn: Human Resources, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236 before 5pm September 30, 2023.
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.
Guest Services Associate - Part Time
The Guest 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
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 choosing “2023 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, or send a letter of interest and resume to HumanResources@mote.org before 5pm September 29, 2023.
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 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 is celebrating over 68 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 almost 300 staff and 1500 volunteers that are 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, 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.
Recent (after 2020) PhD graduates are invited to apply. Applicants with a firm expectation of graduation by Spring 2024 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 “2023 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 November 1, 2023 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 eligible to legally 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.
