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, protected veteran status or other protected category.

Openings

Postdoctoral Research Fellowships

Mote Marine Laboratory (Mote), an independent nonprofit institution established in 1955, has recently adopted a 2020 Vision & Strategic Plan that includes as one of Mote’s four core priorities, “Ensure the long-term prosperity of the research enterprise through focused staff recruitment and nurturing programs.”  In order to address this specific priority, a new Mote Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program began in 2011.

Applications are invited for any field of marine research in the natural sciences. The deadline for applying is COB Thursday, August 31, 2017. Review of applications may begin August and finalists will be announced soon thereafter.

The Two-Year Fellowship

This Fellowship will be awarded in 2017, start in 2018, and last for two years assuming appropriate first-year progress. An earlier start date is possible. The full-time position includes an annual salary of $47,800.  Partially-subsidized health insurance is also provided for the Fellow, with family options available. Benefits include an opt-in retirement plan with employer matching, leaves for holidays, illness, and vacation, and other benefits. The Fellow will receive office/laboratory space and funds for startup, operations, publication costs, and travel.

Applications are invited for any field of marine research in the natural sciences. Competitive applications will focus on research programs that are relevant to conservation and the sustainable uses of marine biodiversity, healthy habitats, and natural resources; will bring or propose new multi-investigator/institutional collaborations to Mote, and will be cognizant of global issues.

For a complete description of Mote's Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program and 2017-18 Fellowship application instructions, see Program Overview.

Coral Technician

Location: Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research and Restoration (IC2R3), Summerland Key, Florida

Employment Status: full-time (included benefits).

Primary Function:  This position is primarily to support Mote’s coral restoration, monitoring and assessment programs including the in-situ coral nursery, the land based nursery and the outplanting to offshore nursery and restoration sites.                  

Primary Duties:

  • Extensive land and field nursery work and support services.
  • Extensive field work involving vessels operations and SCUBA diving
  • Underwater data collection and maintenance of underwater research structures.
  • Construction of nursery structures and maintenance of field equipment.

Additional duties will include assisting IC2R3 staff with various duties related to the daily operation of a full service marine laboratory, assist with field and lab support to visiting scientists, and conduct tours or assist with outreach and education activities as needed.

Minimum Qualifications or Requirements:

  • B.S. degree in the marine or biological sciences from an accredited college or university.
  • Meet and maintain AAUS Scientific Diver standards, including medical requirements.
  • Valid Florida driver's license.
  • Ability to be an adaptable and collegial member of team, self-motivated and complete assigned tasks in a timely manner.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Dive certifications at open water level required, with previous research diving experience and Rescue Diver certification preferred.
  • Knowledge of and ability to safely operate boats, trailers and related equipment required, with a USCG captain’s license preferred.
  • Participate in heavy physical exertion while swimming or diving or hauling gear required
  • Lift heavy objects or equipment up to 50 lbs required.
  • Working knowledge of computer software (Windows, Word, Excel) for entering data required.
  • Weekend and evening work may be required at times.                                                      

To Apply

Interested applicants should submit as a single electronic file, 1) a cover letter, 2) resume, and 3) the names and contact information for three references, before 5pm August 18, 2017 to HumanResources@mote.org.  Alternatively, a single package of all requested elements may be submitted to Mote Marine Laboratory, Attn: Human Resources, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236.  

Post-doctoral Position Linking Marine Aquaculture and Fisheries Enhancement Research

Description: Funding is available for a post-doctoral researcher to work in Mote Marine Laboratory’s Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture, under the supervision of Dr. Kevan Main and Dr. Ken Leber. The position will be based in Sarasota, FL, at Mote Aquaculture Research Park, an aquaculture research and development facility that uses state-of-the-art sustainable recirculating technology.

The position is available to conduct aquaculture research that complements our studies of fisheries enhancement (stock enhancement and restocking research) for recreationally important marine and estuarine fishes, particularly snook. The post-doc will be part of ongoing research focused on snook aquaculture, development of rearing techniques, and the nutritional, behavioral, or physiological attributes that influence survival of early-life-history stages of snook in both hatchery and natural settings. Research will be coupled with the evaluation of fisheries enhancement strategies in Sarasota Bay by using hatchery-reared fish as ecological probes. The post-doc will work with our fisheries and aquaculture research team to help design and conduct laboratory research that improves marine fish culture techniques and promotes wild-type attributes in hatchery-reared fish.

The post-doc will work as part of our multi-disciplinary research team that has decades of experience in marine fish aquaculture, habitat ecology, and potential applications of marine stock enhancement as a fisheries management tool. Their research will contribute to ongoing aquaculture activities examining the effects of density, diet, and environmental conditions on rearing success, establishing techniques to improve nutrition, behavioral attributes, or physiological performance of juveniles, and developing hatchery-protocols that improve approaches to responsible stock-enhancement. Future research will expand current studies of snook aquaculture, comparisons of wild and hatchery fish, and pilot-scale release-recapture experiments to probe fundamental questions that link the fields of marine aquaculture and fisheries enhancement.  We are seeking a candidate with a strong background in marine fish aquaculture and experience with fish nutrition, behavior, or physiology during early-life-history stages. Grant writing and publication in peer reviewed literature are expected.

Qualifications: The candidate should hold a Ph.D. with specialization in aquaculture, marine science, or a closely related field.  Evidence of successful grant writing, publication of research in the peer-reviewed literature, and demonstrated teamwork ability will be major factors in selecting the successful candidate.

Application Information: The initial appointment is for two years with full benefits and a salary stipend; continued funding is available for an additional 2 year period, contingent upon satisfactory progress. Review of applications will begin immediately and we are hoping to fill the position by the Spring of 2018, or as soon as an appropriate candidate is identified. Salary is $45,000 in year 1, with annual increases based on performance.

Please send a CV, brief statement of research interests, and contact information for 3 people who can provide references to the Human Resources Department (humanresources@mote.org). The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

An Aquarium Biologist should have an interest in pursuing a career in animal husbandry in a public aquarium.  This position assists the other Aquarium Biologists with the daily maintenance and care of aquatic animals for public display.  Working with the Aquarium Biologist staff this position will assist in maintaining the living collections of the Aquarium and provide coverage for staff over their weekends.  The Aquarium Biologist – Temporary is a position of which employment will expire on a set date.

Aquarium Biologist (Temporary)

General Duties: 

Animal maintenance tasks may include, but are not limited to, preparation of food (including medicated and special diets), performing water quality tests and evaluation of these tests with corrective measures if necessary, collection of specimens, conducting regular SCUBA assisted diving for exhibit maintenance and cleaning, preparation of chemicals, mixing synthetic seawater, cleaning of filters and aquarium glass, cleaning of food preparation room, performing water changes, and gravel vacuuming.  This position will be responsible for the husbandry of a variety of animals including but not limited to fish, invertebrates, and reptiles.  Other tasks not directly related to animal care may include but are not limited to daily record keeping, maintenance of life support equipment, set up and breakdown of exhibit aquariums, participation in the exhibit development process, and keeping work areas clean and equipment organized.  This position may require participation in continuing education which would involve travel to out of town locations. 

Minimum Requirements:

Valid Florida driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.

Bachelor’s degree in Marine Science or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Employment, internship, or a substantial amount of volunteer hours in a public aquarium, zoo or related institution is required. 

Skills:

  • Perform routine tasks accurately and efficiently
  • Communicate clearly both verbally and in writing
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Access
  • Utilize independent judgment to address basic husbandry issues
  • Possess time management skills
  • Capable of working with PVC pipe, fittings, solvent cement, epoxy and resins

Physical:

  • Precise hand-eye coordination is required for the gentle capture of animals from aquatic environments.
  • Ability to work outside in hot and humid 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
  • Ability to work in confined spaces
  • Tolerance for the smell of fish and animal feces
  • Ability to lift and carry 60 lbs
  • Ability to lift 25lbs overhead
  • Capable of working around bleach and other sanitizing chemicals
  • Strength to lift a net holding 10 lbs. of fish with one hand
  • Tolerance working with wet hands, feet and clothes every day
  • Visual acuity is required including the ability to distinguish color variations

Duration of position:

October 4, 2017 through September 30, 2018

Interested applicants should submit as a single electronic file, 1) a cover letter, 2) resume, and 3) the names and contact information for three references, before 5pm August 18, 2017 to HumanResources@mote.org.  Alternatively, a single package of all requested elements may be submitted to Mote Marine Laboratory, Attn: Human Resources, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236. 

IC2R3 Biological Research Technician

Program: Coral Health and Disease Program

Location:  Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research and Restoration (IC2R3), Summerland Key, Florida

Employment Status: Regular full-time (included benefits)

Primary Function:  This position is primarily responsible for assisting scientists with ongoing research projects, often coral-reef related, conducted by Mote staff and visiting scientists. This position will also be responsible for maintaining equipment located within the Microbiology and Molecular Biology Dry Laboratory space at the Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research and Restoration (IC2R3), Summerland Key, Florida facility.                    

Primary Duties:

  • Conduct tank maintenance associated with ongoing marine research related projects at IC2R3
  • Undertake assays and process samples for various biological analyses for Mote staff and visiting scientists
  • Ensure the proper functioning of all microbiological and molecular equipment at IC2R3 and oversee the use of this equipment by visiting scientists
  • Conduct basic molecular biological applications including DNA extractions and PCR
  • Apply other laboratory assays using physiology equipment, microscopy, and microbial culture techniques

Additional duties will include assisting Mote staff with various duties related to the daily operation of a full service marine laboratory, supervising interns and volunteers, assisting with field and lab support to visiting scientists.

Minimum Qualifications or Requirements:

  • B.S. degree in the marine or biological sciences from an accredited college or university.
  • M.S. degree with experience in molecular biology preferred
  • Valid Florida driver's license.
  • Ability to be an adaptable and collegial member of team, self-motivated and complete assigned tasks in a timely manner.
  • Be a team leader and mentor undergraduate and high school interns

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Familiarity with basic molecular biological applications including DNA extractions, PCR, gel electrophoresis
  • Familiarity using microplate readers for various applications
  • Experience designing and implementing independent research projects
  • Working knowledge of computer software (Windows, Word, Excel) for entering data required.
  • Weekend and evening work may be required at times.

To Apply:

Interested applicants should submit as a single electronic file, 1) a cover letter, 2) resume, and 3) the names and contact information for three references, before 5pm September 8, 2017 to HumanResources@mote.org.  Alternatively, a single package of all requested elements may be submitted to Mote Marine Laboratory, Attn: Human Resources, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236. 

Anticipated start date October 1, 2017

IC2R3 Coral Resilience Technician

Program: Coral Health and Disease Program

Location: Mote Marine Laboratory’s Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research and Restoration (IC2R3), Summerland Key, Florida

Employment Status: Regular, full-time (included benefits).

Primary Function:  This position is primarily responsible for the implementation and management of several coral resilience experiments being conducted within the outdoor raceways at the  Mote Marine Laboratory’s Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research and Restoration (IC2R3), Summerland Key, Florida.             

Primary Duties:

  • Oversee and manage coral experiments including experimental set up, data collection, data analysis, and report writing
  • Maintain database of coral measurements assessing health state
  • Conduct tank maintenance associated with ongoing coral resilience related projects at IC2R3
  • Maintain equipment used to assess water quality and coral health state
  • Undertake assays and process samples for various biological analyses
  • Apply laboratory assays to assess coral holobiont health

Additional duties will include supervising interns and volunteers and conducting education and outreach activities as needed.

Minimum Qualifications or Requirements:

  • B.S. degree in the marine or biological sciences from an accredited college or university.
  • M.S. degree with experience in coral-reef related research is preferred
  • Valid Florida driver's license.
  • Ability to be an adaptable and collegial member of team, self-motivated and complete assigned tasks in a timely manner.
  • Be a team leader and mentor undergraduate interns
  • Comfortable working long hours at outdoor raceways
  • Capable of lifting ~50 lbs

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Experience working within wet lab environments and coral maintenance
  • Familiarity with PAM fluorometry, respiration chambers, and climate change and ocean acidification research is preferred
  • Experience designing and implementing independent research projects
  • Working knowledge of computer software (Windows, Word, Excel and R) for entering and analyzing data
  • Dive certifications at open water level with previous research diving experience and Rescue Diver certification preferred.
  • Weekend and evening work may be required frequently

Interested applicants should submit as a single electronic file, 1) a cover letter, 2) resume, and 3) the names and contact information for three references, before 5pm September 8, 2017 to HumanResources@mote.org.  Alternatively, a single package of all requested elements may be submitted to Mote Marine Laboratory, Attn: Human Resources, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236. 

Anticipated start date: as soon as possible but no later than October 1, 2017

Cashier

The Cashier position at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium will serve either as an Aquarium admissions cashier or membership desk cashier and will help coordinate/direct/assist our volunteer cashiers.  This position will be responsible for cashier duties at the Marine Mammal Center or the Main Aquarium as needed daily. The position will be full time, consisting of 5 days of seven hour shifts, to include at least one weekend day.

Previous cash handling experience is a must, with prior admissions ticketing or customer service experience preferred, but not required.

Interested applicants should submit as a single electronic file, 1) a cover letter, 2) resume, and 3) the names and contact information for three references, before 5pm September 8, 2017 to HumanResources@mote.org.  Alternatively, a single package of all requested elements may be submitted to Mote Marine Laboratory, Attn: Human Resources, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236.  

Florida Keys Community Relations Manager

Program: Community Relations & Communications (CRC)

Location: Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration (IC2R3)

Working Hours: Full-time position. Regular office hours with the understanding that flexibility is required to provide coverage for media/events after hours and on weekends.

Primary Function:

This is a full-time position that supports communications and development activities for Mote Marine Laboratory in the Florida Keys and the institutional goals of: 1) promoting Mote’s research, 2) generating attendance for Mote public exhibits, education programs and events and 3) supporting fundraising efforts. This position also supports and enhances the institution’s reputation, integrity and partnerships in the Florida Keys.  Emphasis is on community, media and donor relations.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

  • Media relations – developing and maintaining strong professional relationships with members of the media at the local, state and national level.
  • Working with CRC department colleagues to develop story ideas, place stories, and handle inquiries (works with media on site and fulfills requests).
  • Serves as a spokesperson for Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium as appropriate in the Florida Keys.
  • Handles inquiries from the general public via phone, Web site and in person, and lead VIP tours of IC2R3.
  • Implements outreach initiatives to build awareness of Mote research.
  • Makes public presentations to area groups and organizations.
  • Supports and enhances institutional partnerships, including representing Mote at off-site events and in professional organizations.
  • Supports and enhances institutional partnerships, including representing Mote at off-site events and in professional organizations.
  • Assists in establishing and leveraging relationships with donors, identifying their interests and articulating programmatic aspects of Mote Marine Laboratory’s work that would appeal to them.
  • Coordinates and conducts donor visits to Mote facilities.
  • Develops relationships with local corporate and community stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications and Skills:

  • Strong organizational skills and ability to juggle multiple priorities and tasks simultaneously, ability to work independently
  • Team-oriented mentality, with ability to demonstrate leadership initiative when appropriate
  • Ability to set priorities, follow through to completion of tasks, work well under pressure and maintain a high level of confidentiality
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to simplify complex topics for a general audience
  • Administrative skills and proficiency with Word, Excel and PowerPoint
  • A four-year college degree, with preference for a focus on communications in marketing or communications-related field
  • Knowledge of marketing and public relations practices and tools, with addition of common fundraising skills a plus.
  • Ability to lift at least 50 pounds
  • Must reside or be willing to reside full time in Monroe County and maintain full-time presence at IC2R3.

Anticipated start date: October 1, 2017

Interested applicants should submit as a single electronic file, 1) a cover letter, 2) resume, and 3) the names and contact information for three references, before 5pm September 15, 2017 to HumanResources@mote.org.  Alternatively, a single package of all requested elements may be submitted to Mote Marine Laboratory, Attn: Human Resources, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236. 

Life Support Systems Supervisor

The Life Support Systems Supervisor (LSSS) is a hands-on technical and supervisory position, responsible for the safe operation of Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium’s freshwater and saltwater operations.  This classification requires an advanced knowledge of aquatic life support systems and associated equipment through education or commensurate experience.  The LSSS is expected to assist in the renovation and improvement of life support systems.  The LSSS will possess the ability to troubleshoot life support systems and assist with the design and installation of new systems and equipment.  The LSSS is expected to perform high quality work in support of Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium’s mission. The LSSS reports to the Curator of Exhibits.

General Duties:

Duties will include, but are not limited to, daily operation and maintenance of ozone generators, compressors and associated peripheral equipment, pump repairs, high rate sand filter operation and maintenance, as well as daily operation of water distribution systems.  General water chemistry and experience in repair and maintenance of mechanical systems as necessary.

  • The LSSS will participate in the design, installation and maintenance of closed and open saltwater systems, seawater heater/chiller equipment, filtrations systems, pumps, ozone equipment, monitoring systems and automation equipment.
  • The LSSS will cooperate with staff, volunteers and contractors, but must be able to work and make decisions independently.
  • The LSSS will supervise the LSS team, including assisting with hiring when required. 
  • The LSSS will be responsible for scheduling of the LSS team to ensure 7 days a week  coverage.
  • The LSSS will ensure all related safety measures and protocols are met.
  • The LSSS will assist with long term planning.    
  • Perform other duties in support of Aquarium activities as assigned by the Assistant Vice President for the Aquarium.

Minimum Requirements:

Education:  Bachelor’s degree in marine science, systems engineering or related field preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Work Experience:  Minimum of 5 years in a Public Aquarium Life Support division, or water treatment facility preferred.  Knowledge of aquatic animal husbandry preferred.  Previous supervisory experience.  The ability to work outside in all Florida weather conditions as well as in tight quarters is mandatory. 

Valid Florida Driver’s License:  Required or the ability to obtain one within 60 days of employment.

Working Hours:

Normal hours are 8.00 am to 5.00 pm either Sunday to Thursday or Tuesday to Saturday and will include holiday shifts.  These hours may be adjustable with the approval of senior personnel. Occasional longer daily hours may be required to complete specific tasks.  The Life Support Systems Supervisor will be available after hours and weekends to support emergency situations.

To Apply:

Interested applicants should submit as a single electronic file, 1) a cover letter, 2) resume, and 3) the names and contact information for three references, before 5pm September 8, 2017 to HumanResources@mote.org.  Alternatively, a single package of all requested elements may be submitted to Mote Marine Laboratory, Attn: Human Resources, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236.  

Sea Turtle Nesting

Mote Marine Laboratory, recently began its 35th year monitoring sea turtle nesting along 35 miles of local beaches.

The Humans of Mote

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