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. We will post links to our Mote Postdoctoral Research Fellowships here as they become available.
Aquarium Maintenance Technician
Coral Restoration Postdoctoral Scientist OR Coral Restoration Staff Scientist Program Manager
Ocean Technology Program Manager/Staff Scientist
Coral Reef Ecosystem Technician, Summerland Key, FL
Coral Restoration Technician, Summerland Key, FL
Staff Biologist Phytoplankton Ecology
Aquarium Maintenance Technician
The Aquarium Maintenance Technician plays an integral role in ensuring Mote Aquarium maintains its high standards of animal care, public education, guest entertainment and above all, human and animal safety. This position will provide support to the other Aquarium teams in order to achieve their individual and collective missions. The Aquarium Maintenance Technician should have a proven track record of providing high quality work in the areas of painting, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and other “handy-person” related duties. This position will also provide support for life support systems operations, including working with ozone generators, high rate sand filters, and other water filtration equipment.
Responsibilities and Duties:
Basic carpentry - construction and maintenance, proficient with hand and power tools.
Basic HVAC troubleshooting and repair
Basic painting - new and upkeep
Basic plumbing - new and maintenance, capable of working with PVC pipe, fittings, solvent cement, epoxy and resins.
Basic fiberglass - new and repair
Basic electrical - troubleshooting
Determine if a task can be done in-house or needs to be outsourced and gather bids for this work
Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Working Hours:
Typical hours are 8:00am to 5:00pm with a one hour unpaid break for lunch and will include at least one weekend day. Weekend, holiday and occasional evening or early morning duty will be required.
Minimum Requirements:
Work experience: Minimum of 2 years with similar duties in a public facility preferred.
Valid Florida Driver’s License: Required or the ability to obtain one within 60 days of employment.
Education: High school diploma or GED certificate desirable. Trade school or technical school degree preferred.
Physical Requirements:
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
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
Tolerance working with wet hands, feet and clothes
Interested applicants should apply on line 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 September 17, 2021.
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 participates in E-Verify
Coral Restoration Postdoctoral Scientist OR Coral Restoration Staff Scientist Program Manager
Mote Marine Laboratory is recruiting for a single research position to lead its growing Coral Restoration Research Program. The position will either be at the level of a Postdoctoral Scientist or Staff Scientist Program Manager (equivalent to Assistant Professor) dependent on the candidates experience and qualifications. If position is hired at Postdoctoral Scientist level, expectations will be for the incumbent to evolve as quickly as possible into the Staff Scientist Program Manager position.
Location: Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research and Restoration (IC2R3), Summerland Key, Florida
Primary Function: The Coral Restoration Postdoctoral Scientist/Staff Scientist Program Manager will primarily be responsible for overseeing the Coral Restoration Program’s day to day activities, including conducting research on restoration science, managing the implementation of coral propagation within Mote’s land-based nurseries in Summerland Key, Islamorada and Key Largo, outplanting throughout the Keys, monitoring and reporting.
Primary Duties: Conduct research related to coral restoration science and field based restoration applications.
Assist in managing Mote’s coral restoration efforts, specifically focused on utilizing land-based nurseries and microfragmentation processes.
Be a leader in Mote’s coral restoration efforts by providing guidance, perspective and initiative for future cutting edge technologies and applications to keep Mote within the forefront of restoration science
Oversee Mote’s coral restoration projects and deliverables funded by federal, state, local, and philanthropic entities
Represent Mote’s Coral Restoration Program within workshops, partner meetings, and collaborative initiatives.
Oversee data management of the coral restoration outplanting deliverables and research projects within the scope of funded projects
Conduct data analyses, create quarterly reports, and publish peer-reviewed articles on coral restoration science
Oversee permit applications and permit reports associated with Mote’s Coral Restoration Program
Write grants for additional financial support that further Mote’s coral reef research and restoration efforts
Additional duties, as assigned, related to the daily operation of a full service marine laboratory, including outreach and education activities as needed.
Minimum Qualifications or Requirements: Ph.D. degree in the marine or biological sciences from an accredited college or university acquired by time of employment. Ability to obtain a valid Florida driver's license.
Ability to work legally in the US
Ability to obtain AAUS dive certification
Ability to be an adaptable and collegial member of team, self-motivated and complete assigned tasks in a timely manner.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Experience in conducting coral restoration research and field applications.
Publication history appropriate for Postdoctoral Scientist/Program Manager level position.
Ability to secure funding through competitive grants or philanthropic sources
Strong ability to present and discuss research and programmatic goals with members of the public, potential donors, peer scientists, and local managers.
Ability to identify Florida stony corals.
Experience with aquaculture systems.
Experience in stony coral husbandry
Ability to work outdoors, for long hours, in tropical climate.
Lift heavy objects or equipment up to 50 lbs required.
Normal hours are 8 hour work days M-F; however, weekend and evening hours may be required at times.
Please identify whether you are applying for the Postdoctoral position or the Staff Scientist in your cover letter, however, the decision for placement will be recommended by the search committee to Mote President & CEO for final selection.
As a general rule, a Staff Scientist should have published 10 or more publications with at least 3 first author publications, shown the ability to secure a grant over $100,000, and have mentorship/supervisory level experience within a laboratory and/or field setting.
Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing the job “2021 Coral Restoration Senior Level” 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 October 1, 2021.
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 participates in E-Verify.
Ocean Technology Program Manager/Staff Scientist
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, DSc, 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, 501 C(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.
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 the job "2021 Ocean Technology Program Manager" 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 October 1, 2021.
Review of applications will begin October 1, 2021 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. 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.
Coral Reef Ecosystem Technician, Summerland Key, FL
Location: Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research and Restoration (IC2R3), Summerland Key, Florida
Employment Status: full-time (including benefits).
Primary Function: The Coral Reef Ecosystem Technician will be primarily responsible for collecting and processing data pertaining to a large-scale coral restoration project. The goal of this project is to determine how ecological parameters change when reefs are restored at scale, as well as to support the monitoring needs related to restoration activities at” Mission: Iconic Reefs” sites.
Primary Duties:
Process imagery from field collections and make 3D dense point clouds and 2D orthomosaics using Agisoft Metashape.
Process and analyze various Structure-from-Motion products (3D dense point clouds and orthomosaics) for changes in benthic cover (including corals) and physical landscape (e.g. rugosity).
Assist with the collection of field photos using state of the art camera equipment.
Assist with data collection, report writing, data entry, and curation.
Additional duties as needed to support Mote’s other research and restoration programs, participate in outreach and education activities, and other tasks related to the daily operation of a full service marine laboratory.
Minimum Qualifications or Requirements:
B.S. degree in the marine or biological sciences from an accredited college or university.
SCUBA certified (Rescue Diver or higher certification preferred).
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:
Previous research diving experience required.
Ability to identify coral species common to the Caribbean and the Florida Keys.
Ability to lift heavy objects or equipment up to 50 lbs.
Working knowledge of basic computer software (Windows, Word, Excel) required.
Normal hours are 7:30 – 4:30 M-F; however, occasional weekend and evening hours may be required.
To Apply:
Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing 2021 Coral Reef Ecosystem Technician 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 October 1, 2021.
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 participates in E-Verify
Coral Restoration Technician, Summerland Key, FL
Location: Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research and Restoration (IC2R3), Summerland Key, Florida
Employment Status: full-time (including benefits)
Primary Function: This position is primarily to support Mote’s coral restoration activities, including coral husbandry and maintenance duties associated with both in-situ (offshore) and ex-situ (land-based) coral nurseries, outplanting nursery-grown corals to restoration sites, monitoring corals for health and survival, and other associated research projects.
Primary Duties:
Conduct extensive coral restoration related activities, involving SCUBA diving.
In-situ (offshore) and ex-situ (land-based) nursery maintenance and coral husbandry.
Outplant nursery-grown corals to various reef sites.
Conduct routine monitoring and photo-documentation of outplanted corals.
Construct and maintain nursery structures and field equipment.
Assist with data collection, data entry, and report writing.
Additional duties as needed to support other Mote research/restoration projects, assist visiting scientists, participate in outreach and education activities, and other tasks related to the daily operation of a full service marine laboratory.
Minimum Qualifications or Requirements:
B.S. degree in the marine or biological sciences from an accredited college or university.
SCUBA certified (Rescue Diver or higher certification preferred).
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:
Prior experience working in tropical marine ecosystems, and identification of Caribbean corals.
Previous research diving experience (coral restoration experience preferred).
Ability to lift heavy objects or equipment up to 50 lbs.
Working knowledge of basic computer software (Windows, Word, Excel) required.
Ability to adapt to a changing environment, work independently on certain tasks with minimal direct supervision, and good practical problem-solving abilities.
Normal hours are 7:30 – 4:30 M-F; however, occasional weekend and evening hours may be required.
To Apply:
Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing 2021 Coral Restoration Technician 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 October 1, 2021.
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 participates in E-Verify
Staff Biologist Phytoplankton Ecology
Position Overview:
The Phytoplankton Ecology Research Program at Mote Marine Laboratory seeks a Staff Biologist to assist with a variety of tasks and activities in the Program, with emphasis on conducting phytoplankton culture, laboratory analysis of samples, participation in field efforts, and other duties as required. The position will be located at the primary Mote campus in Sarasota on City Island at 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway.
Essential Job Functions:
Primary duties will include:
Participation in the set-up and execution of laboratory experimental assays including sample collection and processing, data recording and electronic data entry
Participation in field work (potentially including multi-day research cruises) including sample processing, recording of data and other information, collection of water samples and specimens for experiments or analysis and operation of scientific equipment
Training on and operation of a variety of laboratory and field instruments, including regular maintenance and calibration
Maintenance of phytoplankton cultures
Additional activities may include:
Occasional assistance to other Laboratory Programs
Assistance and participation in Laboratory special events
Providing training and assist with supervision of undergraduate and graduate interns
Other duties and activities as assigned
To execute the above duties and activities, the employee will be responsible for:
Maintaining proper laboratory techniques for the handling, storage and analysis of cultures, samples and other laboratory materials
Preparation, maintenance and calibration of instrumentation
Cleaning of laboratory glassware and equipment and general laboratory maintenance.
Skills and Qualifications:
Valid Driver’s License
Baccalaureate degree (BS) in biology, aquatic ecology, marine science, or a related field
At least 6 months related experience with basic laboratory skills and equipment (microscope, balance, pipettes, etc.)
Familiarity with standard computer software (Word, Excel, Powerpoint)
Ability to work individually and in a group setting with scientists, staff, students and interns
Ability to occasionally work longer hours in the field or laboratory when needed.
Candidate should have good communication skills and be able to maintain a high level of work quality and accuracy.
Desired Skills:
Preference may be given to candidates with working knowledge and experience with any of the following: Flow Cam, PAM fluorometry, phytoplankton culture, CTD deployment and/or data processing, data processing and graphing programs (ex. Excel, Surfer, R, Origin, etc.)
Working Conditions:
This is a regular, full-time, and is expected to begin on or after October 1, 2021. Daily hours may vary based on need and can be modified with prior supervisor approval. Occasionally, longer hours may be required due to field work, underway experiments, and other research-related efforts. Work may be conducted in the laboratory or in the field, as described above, depending on need.
Salary range starts at $33,000/yr, with pay commensurate with level of experience. Annual merit and cost of living increases will be considered with appropriate work performance. Partially-subsidized health insurance is provided, with family options available. Benefits include an opt-in retirement plan with employer matching, leave for holidays, illness, and vacation, and other benefits. The Staff Biologist will be part of the Mote Phytoplankton Ecology Research Program and will organizationally report to the Phytoplankton Ecology Research Program Manager.
Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing 2021 Staff Biologist Phytoplankton Ecology 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 October 15, 2021.
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 participates in E-Verify
Custodial Service Workers
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is seeking full-time and part-time, day and evening shift, custodial staff who are responsible for maintaining an exceptionally clean venue, laboratory and offices for all visitors and staff, always following Mote policies and procedures while having great attention to detail with integrity and pride.
Our ideal Day Porter will have some experience in the customer service or janitorial industry and is comfortable interacting with both staff and visitors while enjoying everything Mote has to offer. They will have a great attendance record and will have a demonstrated record of good communication skills with customers and supervisors. A good eye for detail and the ability to work independently is a must.
Evening Shift custodial staff will perform various cleaning tasks on a scheduled basis and as needed. Areas of accountability include, but are not limited to bathrooms, carpets & floors, trash, mirrors & windows, counters & shelves, elevators, employee office & break rooms and restrooms, stairwells, specific areas of exhibits, such as the outside of tanks & viewing windows, ceilings, special event rooms, and other assigned areas.
Skills:
Perform routine tasks accurately and efficiently
Able to work independently with limited supervision
Communicate clearly both verbally and in writing
Possess time management and organizational skills
Adaptable and flexible in a changing work environment- growth mindset
Utilize independent judgment to address basic custodial issues
Physical:
Ability to work in both inside or outside in hot/humid Florida weather conditions
Ability to spend the majority of the workday walking, standing, bending and lifting.
Tolerance to work around noisy machinery & equipment
Ability to work in confined spaces
Ability to lift and carry cleaning equipment and supplies
Ability to clean overhead and within upward reach
Capable of working around chlorine and other sanitizing chemicals
Interested applicants should apply on line at https://mote.smapply.org/prog/job_applicants or mail a single package including cover letter, resume or curriculum vitae, and the contact information for three references to Mote Marine Laboratory, Attn: Human Resources, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236 before 5pm October 22, 2021.
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 participates in E-Verify and this position is subject to a criminal history background check.
