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.
Our employment openings are listed below. Recent doctoral students are also invited to apply for our Mote Postdoctoral Research Fellowships, with current opportunities focused on sharks and manatees.
Openings
Custodial Services
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is seeking full-time and part-time, daytime and second shift, custodial staff and a supervisor 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 in working at such a great place.
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.
Second shift (6pm to 2:30am) 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 submit as a single electronic file, 1) a cover letter, 2) resume, and 3) the names and contact information for three references, before 5pm December 31, 2020 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.
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
Maintenance /Security Technician - Part Time
General Duties:
Monitor and ensure the continued operation and upkeep of mechanical systems and equipment. related to sea-water distribution, including (but not limited to) pumps, motors, tanks, valves, and piping; Provide after-hours access to campus and facilities, as necessary, to fire I police I utility personnel; Make periodic rounds of the campus facilities to determine systems operation and security of buildings and equipment; Provide after-hours access to MML campus and facilities by MML vessels, vehicles, staff, and public;
Working Hours:
Part Time Shift work; holidays/weekends/nights; Occasional longer daily hours not to total over 40 hours per pay week (Wednesday through Tuesday) without approval of supervisor; This position calls for working normal shifts holidays;
Minimum Requirements:
Must possess a valid Florida Driver's License; Must demonstrate ability to consistently and punctually report for assigned work schedule; Must be able to accomplish after-hours tasks with minimum supervision;)Must be able to use and I or read pressure gauges and metering equipment;. Must possess a combination of skills, education, and I or experience which enable completion of assigned tasks.
Education:
High school diploma or GED certificate desirable. Trade school or technical school courses preferred. OJT trade courses or apprenticeship I journeyman training acceptable.
Physical:
Must interact courteously and tactfully with public, co-workers, managers, contractors & vendors. Good written communications skiffs for logs I notes I instructions to other shifts; Ability to move I carry heavy objects; Stamina for working occasional long hours at outdoor locations, during both day and night hours, which may include working in tropical to temperate climate conditions. (Hot or cold, humid, intense sunlight, rainy weather, etc.)
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 December 18, 2020 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.
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 Chemist – Ocean Acidification
The Ocean Acidification Program at Mote Marine Laboratory seeks a staff chemist with a minimum 2 years of experience in analytical chemistry including experimental seawater ocean acidification facilities and focus in carbonate chemistry. This position will be permanently located in Summerland Key, Florida at the Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research and Restoration (IC2R3). General duties to be performed include working with research-focused outdoor raceways and the CAOS (Climate and Acidification Ocean Simulator) at IC2R3. This includes sample collection, monitoring and analysis of total seawater alkalinity, dissolved inorganic carbon, spectrophotometric pH, and other water quality parameters. The staff chemist performs statistical data analyses to process carbonate chemistry data and disseminating that information to users of the CAOS system. Tasks also include maintaining the dry ocean acidification (OA) laboratory, maintaining the dry chemistry laboratory, keeping track of and ordering all supplies and materials, keeping all OA-related work organized, instrument maintenance, data entry, working with visiting scientists, some coral husbandry, and some field work. The staff chemist will be responsible for managing and mentoring student interns year round. This position might longer days and weekend work. Travel to the main lab in Sarasota, Florida is possible. Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. and must be able to work in a hot/outdoor environment.
Requirements:
B.S required, M.S preferred. Preferably with a chemistry or ocean acidification background.
Knowledge of coral reef ecosystems
Working knowledge of carbonate chemistry processes and instrumentation.
Familiar with standard computer software (Excel, Word, etc.), data handling applications such as R and database management
U.S. citizenship or foreign citizen’s U.S. work permit appropriate for the work is required
Special Qualifications:
Knowledge of ocean acidification, CO2Sys or CO2Calc, and monitoring equipment
Previous laboratory and experimental systems experience, especially with carbonate chemistry instruments
Familiar with marine organism experimental testing equipment (pH monitoring probes, temperature probes, tanks, pumps, filters, heaters, etc.)
Strong troubleshooting and problem solving skills
Ability to work autonomously
Very organized with great attention to detail
Willing to work with groups from other institutions
Ability to move, live and work in a remote location (Florida Keys)
Open water SCUBA, AAUS Scuba preferred
Boat handling skills, US Coast Guard OUPV/Six-pack Captain's License preferred
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 December 1, 2020 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.
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 Resilience Postdoctoral Researcher
Location: Mote Marine Laboratory - Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research and Restoration (IC2R3), Summerland Key, Florida
Primary Function: The Coral Resilience Postdoctoral Researcher will primarily be responsible for overseeing the integration of resilience into Mote’s coral restoration pipeline, including conducting research on resilient traits, potential tradeoffs, and managing the thoughtful implementation of resilient traits into restoration practices.
Primary Duties:
Assist in managing Mote’s coral resilience research efforts, specifically focused on quantifying heat tolerance, resilience to ocean acidification and resistance to disease of Mote’s restoration corals.
Mentor Staff Biologist(s) on site conducting day-to-day resilience research activities within Mote’s Climate and Ocean Acidification Simulator system.
Be a leader in Mote’s coral research efforts by providing guidance, perspective and initiative for transformative research applications to keep Mote within the forefront of coral reef research and restoration science
Oversee Mote’s coral resilience testing activities at IC2R3 and communicate findings to Mote’s coral restoration programs to facilitate integration of knowledge
Represent Mote’s Coral Health and Disease Program within workshops, partner meetings, and collaborative initiatives.
Oversee data management of the coral resilience research deliverables and additional related research projects within the scope of funded grants
Conduct data analyses, create reports, and publish peer-reviewed articles on Mote’s coral resilience science
Lead efforts to collate and manage phenotypic data into Mote’s trait database
Liaise with partners and local managers associated with integrating resilience within coral restoration including, but not limited to, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Florida Fish and Wildlife.
Write grants for additional financial support that further Mote’s coral reef research 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. Ability to obtain a valid Florida driver's license.
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.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Experience with conducting ‘resiliency’ research on Caribbean corals.
Some experience in coral restoration activities a benefit, but not required
Experience in quantifying coral physiological traits
Ability to conduct extensive statistical applications to large data sets
Strong independent writing skills
Publication history appropriate for Postdoctoral Scientist level position.
Ability to secure funding through competitive grants or philanthropic sources
Ability to identify Florida stony corals.
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.
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 November 16, 2020 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: January 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.
Senior Research Scientist in either Shark or Manatee Biology, Behavior and Conservation
Mote Marine Laboratory announces the availability of a Senior Research Scientist position concerning either elasmobranchs with an emphasis on sharks, or sirenians with an emphasis on manatees. Both positions would require candidates who are currently: 1) a senior scientist of international reputation and esteem, 2) a demonstrated leader in marine conservation, 3) an active participant in contemporary, professional scientific research with a strong history of successful grantsmanship and experience in managing research programs and staffs, and 4) a commitment to the public understanding of the biology, behavior, and conservation of sharks or manatees. This Senior Research Scientist position would be expect to secure and maintain significant external grant funding each year but would be provided a guaranteed Mote base of 100% annual salary and fringe benefits for the initial three years, followed by 75% guarantee for three years and an additional three year commitment at 50%.
SHARKS. Mote’s leadership in shark research traces continuously back to the Laboratory’s founding in 1955, as the Cape Haze Marine Laboratory under Dr. Eugenie Clark. In 1991, the U.S. Congress named Mote as the site of the Center for Shark Research, the nation’s only such-designated research center for sharks and their relatives. Memoranda of Understanding between Mote and several organizations including NOAA help to guide the course of the Laboratory’s shark research. Mote’s Sharks and Rays Conservation Research Program, the unit under which current elasmobranch research is conducted, reflects a priority on studies that contribute to the conservation and rebuilding of depleted elasmobranch populations. This research spans laboratory- and field-based studies from southwest Florida to locations around the world. Facilities for conducting elasmobranch research at Mote include offices and laboratories, an extensive wet lab and animal care facility, and a fleet of research vessels.
This Senior Research Scientist position is expected to lead Mote’s elasmobranch research into the coming decades. It is anticipated that the successful candidate may qualify to receive the Perry W. Gilbert Chair in Shark Research, an endowed chair established in 2001, to support the work of a distinguished, internationally recognized shark biologist in residence at the Laboratory.
MANATEES. The study of wild manatees began at Mote Marine Laboratory in the 1980s with aerial surveys of the coastal waters of Manatee and Sarasota counties. The Manatee Research Program (MRP) was formally founded in 1993, and with the addition of Dr. John Reynolds, III, (Nov. 8, 1952 - Dec. 23, 2017) as program manager in 2000, the MRP grew to become a cornerstone of scientific understanding and protection of these unique mammals in Florida and the Caribbean. The Manatee Research Program continues at Mote, and Reynolds' legacy continues to benefit marine science, conservation, and education around the globe.
The MRP conducts year-round studies of manatee behavioral ecology, distribution, habitat use, genetics, and population status in Florida. The MRP also advises manatee conservation and research actions throughout Florida and the wider Caribbean, and further advises conservation projects for sirenians (manatees and dugongs) globally. Mote’s MRP is one of three organizations (along with U.S. Geological Survey’s Sirenia Project and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) participating via formal Memoranda of Understanding in organizing and maintaining the statewide Manatee Individual Photo-identification System (MIPS) database. Long term aerial and photo-identification surveys throughout the year have proven valuable to coastal community efforts to manage manatees in order to balance human activities with the sustainability of manatees and their habitat. MRP research at Mote is ongoing and also involves collaborators including corresponding and visiting faculty and graduate students, agency and NGO investigators, postdoctoral associates, interns, and volunteers.
A complete application will be a single pdf file containing:
1. Cover Letter addressed to Dr. Michael P. Crosby, Ph.D., FLS, President & CEO; to include confidentiality terms and availability timeline.
2. Curriculum vitae including links to representative publications.
3. Narrative account of experience and accomplishments.
4. Thought piece on your vision for Mote’s future growth and leadership in shark or manatee research.
5. Other Considerations.
6. Names, titles, and contact information (telephone; email) of three references.
Qualified, interested applicants are required to send a complete application to Mote’s Human Resources Office at HumanResources@mote.org with the subject line: “Senior Scientist Application/ Sharks” or “Senior Scientist Application/ Manatees.” 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.
Other media essential to your application may be submitted. The application period will remain open until 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 eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas at this time. Questions regarding the application process may be directed to Ernest D. Estevez, Ph.D., Senior Scientist Emeritus and Search Committee Chair, at estevez@mote.org.
