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.
Education Specialist I, Summer Camp
Staff Biologist - Coral Gene Bank
Assistant Manager - Mote’s Education Outreach Center at Anna Maria City Pier
Mote Science Education Aquarium (SEA) Education Liaison
Curator of Fish and Invertebrates
Education Specialist I, Summer Camp Part Time
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 Specialist I will teach education and work closely with staff, volunteers, and interns throughout the Lab and Aquarium to ensure that the needs of the audiences are being met.
General Duties
The Education Specialist I will work in the classroom, in the Aquarium, and in the water. Duties include, but are not limited to, developing, teaching, and evaluating marine science activities; supervising & lifeguarding snorkeling and other water-based activities; cleaning and organizing education spaces; daily set-up and breakdown of camp activities; and overseeing other activities and programming.
Laboratory Category: Seasonal (May 24 – Aug 1)
Working Hours
Mote’s camp programs run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. This position will support both morning and afternoon camps on a rotating basis with shifts from either 7:15 AM – 1:15 PM or 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM for a total of up to 30 hours per week.
Minimum Requirements
- Enrollment in post-secondary program in education, science, or related field or equivalent experience
- At least one year teaching experience in either a formal or informal education facility
- Reliable transportation and the ability to arrive at work locations at designated times
- U.S. citizenship or foreign citizen’s U.S. work permit appropriate for the work
- Certifications required: CPR/First Aid, lifeguarding (must be obtained prior to start date)
- Excellent verbal/written communication skills
- Stamina for working occasional long hours at outdoor locations in hot/cold weather, high humidity, intense sunlight, and wet weather while responsible for students and/or teachers
- Not excessively prone to motion/sea sickness
- Ability to carry/move heavy objects on occasion
Hiring Conditions
The hiring of a successful candidate for this position is conditional on a background check.
To Apply
Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2023 Education Specialist I, Summer Camps” 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 March 31, 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.
Staff Biologist - Coral Gene Bank
Primary Function: This position is primarily to conduct primary activities at Mote’s International Coral Gene Bank, including but not limited to the caring for corals within the gene bank, maintaining the ex situ spawning systems, assisting with coral spawning, fertilization, larval settlement, recruit rearing, and grow-out of sexually and asexually produced corals from any stony coral species being propagated.
Primary Duties:
- Oversee daily care and maintenance of corals and their raceway habitats
- Ensure that corals are appropriately propagated asexually for redundancy of the genetic diversity within the infrastructure
- Represent Mote’s Gene Bank on working groups and within meetings
- Liaise between collaborative institutions for knowledge exchange and collaborative projects
- Assist with restoration and/or research objectives involving the sexual propagation of corals and corals within Mote’s International Coral Gene Bank
- General coral husbandry tasks on any corals within the Gene Bank include siphoning and cleaning raceways, employing algal mitigation strategies, maintaining grazing organisms, administering Lugol treatments, providing appropriate lighting schemes, conduct/oversee onsite water chemistry analyses, feeding coral recruits, building settlement racks, maintain communication with the restoration team for transport of corals to the gene bank in case of unfavorable weather.
- Conduct coral separation and re-mounting to new substrates
- Conduct optimization of labelling schemes and record keeping
- Ensure a safe, clean, organized indoor wetlab space
- Assist with taking coral samples for genetic and research purposes
- Conduct data collection, entry and analysis associated with research
- Conduct microfragmentation when necessary
- Assist with macro/micrograph and fluorescence imaging
- Mentor interns
- Maintain an organized nursery and inventory of corals
- Manage deliverables associated with specific funding efforts
- Manage daily operations of ex situ spawning systems
- Manage daily operations of the coral quarantine area
Additional duties will include assisting with various tasks related to the daily operation of a full-service marine laboratory, assist with field and lab support as needed, tours, and assist with outreach and education activities as needed.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Extensive knowledge of the corals found within the Florida Reef Tract
- Extensive knowledge of coral husbandry and rearing within closed aquaria systems
- Lift heavy objects or equipment up to 50 lbs occasionally
- Working knowledge of computer software (Windows, Microsoft Office)
- Normal hours are 8:00-5:00 five days a week, which will include weekend hours, additional hours may be required especially during spawning season and sometimes during ongoing experiments
Minimum Qualifications or Requirements:
- BSc degree in the marine or biological sciences from an accredited college or university
- Previous research diving experience
- Experience working with corals and aquaria systems
- SCUBA certification of Open Water
- Valid license to drive in the State of Florida
Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2023 Staff Biologist – Coral Gene Bank” 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 March 31, 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.
Assistant Manager of Mote’s Education Outreach Center at Anna Maria City Pier
The Assistant Manager shall provide a supportive role in the operation and function of Mote’s Education Outreach Center at Anna Maria City Pier. This includes the basic animal care and husbandry duties of an aquarium biologist, overseeing guest services and retail operations, and assisting as needed with the training of new employees. This position will also serve as the lead for the Center operations during times of the Manager’s absence.
Tasks:
- Responsible for the daily husbandry and care of all animals; including preparation of diets, feeding, daily/medical care, record keeping, and maintenance of exhibits
- Troubleshoots and repairs basic life support equipment
- Performs basic water quality testing and adjusts parameters on exhibits as needed
- Assists manager for all opening and closing procedures for the Center, as well as exhibit checks
- Coordinates daily activities though effective communication with staff and volunteers
- Observe and recognize basic medical conditions in animal behavior or health and report them to the Manager
- Act as liaison between the volunteers, staff, and management team on weekends, holidays, or in the absence of the Manager
- Assist the Manager as needed with training of new hires
- Calmly responds to emergency situations
- Professionally handles and resolves customer complaints or concerns
- Provides customers with outstanding service by answering questions, giving further information, and engaging warmly with them
- Performs gift shop duties such as cashiering, refunding, restocking, maintaining cleanliness, and inventory checks
- Oversees the volunteers of the Center
- Ensures the compliance of related plans, policies, procedures, laws, and standards
- Local, state, and federal laws
- AZA standards
- Safety drills- fire, lost child, animal escape, etc.
- Disaster preparedness- hurricane, pandemic, etc.
- Occasional local travel may be required to visit other Mote locations
Skills:
- Able to work independently or as a team
- Possess time management and organizational skills
- Public speaking and communication skills
- Customer skills such as critical thinking and active listening
- Strong observational skills to recognize and evaluate conditions of animal health, diets, behavior, and exhibit quality
- Basic knowledge of aquarium and biological processes
- Basic knowledge of aquarium fish husbandry and health
- Ability to navigate and utilize ZIMS for record keeping
Working Hours: Normal hours are 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with one unpaid hour for lunch and will include weekend and holiday hours. Occasional longer daily hours or evening hours may be required to complete specific tasks.
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Marine Science, Biology, or related field OR equivalent combination of education and related work experience
- First- Aid/CPR/AED certified or ability to obtain certification within 3 months of hire date
Physical Requirements:
- Must be able to lift up to 50lbs occasionally
- Able to walk, stand, bend, or crouch for extended periods of time
- Capable of working around bleach or other sanitizing chemicals
- Tolerance working with wet hands, feet and clothes regularly
Experience: 1-3 years of animal care employment in a public aquarium, zoo, or related institution. Previous guest services and/or retail experience preferred.
Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2023 Assistant 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 March 17, 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.
Mote Science Education Aquarium (SEA) Education Liaison
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 Mote SEA Education Liaison is responsible for establishing and maintaining collaborations with school, community and other educational partners in preparation for the opening and operations of Mote SEA; collecting and analyzing data related to the needs of local teachers and students to best serve them through Mote SEA; overseeing the development and initial evaluation of school programs for Mote SEA; and providing leadership within the Education Department and Mote Marine Laboratory.
Primary Duties Include:
- Coordinate with local teachers, administrators, and district representatives to:
- Conduct a needs assessment of how Mote SEA can support the existing regional educational efforts
- Lead the development and testing of K-12 educational curriculum to be used in Mote SEA based on the findings from the needs assessment
- Develop and maintain a database of educator contact information
Work closely with Mote SEA Campaign Director and Development Department to represent Mote at events with potential donors and otherwise help articulate the education vision for Mote SEA
- Assist in the development of registration processes, pre-field trip and supplementary materials for school groups visiting Mote SEA
- Work with other members of the Education team to integrate Mote SEA school offerings with existing and new educational programs
- Developing marketing materials to promote existing and upcoming education programs
Knowledge, Skills, and other Characteristics
The Education Liaison position requires strong organizational and project management skills, strong science content knowledge, particularly marine science, and a strong interest in promoting educational equity. Our ideal candidate is honest, caring, and professional with a tireless work ethic and a contagious, positive energy. They are a giving team member, a creative problem solver, and an enthusiastic collaborator and networker who believes deeply in Mote and its mission. This candidate will possess outstanding communication skills, poise, and confidence, skilled in written and oral communication with the ability to represent Mote Marine Laboratory to a variety of audiences. This candidate should have proven ability to create, implement and evaluate standards-based curriculum and educational programs, and possess skills in effective collaboration. They should have a strong commitment to creating exceptional and impactful experiences for participants, sound judgment, an understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the local community, and the determination to work towards the program and Lab goals. We expect the highest ethical standards, personal integrity, intelligence, good humor, resilience, energy, and spirit.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in education, science or related field
- Master's degree or additional graduate coursework preferred
- Science content expertise
- Demonstrated excellence in curriculum development and delivery
- Experience in project management and program coordination; staff and/or volunteer management experience preferred
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and as part of a team
- Ability to communicate successfully across a wide range of audiences, including participants, internal and external program stakeholders, teachers, administrators and other outside organizations
- Ability to translate and transfer Mote Marine Laboratory research through educational programs
- Familiarity with schools and school districts in Sarasota, Manatee and surrounding areas
- Ability to prioritize tasks and work independently
- Ability to manage multiple projects, responsibilities and deadlines simultaneously
- Flexibility to travel locally and work evenings and weekends as needed
- Highly developed computer skills (i.e. Microsoft 365, Google Workspace) including proficiency with presentation software and spreadsheets
- U.S. citizenship or foreign citizen's U.S. work permit appropriate for the work
- Valid US driver’s license with clean driving record and at least 5 years of driving experience.
Hiring Conditions
The hiring of a successful candidate for this position is conditional on a background check within two weeks of hiring.
To Apply
Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2023 Mote SEA Education Liaison” 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 March 31, 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.
Curator of Fish and Invertebrates
The Curator of Fish and Invertebrates is responsible for the day to day departmental operations of the fish and invertebrate team while advancing and implementing aquarium standards and policies to ensure compliance with all requirements of various professional associations and regulatory agencies. This is a working curatorial position.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Manage all fish and invertebrate staff, interns, and volunteers
- Oversee all fish and invertebrate exhibits, inhabitants, and systems
- Ensure effective communication amongst F&I staff
- Ensure effective communication between with Registrar and Animal Resource Manger on all specimen health related and record keeping issues
- Ensure effective communication between F&I staff and LSS related matters
- Ensures that F&I staff have all needed supplies to perform daily duties
- Oversee fish and invertebrate acquisitions while working with Registrar and Animal Records Manger and ensuring compliance with the institutional collection plan
- Ensure exhibit cleanliness and positive guest experience
- Participate in public interaction including behind the scenes tours, speaking engagements, media communication and guest education.
Curatorial Responsibilities:
- Participate in hiring staff, performance evaluations, and disciplinary action as needed
- Supervise, mentor, and motivate staff, including supporting advancement and growth
- Scheduling, monitoring, and approval of staff work hours and time off
- Ensure compliance with AZA standards and other regulatory and governing bodies
- Instruct new personnel in methods of animal care consistent with policies and procedures
- Leads regular F&I department meetings to develop goals, evaluate progress and facilitate open communication among staff
- Mentor staff with the development of exhibit improvements, training and enrichment proposals, and encouraging advancements in husbandry practices
- Actively promote and prioritize accurate and up to date recordkeeping within the F&I team to ensure quality animal management and welfare
- Design and implement new personnel training programs for staff
This position may require participation in continuing education which would involve travel to out of town locations
Required Licenses and Certifications:
- Valid Florida Drivers License or the ability to attain one within 30 days of hire.
- Rescue SCUBA Diver certification or the ability to attain it within 6 months of hire
- First Aid/CPR/AED/O2 certification or the ability to attain them within 6 months of hire
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Marine Science or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Experience:
A minimum of 10 years working in a public aquarium, zoo, or related institution (with a minimum of 4 years management/supervisory experience.) Must have an established expertise in fish and invertebrate husbandry, exhibit design and installation, project management, and staff management.
To Apply:
Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2023 Curator of Fish and Invertebrates” 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 March 31, 2023.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation
