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.

Unless otherwise noted all positions are located in Sarasota, FL

 

Current open positions:

Guest Services Associate (Full Time and Part Time Positions Available)

Coral Reef Restoration Technician (Key Largo)

Education Specialist- Seasonal

Aquarium  Biologist I

 

 

Guest Services Associate (Full Time and Part Time Positions Available)

The Guest Services Associate serves as a first point of contact for Mote Aquarium guests.  This position is responsible for a variety of guest service operations including daily ticketing and memberships, warmly greeting and assisting guests, and operating specialty stations such as Virtual Reality and Fossil Creek.  The Guest Services Associate will interact with guests and provide exceptional customer service with the goal of exceeding guest expectations for their visit.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Greet every guest in a friendly and welcoming manner
  • Provide a great aquarium experience by assisting guests with any questions or concerns and providing direction as it relates to any aquarium programs
  • Work with the point of sale system to accurately conduct transactions using cash, credit cards, checks, coupons, and vouchers
  • Sell Aquarium memberships and educate guests on opportunities for ticket transfers, renewals, and upgrades, in alignment with membership goals
  • Provide excellent customer service through knowledge of all Aquarium experiences, offerings and basic operations
  • Operate the Virtual Reality station by conducting transactions to sell rides, teaching guests how to safely operate equipment, and troubleshooting any program issues
  • Operate the Fossil Creek area by giving guests directions on sifting for the fossils, identifying fossils, selling fish food for the freshwater ponds, stocking materials and preparing sand drying areas
  • Control guest entry by adhering to ticket times, directing guests to the appropriate line, and answering all questions relating to their ticket options
  • Provide event staffing for all Aquarium special events, including some late nights and weekends
  • Maintain a clean and orderly work space
  • Perform assigned opening and closing duties of all buildings
  • Put safety of guests, employees, interns and volunteers as a top priority
  • Assist customers that may have experienced injury, sickness, lost child, etc. according to the associated Mote protocols
  • Routinely practice safety drills (fire, lost child, animal escape, severe weather, etc.) in accordance with the Aquarium’s drill schedule

 

Working Hours:

Normal working hours are 8:30 am to 5 pm, with a half hour unpaid break for lunch. Must be available to work weekends and holidays.

Qualifications:

The ideal team member will be energetic, outgoing, and patient with a desire to provide a positive and memorable experience for each Aquarium visitor. The ideal candidate is a team player able to perform additional functions as assigned. Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, are essential for this role.

Minimum Experience:

  • High school diploma
  • Basic computer skills
  • Must interact courteously and tactfully with public, staff, and volunteers
  • Able to work independently or as a team
  • Communicate clearly both verbally and in writing
  • Ability to work outside in all Florida weather conditions
  • Ability to lift and carry 25 Ibs occasionally
  • Previous cash handling and guest service experience preferred

To Apply:

Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2024 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 before 5pm March 29, 2024

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.

 

 

 

Coral Reef Restoration Technician

Located at Mote’s Key Largo Coral Nursery

Primary Function: This position’s primary function is to actively support and participate in Mote’s coral reef restoration and research activities, assist with the husbandry and maintenance of in situ (offshore) and ex situ (land-based) coral nurseries, and assist with coral reef restoration fieldwork including outplanting, monitoring, and research activities.

Primary Duties:

  • Extensive in-situ (offshore) and ex-situ (land-based) nursery maintenance and coral husbandry.
  • Outplant nursery-grown corals to various reef restoration sites.
  • Conduct routine monitoring and photo-documentation of outplanted corals and restoration sites.
  • Construct and maintain nursery structures, lab, and field equipment.
  • Assist with field activities associated with Mote-led and Mote supported research projects.
  • Assist with data collection, data entry, and report writing.
  • 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 to visiting scientists, and assist with outreach and education activities as needed including interviews, tours, and workshops.

 

Minimum Qualifications or Requirements

  • B.S. degree in the marine or biological sciences from an accredited college or university.
  • Nationally recognized SCUBA certification (Rescue Diver certification required within 3 months of hire; divemaster or higher preferred).
  • Meet and maintain standards for AAUS Scientific Diver rating, including medical requirements.
  • Valid Florida driver’s license.
  • Ability to be an adaptable and collegial member of the 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.
  • Ability to lift heavy objects or equipment up to 50lbs.
  • 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.

 

Preferred Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities

  • Extensive prior scientific diving experience strongly preferred (>1,000 dives)
  • Prior experience with recirculating and flow-through seawater systems preferred
  • Prior coral nursery experience preferred
  • Ability and experience with operating small vessels up to 28’ LOA preferred (USCG Captain’s license strongly preferred)
  • Prior working experience with navigating coastal waters throughout the Florida Keys preferred.
  • Experience and working familiarity with common data management and statistical analysis software preferred (e.g., MatLab, SPSS, SAS, R)

Working Hours

This is a full-time position requiring weekend, evening, and holiday availability to support Mote’s Coral Reef Restoration & Research mission.

To Apply

Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2024 Technician – Key Largo”  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 15, 2024

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.

 

 

Education Specialist- Seasonal

Summer Camp

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 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 and daily set-up and breakdown of camp activities

 

Expectations

  • Demonstrate a working knowledge of Mote’s research, local marine habitats, and best practices in informal science education. 
  • Work collaboratively with other Mote staff on program development to facilitate the translation and transference of scientific information to a variety of audiences.
  • Implement effective high energy, developmentally appropriate and non-discriminatory experiences that are aligned with Mote’s mission (and FL standards as applicable)
  • Provide an enhanced participant experience through positive interactions and engaging activities. 
  • Create a safe, inclusive and rewarding program for every participant.
  • Contribute to a positive work environment and be a generous team member.
     

 

Laboratory Category:  Non-exempt; seasonal (5/22/24 – 8/13/24)

 

Working Hours

Monday – Friday – schedule will vary based on camp assignment.

 

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, EpiPen (must be obtained prior to start date)
  • Excellent verbal/written communication skills
  • Stamina for working occasional long hours at outdoor locations in hot weather, high humidity, intense sunlight, and wet weather while responsible for students
  • Not excessively prone to motion/sea sickness
  • Ability to carry/move heavy objects

 

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 “2024 Education Specialist - Seasonal”  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, 2024

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.

Aquarium  Biologist I

This is an entry level position. An Aquarium Biologist I should have a proven interest in pursuing a career in animal husbandry in a public aquarium. An Aquarium Biologist I serves as an animal care taker responsible for the overall health, appearance, maintenance and cleanliness of aquariums and animals. In addition, an Aquarium Biologist I may handle the supervision and training of Interns and/or an assigned aquarium volunteer. Working with the husbandry staff, an Aquarium Biologist I helps in maintaining the living collections of the Aquarium. This classification requires a sensible knowledge of animal behavior through education or commensurate experience. An Aquarium Biologist I is expected to be able to maintain all animals under his or her care, noting unusual behavior and health, and reporting these observations to their supervisor. Associated with animal care an Aquarium Biologist I will possess some capacity to trouble-shoot basic life support system problems. At a minimum, an Aquarium Biologist I must hold simple people handling skills as well as animal husbandry skills.

 

General  Duties:

Animal maintenance tasks may include, but are not limited to, preparation of food (including medicated and special diets), performing water quality tests, collection of specimens, conducting regular SCUBA assisted diving for exhibit cleaning, preparation of chemicals, mixing synthetic seawater, cleaning of filters and aquarium viewing surfaces, 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 include 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.

 

 

Working  Hours:

Normal hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with one hour for lunch and will include weekend and holiday hours. Occasional longer daily hours or evening hours may be required to complete specific tasks. Employee should not exceed 40 hour per week without prior approval from a supervisor.

 

Minimum  Requirements:

Licenses and Certifications –

Valid Florida Driver’s License or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire Advanced Open Water SCUBA certification or the ability to attain it in 6 months Rescue SCUBA Diver certification or the ability to attain it in 6 months

 

Education –

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

 

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

●   Able to work well with others and be a team player

●   Communicate clearly both verbally and in writing

●   Ability to administer CPR, First Aid and DAN O2

●   Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Access

●   Basic knowledge of aquarium biological processes

●   Basic knowledge of aquarium fish husbandry and health

●   Ability to navigate and utilize ZIMS for record keeping

●   Possess time management and organizational skills

●   Ability to recognize basic life support system issues

●   Capable of working with PVC pipe, fittings, solvent cement, epoxy and resins

 

Physical –

●   Precise hand-eye coordination is required for the gentle capture and handling 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 occasionally

●   Ability to lift 25lbs overhead occasionally

●   Capable of working around bleach and other sanitizing chemicals

●   Strength to lift a net holding 10 lbs. with one hand, daily

●   Tolerance working with wet hands, feet and clothes regularly

 

 

To Apply:

Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2024 Aquarium Biologist 1”  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 29, 2024

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.