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
2019-2020 POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS
Mote Marine Laboratory announces two new two-year positions beginning sometime between October 2018 and January 2019, to support independent investigators based in Sarasota, Florida USA. Applications are invited from recent (since December 2015) Ph.D. graduates, including those with firm expectation of graduation by December 2018. However, at time of appointment, a doctoral degree must have been awarded. Proposals for any field of marine research are invited; the following fields are especially encouraged:
Marine Ecotoxicology: Source, fate and effects of toxic chemicals in the coastal marine environment, including analysis of harmful algal toxins, pesticides and other endocrine disrupting compounds, focusing on synergistic effects from exposure to multiple stressors, and identifying biomarkers of sublethal effects manifested in subsequent generations.
Sirenian biology and conservation: Anatomy, morphology and physiology, reproduction and mating strategies, sensory biology, cognition and behavior, behavioral ecology, habitat use, spatial ecology, and genetics of Florida manatees.
Competitive applications will focus on research programs that are relevant to conservation and 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. A salary of $49,000 and funding for research start-up and expenses are provided. The deadline for applications is August 31, 2018 and finalists will be announced in October. Go here for program details and application instructions.
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 is an E-Verify employer.
Aquarium Biologist I
Title: Aquarium Biologist I– Mammals and Reptiles
An Aquarium Biologist I – Mammals and Reptiles should have a proven interest in pursuing a career in animal husbandry in a public aquarium and will serve as an animal care specialist participating in the overall health, care, training, and enrichment of the mammal and reptile collection. The animals under the care of this position include but are not limited to North American river otters, Florida manatees, and various species of crocodilians and sea turtles. In addition, an Aquarium Biologist I may handle the supervision of trained interns and/or volunteers. He/she is expected to participate in exhibit and life support systems maintenance. An Aquarium Biologist is expected to participate in the daily husbandry of all mammals and reptiles, noting unusual behavior and health, and reporting these observations to their supervisor. At a minimum, an Aquarium Biologist I must have basic people handling and animal husbandry skills.
This position will require a willingness to work with and assist in capture and restraint procedures with potentially dangerous animals in the event it is necessary.
General Duties
This position will serve to participate in all aspects of mammal and reptile care within the Aquarium, and will be required to utilize independent judgement upon being trained. Animal maintenance tasks may include, but are not limited to; preparation of food (including medicated and special diets), cleaning of staff and animal areas, performing water quality tests and evaluation of these tests with corrective measures if necessary, participate in SCUBA diving for exhibit maintenance and cleaning, conducting training sessions, and narrating public training sessions. Other tasks not directly related to animal care may include daily record keeping, maintenance of life support equipment, participation in the program development process, keeping work areas clean and equipment organized, and other duties as assigned.
Working Hours:
Normal working hours may vary for accommodating shifts between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. with one hour for lunch, and work week will be Thursday- Mon. Work days will include weekend and holiday shifts. Occasional longer hours may be required to complete specific tasks or to provide necessary animal care and monitoring activities.
Minimum Requirements:
- Valid Florida Driver’s License or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.
- Rescue SCUBA Diver certification or the ability to attain it in 12 months.
- First Aid and CPR Certified or the ability to attain them in 30 days
- Current rabies immunization and Tuberculin test or ability to obtain this within 1 month of hire
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in a Science or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience:
Employment or internships at a zoo, aquarium, or related institution is required. Experience working with species in our Mammal and Reptile collection preferred. Candidate must have experience and knowledge of animal husbandry and positive reinforcement training techniques.
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 1, 2018 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.
Veterinarian
The Veterinarian must have a demonstrated background in aquatic animal veterinary medicine. The Veterinarian serves as the lead veterinary care provider for all animals within Mote Aquarium and Rehabilitation Hospital. These animals include but are not limited to elasmobranchs, teleosts, aquatic invertebrates, manatees, river otters, turtles (marine and freshwater), crocodilians, and amphibians. If the Veterinarian does not currently meet the requirements set forth by NMFS and FWC to provide primary veterinary care for sirenean, cetacean, and/or sea turtles, then the Veterinarian will be mentored in those areas under a qualified regional contract veterinarian until those criteria are met. The Veterinarian will work closely with the Aquarium’s Curatorial team and the Hospitals’ Rehabilitation and Medical Care Coordinator, who oversee the operations of their respective areas. The Veterinarian’s primary responsibility is to provide exceptional clinical care to Mote’s resident and rehabilitation animals. Secondary to that, the Veterinarian will be encouraged to engage in conservation and/or research activities.
General Duties:
On a daily basis, assist in all aspects of clinical veterinary care and rehabilitation within the Aquarium and Rehabilitation Hospital. Work closely with the husbandry staff to provide and maintain a complete veterinary care program in line with the modern zoological practices outlined by the AZA and AVMA standards. The Veterinarian will be responsible for the management of all aspects of the health of Mote’s animal collection including, but not limited to, preventative medicine, diagnosis and treatment of disease, surgical care, and nutrition. Establish effective testing procedures during quarantine for all animal acquisitions to ensure the health of collection and compliance with government regulations. Monitor and analyze current husbandry practices as they relate to disease prevention and develop collaborative solutions with husbandry staff. Maintain all necessary medical records (using ZIMS), review nutritional records for collection animals and make dietary recommendations. Evaluate health and safety implications of proposed or existing behavioral enrichment programs. The Veterinarian will be responsible for use, disposal, and record keeping of controlled substances related to veterinary care. Perform necropsies of collection/display animals to establish the causes of death and make recommendations regarding the living collection. Ensure appropriate and timely pre-shipment testing for animal acquisitions and dispositions. Other tasks not directly related to veterinary care may include participation in the program development process, keeping work areas clean and equipment organized, consulting and educating animal staff and management in areas of health and husbandry, work with human medical experts in educating staff and volunteers concerning zoonotic diseases, writing and implementing Standard Operating Protocols, and other duties as assigned in collaboration with program managers. This position will offer the ability to participate in professional development conferences, seminars, workshops, etc. which could involve travel to out-of-town locations. This position may also have the opportunity to work with animals being maintained at various Mote campuses for aquaculture, stock enhancement, conservation, and scientific research. However, these duties would fall subsequent to providing clinical care to the animals within the Aquarium and Rehabilitation Hospital.
Minimum Requirements:
- Licenses and Certifications
- Valid Florida Driver’s License, or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire
- Rescue SCUBA Diver certification or the ability to obtain in 12 months
- First Aid and CPR Certified or the ability to obtain them in 30 days
- Current rabies immunization or ability to obtain within 1 month of hire
- Florida veterinary license or ability to obtain within 3 months of starting
- Valid DEA License for controlled drugs
Education:
Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (aquatic animal focus prefered)
Experience:
Minimum of 3 years’ working as an aquatic animal veterinarian at an AZA-certified facility or a full-time residency as an aquatic animal veterinarian at an AZA-certified facility plus a year working independently in such a position. Preference given to those that have at least 2 years experience at authorized education, rehabilitation, or research facility caring for sick and injured sea turtles and manatees.
Interested applicants should submit as a single electronic file, 1) a cover letter, 2) resume or c.v, and 3) the names and contact information for three references 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.
