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)

Education Specialist- Seasonal

Aquarium  Biologist I

Volunteer Coordinator, Florida Keys

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

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.

 

Volunteer Coordinator, Florida Keys

Located at Summerland Key, FL.

 

Responsibilities

The Keys Volunteer Coordinator will work with the Volunteer and Intern Office staff, under the Director of Volunteer and Intern Resources and Associate Vice President for Education to support new and existing Mote volunteers in the Lower Keys.  This position will be located at the International Center for Coral Reef Research and Restoration in Summerland Key. Job duties will include, but are not limited to:

  • Providing outstanding support and resources for Mote volunteers and interns
  • Assisting with managing the volunteer and intern database, record-keeping, communication, and other support activities in coordination with the Volunteer and Intern Office in Sarasota
  • Leading field- and land-based coral restoration activities, including dive trips with citizen scientists
  • Fielding phone calls, electronic communications and visits to answer questions about volunteer opportunities
  • Development, planning, execution and evaluation of volunteer training and volunteer performance
  • Liaising with Mote science staff to place, train and evaluate new volunteers
  • Assisting with communication of volunteer opportunities internally and throughout the community to recruit new volunteers
  • Developing and maintaining productive, positive relationships with the FL Keys staff, volunteers and interns
  • Other duties as needed to support volunteers and interns in the FL Keys

 

Knowledge, Skills, and other Characteristics

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, and to train others to do so. They should have a strong commitment to customer service, sound judgment, an understanding of the challenges and opportunities of organizations with extensive volunteer engagement, and the determination to work towards a common purpose with skill in facilitating change.

  • Experience working with, recruiting, scheduling and managing volunteers
  • Experience working with undergraduate students in educational settings
  • Experience in leading dive trips for participants with a range of experience levels in a variety of conditions
  • Preparation and electronic distribution of communications to a variety of audiences

Our ideal candidate is honest, caring, and professional with a strong work ethic and a contagious, positive energy. They are a giving team member, a creative and proactive problem solver, and an enthusiastic collaborator who believes deeply in Mote and its mission. 

Normal hours are 8:30-5:00 with 30-minute lunch break: Tuesday-Saturday; however, regularly flexible weekend and modified weekday hours will be required

Minimum Requirements

  • College degree in biology, marine science, or related field
  • Experience working with volunteers or college interns
  • Excellent verbal/written communication skills
  • SCUBA Divemaster Certification (or willingness and ability to obtain within 4 months of hire at own expense) and ability to SCUBA dive on a regular basis
  • AAUS Scientific Diver certification (or willingness and ability to obtain within 4 months of hire at own expense)
  • Strong computer skills including MS Access, Word, Excel, PowerPoint
  • Strong customer service experience
  • Florida driver’s license (or eligibility to obtain one upon arrival) and the ability to drive Mote service vehicles including pickup trucks
  • U.S. citizenship or foreign citizen U.S. work permit appropriate for the work
  • Stamina for working occasional long hours at outdoor locations in hot/cold weather, high humidity, intense sunlight and wet weather while responsible for interns and volunteers

Supervisory Responsibilities

There are no staff supervisory responsibilities associated with this position. This position does assist in the supervision of Florida Keys volunteers.

Hiring Conditions 

The hiring of a successful candidate for this position is conditional on a background check within two weeks of start date.

To Apply

Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2024 Volunteer Coordinator, Florida Keys”  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 April 26, 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.