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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, Florida.
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 Coordinator will develop, coordinate, instruct, and evaluate educational programs at Mote Marine Laboratory campuses and within the community. They will work closely with staff, volunteers, and interns in the Education Department and throughout the Lab to ensure that our mission and the needs of our audiences are being met.
This position will lead education programs in the lower Florida Keys from Marathon to Key West.
General Duties
The Education Programs Coordinator will support all education program areas including school programs, public programs, community engagement programs, outreach programs and camps.
Labor Category: Exempt
Working Hours
The Education Coordinator will work 40 hours per week with a schedule determined by their supervisor. Schedule will vary and may include evening, weekend, and holiday hours.
Minimum Requirements
Core Competencies and Characteristics
Our ideal candidate is an honest, passionate, and professional educator with an extremely high work ethic and a contagious, positive energy. They need to be a dynamic presenter, a diligent innovator, a natural leader, and an enthusiastic collaborator and networker who believes deeply in Mote and its mission.
Supervision
The Education Coordinator is supervised directly by the Director of Education and indirectly by the Associate Vice President for Education.
Supervisory Responsibilities
The Education Coordinator will assist with the training, supervision and evaluation of Education Specialists, college interns, high school student interns, and volunteers during programs.
Hiring Conditions
The hiring of a successful candidate for this position is conditional on a background check within three months of starting.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $22.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
Schedule: 8 hour shift
Work Location: In person
Expected hours: 40 per week
Ability to Commute: Summerland Key, FL (Required)
Ability to Relocate: Summerland Key, FL 34236: Relocate before starting work (Required)
To Apply: Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2025 Keys Education Programs Coordinator” 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
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
Mote Marine Laboratory: Eminent Scholar in Ocean Technology
Mote is seeking a full-time senior level researcher to lead the current Mote Ocean Technology Research Program to the next level of innovation focused on autonomous and remotely operated vehicles, next generation robotics and sensor development, and use of artificial intelligence and swarm model algorithms that will together serve as an Ocean Technology Center of Excellence to support research and science education across the institution and beyond. Preferred candidates should have a PhD in a related discipline and over 10 years of marine technology research or engineering related experience, a strong publication record, established network of collaborators, significant history of successful grantsmanship, and proven research program leadership skills. The position is located at Mote’s main laboratory (1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236) campus but will collaborate across Mote’s nine campuses as well as national and international partners around the world. The incumbent establishes the program vision and goals, manages staff, guides program finances, crafts government and philanthropic funding proposals, represents Mote at professional forums, and ensures that all funding deliverables are achieved efficiently and effectively.
Program Overview
Mote envisions significant growth of its existing program into the Ocean Technology Center of Excellence that will be a cornerstone of the evolution of its current 10.5 acre Sarasota City Island campus into an International Marine Science, Technology and Innovation Park. The current Mote Ocean Technology Research Program mission is to develop and utilize various forms of cutting-edge sensor and autonomous vehicle technology in conjunction with a wide range of interdisciplinary scientific goals to assist in addressing complex ocean and coastal issues, streamline processes, and monitor the important ecological parameters off the western shores of Florida such as water quality, water temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and chlorophyll levels in near real time. Center of Excellence research may include but isn’t limited to, sensor development, autonomous and remotely operated vehicles, next generation robotics, and use of swarm model algorithms. It is also expected that the new Ocean Technology Center of Excellence will closely collaborate with the newly launched Mote Artificial Intelligence Marine Science (AIMS) Center. The successful candidate will be an innovator for paradigm changing ocean technology impacts in restoring, sustainable utilizing and conserving ocean species, habitats and ecosystem, as well as creating intellectual property that will stimulate economic growth in southwest Florida. The position affords opportunities for hosting visiting scientists, interactions with researchers from multiple disciplines at Mote, and oversight of postdoctoral fellows, student interns and volunteers. The successful candidate will be selected based on ability to not only strengthen and diversify the Laboratory’s existing research expertise, but also to establish their own innovative research initiatives that address Mote’s Beyond 2020 Vision & Strategic Plan.
Mote Background:
In 2025, Mote is celebrating 70 years as one of the few remaining independent, non-profit international marine research laboratories. Mote’s ocean and coastal research enterprise has 39 Research Programs and Centers, an array of STEM education/outreach efforts, and an aquarium featuring teaching and working laboratories with more than 100 marine species. Mote currently has more than 40 PhD-level scientists, over 300 staff, and approximately 1500 volunteers that are located on its main campus in Sarasota and across eight additional campuses/facilities including a state-of-the-art 200 acre marine and freshwater aquaculture research park, a 19,000 square foot International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration in the Florida Keys and a new 145,000 square foot Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA) that will open in 2025. Mote scientific expertise is considerable and diverse, and is augmented by more than 150 non-resident scientists from more than 100 different U.S. and international institutions who are involved in projects with Mote all around the world.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $150,000.00 – $180,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Schedule: 8 hour shift
Work Location: In person
Expected hours: 40 per week
Ability to Commute: Sarasota, FL 34236 (Required)
Ability to Relocate: Sarasota, FL 34236: Relocate before starting work (Required)
To Apply: Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2025 Ocean Technology Program 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
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
The Graphic Designer is responsible for designing materials for Mote Aquarium’s exhibits. Graphics will include printed signage, digital graphics for exhibit monitors, editable templates for other aquarium teams to use, directional signage, proposal materials for new exhibits, and other projects as required.
Responsibilities
Skills
Labor Category: Non-exempt (Federal Fair Labor Standards Act)
Working Hours: Normal hours are 7:30 am to 4:30 pm Sunday – Thursday with a one hour unpaid for lunch. A normal work week is 40 hours.
Physical:
Minimum Requirements
Design portfolio required. First Aid and CPR certified or the ability to attain within 3 months of hire date Florida Drivers License or the ability to obtain one within 1 month of hire date.
Experience
Formal education/a degree in graphic design, science illustration, general illustration, a
related field, or equivalent experience. Visual science communication experience is
preferred but not required.
Applicants with a passion for using innovative design to create an outstanding
educational experience for Mote’s guests are encouraged to apply. All work performed
by the Graphic Designer must demonstrate a high level of professionalism and attention
to detail. The Graphic Designer will work on multiple projects concurrently and is
responsible for documenting and communicating progress towards goals effectively with
stakeholders in multiple departments.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $19.50 to $25.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
Schedule: 8 hour shift
Ability to Commute: Sarasota, FL 34236 (Required)
Ability to Relocate: Sarasota, FL 34236: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
To Apply: Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2025 Graphic Designer” 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
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
The Aquarium Biologist serves as an animal caretaker responsible for the overall health, appearance, maintenance and cleanliness of aquariums and animals. Working with the husbandry staff, an Aquarium Biologist 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 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 will possess some capacity to trouble-shoot basic life support system problems. At a minimum, an Aquarium Biologist must hold simple people handling skills as well as animal husbandry skills.
General Duties
Animal maintenance tasks may include, but are not limited to:
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. All employees must comply with the requirements outlined in the Mote Employee Policy Manual.
Labor Category: Non-exempt (Federal Fair Labor Standards Act)
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:
Education:
Experience:
Skills:
Physical:
Benefits:
Ability to Commute: Sarasota, FL 34236 (Required)
Ability to Relocate: Sarasota, FL 34236: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
To Apply: Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2025 Aquarium Biologist” 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
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
We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Chemist to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in analytical chemistry and biochemistry, with experience in various laboratory techniques. As a Chemist, you will play a crucial role in conducting experiments, analyzing data, and contributing to scientific research that drives innovation within our organization.
Duties
General duties to be performed include inorganic chemical and physical analyses
participation in filed sampling which may include travel, operations from trucks or
boards, occasional evening/nights/weekends shifts and driving laboratory vehicles both
with and without boat trailers. All activities are carried out according the Mote Marine
Lab quality Assurance Plan including operation and maintenance of scientific
equipment, preparations for the field trip sample analyses, and data quality
assessments. Proficiency is expected to work on computers, and after initial training
water quality instrumentation, navigation, and safety equipment, balances, pH meters,
and spectrophotometers and Staff Chemists will develop skills in particular laboratory
analyses and activities and accept assignment so specific projects. This position is
currently 80% lab work and 20% experimental or fieldwork including work on boats
possibility of some over night (1 night to 1 month) research vessel time. Emergency
CPR, First Aid, and Coast Guard small vessel safety courses are available through the
laboratory and a Staff Chemist will be expected to work both independently and part of
a team.
Requirements
A bachelor’s degree with a major or minor in chemistry from an accredited university. In
lieu of a chemistry degree, course work in other natural science areas or employment in
a related will be considered.
If you are passionate about chemistry and eager to contribute to impactful projects, we
encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $40,000.00 – $60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Schedule:
Ability to Commute:
Sarasota, FL 34236 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
Sarasota, FL 34236: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
To Apply: Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2025 Staff Chemist – Chemical and Physical Ecology” 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
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
The Ocean Acidification (OA) Program at Mote Marine Laboratory’s Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research and Restoration (IC2R3) is a seeking a full-time technician to join our team as soon as possible. This position is permanently based in Summerland Key, Florida, and will report directly to the OA Program Lab Manager, Melissa Sante, as well as the OA Programs’ Senior Scientist, Dr. Emily R. Hall. Through monitoring and experimentation, the technician will support ongoing research focused on the impacts of ocean acidification. The remaining 25% will involve fieldwork, including water sampling aboard vessels, with occasional evening or night shifts based on project requirements. The technician will also assist with IC2R3 lab tours and outreach events as needed. All work will be conducted in accordance with Mote Marine Laboratory Quality Plan. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in marine science, chemistry, or a related field, and be comfortable working in both laboratory and field settings.
Responsibilities:
Requirements:
A bachelor’s degree with a major or minor in chemistry from an accredited university. In
lieu of a chemistry degree, course work in other natural science areas or employment in
a related field will be considered. Carbonate chemistry experience is preferred, but not
required. Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs and work in a warm and salty environment.
Join us as we strive for excellence in our operations while fostering a supportive work
environment!
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $15.00 – $17.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
Schedule:
Ability to Commute:
Summerland Key, FL 33042 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
Summerland Key, FL 33042: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
To Apply: Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2025 Technician – Ocean Acidification (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
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
The Phytoplankton Ecology Research Program at Mote Marine Laboratory seeks a talented and enthusiastic Staff Biologist to assist with a variety of exciting research activities in the Program, with emphasis on the participation in field and laboratory studies, laboratory analysis of samples, and other duties as required. The position will be located at the primary Mote campus in Sarasota on City Island at 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway with some work also conducted at the Mote Aquaculture Research Park (MAP) campus at 12300 Fruitville Road in Sarasota.
Position Overview:
Where needed, training will be provided to execute activities and duties listed above. All employees must comply with the requirements outlined by the Mote Marine Laboratory Employee Policy Manual.
Skills and Qualifications:
Desired Skills:
Preference may be given to candidates with working knowledge and experience with any of the following: Flow Cam, PAM fluorometry, phytoplankton culture, CTD deployment and/or data processing, data processing and graphing programs (Excel, Surfer, R, Origin, etc.)
Working Conditions:
This is a regular, full-time, non-exempt position for 40 hours per week. Daily hours may vary based on need and can be modified with prior supervisor approval. Occasionally, longer hours may be required due to field work, underway experiments, and other research related efforts. Work may be conducted in the laboratory or in the field, as described above, depending on need.
Annual salary range starts at $42,000 with pay commensurate with level of experience. Annual merit and cost of living increases will be considered with appropriate work performance. Partially-subsidized health insurance is provided, with family options available. Benefits include an opt-in retirement plan with employer matching, leave for holidays, illness, and vacation, and other benefits. The Staff Biologist will be part of the Mote Phytoplankton Ecology Research Program and will organizationally report to the Phytoplankton Ecology Research Program Manager.
Success Factors:
Success in this position will be determined by the ability of the employee to execute assigned duties to a level sufficient to consistently produce valid and accurate data, working to gain additional skills, and developing the ability to work independently while maintaining a high level of quality.
To Apply: Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2025 Staff Biologist – Phytoplankton Ecology” 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
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
The HR Payroll & Benefits Coordinator is a key position in Mote’s hiring practices, payroll and benefits management. The position requires the utmost discretion with sensitive data.
Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Physical Requirements:
Must be able to remain in a stationary position approximately 90% of the time, occasionally move about the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
Must be able to constantly operate a computer with keyboard and mouse and other office machinery, such as calculator, copy machine, scanner, and printer. The person in this position communicates with staff members and must be able to exchange accurate information.
Work Environment:
The work environment is an open office concept to promote teamwork and as such, the noise level may occasionally be elevated from staff discussions, periodic use of cash counting machinery, interruptions due to internal/external requests or submissions of information. Regular working hours are somewhat flexible between 8am and 5pm weekdays.
To Apply: Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2025 HR Payroll & Benefits Coordinator” 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
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
The Life Support System Technician should have an interest in pursuing a career in Life Support Systems operations at a zoo or public aquarium. The Aquarium Life Support Systems Technician is responsible for the safe operation of Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquariums freshwater and seawater operations. The Life Support Systems Technician is expected to perform high quality work in support of Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium’s mission statement.
General Duties:
Duties will include, but are not limited to, daily operation and maintenance of ozone generators, compressors and associated peripheral equipment. Other duties include pump repair, high rate sand filter operation and maintenance, as well as daily operation of water distribution systems. water chemistry testing and repair and maintenance of mechanical systems as necessary. The Life Support Systems Technician will perform back washing and/or water changes of Mote’s larger exhibits.
The Life Support Systems Technician will participate in the design, installation and maintenance of closed and open seawater systems, seawater heater/chiller equipment, ozone systems, filtration systems, pumps and associated equipment.
The Life Support Systems Technician will cooperate with staff, volunteers and contractors, but must also be able to work independently. Excellent problem solving skills are required.
The Life Support Systems Technician will help monitor and help maintain desired water quality parameters and ensure proper dosing of chemicals such as sodium bicarbonate, soda ash, chlorine, ozone and lanthanum chloride when necessary.
Participation in continuing education, including travel to out of town locations, may be required.
Any other duties in support of Aquarium activities as assigned by senior personnel. All employees must comply with the requirements as outlined in the MML Employee Policy Manual.
Working Hours:
Normal hours are 8.00 am to 5.00 pm Thursday to Monday with one unpaid hour for lunch and will include holiday shifts. These hours may be adjustable with the approval of senior personnel. Occasional longer daily hours may be required to complete specific tasks. The Life Support Systems Technician may be requested to be available after hours and weekends to support emergency situations.
To Apply: Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2025 Life Support Systems Technician” 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
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected category. Mote participates in E-Verify.
Job Summary: Mote Marine Laboratory is seeking candidates for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Ecological Economics to lead research on the economic and environmental benefits of marine and coastal ecosystems, with a significant focus on seagrass restoration as a blue carbon strategy. The successful candidate will be charged with building a research program that assesses the economic viability, carbon sequestration potential, and ecosystem service benefits of seagrass ecosystems, contributing to the development of market-based incentives, policy recommendations, and sustainable financing mechanisms for restoration efforts. This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of marine and coastal ecosystem restoration and conservation, climate finance, and economic policy, collaborating with scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders to advance blue carbon initiatives.
Mote Background: Mote is celebrating 70 years as one of the few remaining independent, non-profit marine research laboratories. There are 38 programs and centers in Mote’s global research enterprise, an array of STEM education/outreach efforts, and an aquarium featuring teaching and working laboratories with more than 100 marine species. Mote currently has more than 40 PhD-level scientists, over 300 staff, and approximately 1300 volunteers that are located on its main campus in Sarasota and across eight additional campuses/facilities including a state-of-the-art 200 acre marine and freshwater aquaculture research park, a 19,000 square foot International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration in the Florida Keys and a new 145,000 square foot Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA) that will be completed in mid-2025. The Mote scientific expertise is considerable and diverse, and is augmented by more than 150 non-resident scientists from more than 100 different U.S. and international institutions who are involved in projects with Mote all around the world.
Key Responsibilities
Qualifications & Skills
Required:
Preferred:
Fellowship Program: Mote Postdoctoral Research Fellowships are three-year positions providing 100% salary support, funding assistance for equipment/supplies and travel, and office and laboratory space. The Fellowship includes mentorship from a diversity of cross-discipline Mote scientists and administrative assistance for grant proposals, contract compliance, and reporting. Exemplary Fellows have been invited to join Mote as a Staff Scientist upon completion of their initial three-year appointment.
Mote envisions significant growth in ecological economics research as part of the evolution of its current Sarasota campus into an International Marine Science, Technology and Innovation Park, continued expansion of the Mote Aquaculture Research Park, and satellite campuses. The position also affords the opportunity for hosting visiting scientists, interactions with scientists from multiple disciplines at Mote, and oversight of student interns and volunteers. Mote Postdoctoral Research Fellows are selected based on their ability to not only strengthen and diversify the Laboratory’s significant existing research expertise, but also the potential to establish their own innovative research initiatives that address Mote’s Beyond 2020 Vision & Strategic Plan.
Application: Recent (2022 and more recent) PhD graduates are invited to apply. Applicants with a firm expectation of graduation in 2025 will be considered. This full-time position includes an expected initial annual salary of approximately $65,000 (negotiable depending on experience), health insurance with family options, and other generous benefits including an opt-in retirement plan with employer matching, leaves for holidays, illness, and vacation, and other benefits. To apply, please submit:
To Apply: Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2025 Postdoctoral Fellow – Ecological Economist” 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
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected category. Mote participates in E-Verify.
