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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.
Department: Operations/Facilities
Employment Status: Regular, Full-time (including benefits)
Position Summary:
The Upper Keys Captain is a support position responsible for the safe operation, upkeep, and readiness of vessels, trailers, vehicles, and related equipment used in Mote Marine Laboratory’s research efforts throughout the Upper Florida Keys.
In addition to marine operations, the Captain assists with general facility maintenance, repairs, and special projects as assigned. This position ensures that marine and facility assets are maintained in safe, functional condition and that operational needs are met efficiently and reliably. The Captain must maintain strong, proactive communication and coordination with the Upper Keys Captain & Facilities Supervisor, the Regional Manager, and the Upper Keys Field Operations Coordinator to ensure that marine operations, facility maintenance, and field support activities are executed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with Mote’s restoration and research goals in the Upper Keys.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Marine Operations & Logistics
● Operate Mote vessels (24–36 ft) in support of staff transport, equipment delivery, and scientific diving activities.
● Conduct routine inspections, preventive maintenance, and basic repairs on vessels, trailers, and associated marine equipment.
● Support safe trailering, launching, recovery, and fueling of vessels in accordance with Mote’s protocols. ● Ensure vessel safety gear is present, functioning, and compliant with U.S. Coast Guard regulations.
● Monitor weather and sea conditions to support safe operational decision-making.
● Maintain vessel logs, checklists, and inventory of marine-related tools and materials.
● Clean vessels, gear, and equipment after use, and ensure all items are properly stowed to maintain operational readiness.
● During idle time (e.g., while divers are underwater), maintain a safe and organized deck by stowing items neatly and upholding a tidy work environment. Vehicle & Equipment Support
● Perform basic maintenance on trucks, trailers, and other operational vehicles (e.g., fluid checks, tire inspections, battery service).
● Assist with equipment loading/unloading and transport of supplies and materials between facilities and field sites. Facility Support
● Perform general building and property maintenance, including carpentry, painting, plumbing, and light construction tasks.
● Assist with upkeep of outdoor workspaces, tools, fencing, gates, and storage areas.
● Support special projects as assigned, including infrastructure improvements and operational upgrades.
● Contribute to weather preparedness activities, including securing marine and facility assets in advance of storm events.
● Maintain clean, safe, and organized work areas and participate in site-wide upkeep activities.
Minimum Qualifications
● High school diploma or equivalent.
● Valid Florida driver’s license with a clean driving record.
● Authorization to work in the United States.
● Valid U.S. Coast Guard Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV) License or higher required. ● Ability to lift and carry up to 70 lbs safely.
● Proficiency in vessel trailering, launching, recovery, and safe operation.
● Working knowledge of small engine and trailer maintenance. ● Ability to work outdoors in physically demanding conditions.
● Comfortable working on ladders, platforms, docks, and marine vessels.
● Strong communication skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
● Must complete a vessel checkout and skills assessment to demonstrate safe operation, trailering proficiency, and familiarity with Mote procedures prior to independent use of vessels.
Preferred Qualifications
● Experience operating and maintaining small workboats in coastal or nearshore environments.
● Familiarity with coral reef environments, marine fieldwork, or restoration operations.
● Basic facilities skills (e.g., carpentry, electrical, plumbing, welding, or general construction).
● SCUBA certification (minimum Open Water; Rescue or Dive Professional preferred).
● Experience with workshop tools, fabrication, or facility support systems. Work Schedule and Conditions
● Regular schedule is Monday through Friday.
● Flexibility is required to support operational priorities, field activities, emergencies, weather events, and time-sensitive project needs, including occasional weekends, holidays, or extended hours.
● Position is based in the Upper Florida Keys and may support multiple field sites, nursery facilities, and collaborative initiatives.
The Life Support Systems 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 Aquarium’s 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.
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 backwashing 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, filtrations 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.
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.
Labor Category: Non-Exempt (Federal Fair Labor Standards Act)
This position will report to the Life Support Systems Manager
The Life Support Systems Operator is a technical position responsible for the safe operation of Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium’s freshwater and saltwater systems. This classification requires a sensible knowledge of aquatic life support systems and associated equipment through education or commensurate experience. The Life Support Systems Technician will possess the ability to test and maintain ideal water chemistry, operate and troubleshoot life support systems and assist with the design and installation of new systems and equipment. The Life Support Systems Technician is expected to perform high quality work in support of Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium’s mission.
Duties will include, but are not limited to, laboratory testing of water chemistry, treatment of seawater supply to maintain ideal water chemistry, operation and maintenance of ozone generators, compressors and associated peripheral equipment, pump repaid, high rate sand filter operation and maintenance, as well as daily operation of water distribution systems. The Life Support System Technician will participate in the installation and maintenance of closed and open saltwater systems, seawater heater/chiller equipment, filtrations systems and pump equipment. The Life Support System Technician will cooperate with staff, volunteers, and contractors, but must be able to work and make decisions independently. Any other duties in support of Mote Marine as directed.
Labor Category: Non-Exempt
Normal hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Occasional longer daily hours may be required to complete specific tasks. The Life Support Systems Technician will be available after hours and weekends to support emergency situations.
The purpose of this position is to support the production, research, and operations of monitoring procedures associated with the Mote Marine Laboratory’s Coral Reef Restoration Research Program. The incumbent will be responsible for the collection, curation, processing, and analysis of spatially-explicit large-area imagery data. Primary responsibilities will include leading and executing large area imagery capture events, producing and analyzing georeferenced 2D and 3D Structure-from-Motion products, using spatial analysis tools to increase the spatial resolution and quantitative granularity of Mote’s holistic restoration monitoring data, and supporting the execution, monitoring, analysis, and reporting of Mote’s coral reef restoration experiments. The incumbent will also be expected to support Mote’s Coral Reef Restoration activities including the husbandry and maintenance of Mote’s ex situ and in situ nurseries, the propagation and outplanting of coral and other restoration species as well as the construction and maintenance of equipment associated with those tasks.
This position requires the incumbent to exhibit strong organizational skills and attention to detail with respect to the collection, entry and archival, QA/QC, and analysis of large datasets. The incumbent is expected to periodically assist with the preparation of grant and programmatic reports, as well as manuscripts, oral and/or poster presentations and other science communication tasks under the direction and in close coordination with the Coral Reef Restoration Research Program Manager. All activities will be conducted with close and constant communication with the Program Manager, Nursery Operations Coordinator, and Field Operations Coordinator to ensure that operational efficiency and data integrity are maintained to the highest standards.
Additional duties will include assisting with various tasks related to the daily operation of a full-service marine laboratory, assisting with field and lab support to visiting scientists, and assisting with outreach and education activities as needed including interviews, tours, and workshops.
The purpose of this position is to support the production, research, and restoration operations associated with Mote Marine Laboratory’s holistic Coral Reef Restoration Research strategy, specifically the integration of grazers into active coral reef restoration efforts. The incumbent will be responsible for coordinating and actively participating in both laboratory and field research operations to meet or exceed funded project and programmatic deliverables. Primary responsibilities will include husbandry duties associated with the care and production of invertebrate grazers and corals, daily maintenance of laboratory research systems, conducting extensive field research operations including the outplanting, stocking, and monitoring of corals and invertebrate grazers along Florida’s Coral Reef, collections of animals and marine algae necessary for research objectives, and coordinating the production and transfer logistics of animals for research and restoration operations with colleagues at Mote’s Florida Coral Reef Restoration Crab Hatchery Research Center in Sarasota, FL. The incumbent will also be expected to generally support Mote’s Coral Reef Restoration Research Program activities including the maintenance of ex situ and in situ coral nurseries, the propagation of corals, and the construction and maintenance of equipment associated with those tasks as directed.
This position requires the incumbent to exhibit strong organizational skills and attention to detail with respect to the collection, entry and archival, QA/QC, and analysis of large datasets. The incumbent is expected to periodically assist with the preparation of grant and programmatic reports, as well as manuscripts, oral and/or poster presentations and other science communication tasks under the direction and in close coordination with the Coral Reef Restoration Research Program Manager. All activities will be conducted with close and constant communication with the Program Manager, Nursery Operations Coordinator, and Field Operations Coordinator to ensure that operational efficiency and data integrity are maintained to the highest standards.
Additional duties will include assisting with various tasks related to the daily operation of a full service marine laboratory, assisting with field and lab support to visiting scientists, and assisting with outreach and education activities as needed.
The Chemical and Physical Ecology Program (under the direction of Dr. Emily Hall) is seeking a Senior Chemist. General duties for the Senior Chemist to be performed include inorganic chemical and physical analyses (water/sediment quality parameters). This position will be responsible for running a Seal AutoAnalyzer for inorganic nutrient analyses. While there is possibility of some field participation, the majority of the position will be in the lab running analyses for nutrients (e.g. total and dissolved nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, phosphate, silica; total nitrogen and phosphorus; particulate phosphorus and silica; total kjeldahl nitrogen). All analyses in this program are certified by The NELAC Institute and follow strict QA/QC guidelines. All activities are carried out according the Mote Marine Lab Quality Assurance Plan including operation and maintenance of scientific instruments and equipment, preparations, sample analyses, and data quality assessments. Proficiency is expected for work on computers, and, after initial training, on water quality instrumentation, navigation and safety equipment, balances, pH meters, and spectrophotometers, and the like. Emergency CPR, First Aid, and Coast Guard small vessel safety courses are available through the laboratory and a Senior Chemist will be expected to obtain these certifications within a finite period. This position is expected to be detail oriented, organized, and able to work both independently and part of a team. This position may include participation in field sampling (e.g. travel, operations from trucks or boats, occasional evening/night/weekend shifts) and sample preparation (e.g. extraction, filtration, preservation), as needed.
A master’s degree with a focus in environmental chemistry from an accredited university. In lieu of a master’s degree, a minimum of 5 years’ experience may be considered.
Familiarity with National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference (NELAC) standards. Familiarity with AutoAnalyzers (for nutrient analyses). Must have chemistry lab experience and knowledge.
The Chemical and Physical Ecology Program (under the direction of Dr. Emily Hall) is seeking a Laboratory Manager. The Lab Manager will be responsible for: managing all Chemical and Physical Ecology staff time management for sample collection and analyses, calendar for Chemical and Physical Ecology Program, all QA/QC for samples and field work, The NELAC Institute proficiency testing (PTs) and Audits, LIMS system administration, staff training, data ethics and integrity, project reporting, ordering, lab cleanliness, hazardous waste, some budgeting, assisting the Program Manager, experiments, data upload, data download, LIMS administrator, excel spreadsheets from LIMS, certifications (CPR, First Aid, NELAC, Boater Safety), timesheets for Chemical and Physical Ecology staff, report writing, and personnel issues. This position includes possibility of field work (day-long boat trips or by car) and some lab work (depending on needs). This person will report directly to the Program Manager.
A master’s degree with a focus in environmental chemistry from an accredited university. In lieu of a master’s degree, a minimum of 5 years’ experience in chemistry or lab management may be considered.
Familiarity with National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference (NELAC) standards. Familiarity with AutoAnalyzers and other chemistry instruments. Must have chemistry lab experience and knowledge.
The Senior Manager of Venue Rentals and Events provides strategic leadership and oversight of Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium’s Venue Rentals, Events, and AV operations. This role is responsible for driving revenue growth, enhancing guest experience, and aligning event and venue operations with Mote’s mission and development goals.
The Senior Manager leads cross-functional teams, cultivates relationships both internally and externally, and leverages venue rental clients as potential donors, partners, and long-term supporters. This role operates within Mote’s hands-on culture, balancing strategic planning, team oversight, and high-level operational involvement to maintain the highest standards of service and guest experience.
The ideal Senior Manager will demonstrate strong leadership and operational management skills, with the ability to effectively oversee and develop a team of Managers. They will be well-connected within the community and comfortable serving as a visible, forward-facing leader representing the department. Success in this role requires exceptional networking abilities, as building and maintaining strategic relationships is critical.
Normal office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by event scheduling.
This position is a highly collaborative supervisory position. This position’s primary function is to actively and closely coordinate with the Coral Reef Restoration Research Program Manager in the management, organization, archival, reporting, and analysis of all Coral Reef Restoration Research Program data. The incumbent will assist with and participate in the preparation of reports, presentations, manuscripts for publication, and grant proposals as required and in close coordination with the Coral Reef Restoration Research Program Manager. The incumbent is expected to ensure that all project and programmatic deliverables are completed on time and to the required standards, in alignment with Mote’s Coral Reef Restoration Research Program’s mission and relevant regulatory requirements. Lead and supervise staff, interns, and volunteers in the collection, processing, and analysis of experimental and monitoring data – particularly large area imagery. The incumbent will provide and/or coordinate the direction, training, and support necessary to ensure efficient and effective operations. The incumbent will coordinate with and assist the Coral Reef Restoration Research Program Manager, Nursery Operations Coordinators, Field Operations Coordinators, and other Coral Reef Restoration Research Program staff in the development, archival, and maintenance of a master data repository as well as lead and supervise the archival of programmatic data in multiple digital and physical locations and to ensure the highest standards in data integrity, data security, and quality assurance. Incumbent is expected to lead and supervise the development of Mote’s Coral Reef Restoration Research Program’s spatial and large area imagery processing and analytical pipelines, including remaining current in the state of the field with respect to techniques, software, and hardware developments. The incumbent is expected to work closely with the Coral Reef Restoration Research Program Manager on a day-to-day basis ensuring constant and consistent communication and coordination of all operations and logistics associated with data collection, processing, analysis, and archival. The incumbent is expected to foster a strong and collaborative focus on the professional development of Coral Reef Restoration Research Program staff and to advocate for the staff in close communication and coordination with the Coral Reef Restoration Research Program
Manager.
The Guest Services Associate serves as a first point of contact for Mote Science Education 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 guest experiences such as Virtual Reality and Stingray Feeding. 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:
Working Hours:
Normal working hours for a full time employee is 8:30am-5pm, with a half hour unpaid lunch. A normal work week is 30-40 hours. Must be available to work weekends and holidays.
Normal working hours for a part time employee is either 8:30am-5pm, three days a week or 9:15am-
5pm four days a week. A normal work week is 20-29 hours. Must be available to work weekends and
holidays. Part time and Full time positions for Guest Services Associate are available.
Qualifications:
The ideal team member will be:
Supervision: This position reports to the Manager of Guest Services
Labor Category:Non Exempt (Federal Fair Labor Standards Act)
To Apply:
Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2025 Guest Services Associate (Nathan Benderson Park Campus” 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 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
