Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Aquatic Life-Support Systems & Water Quality
- Operate, maintain, and service aquatic life-support systems supporting land-based coral nurseries, including tanks, raceways, filtration units, pumps, plumbing, UV systems, and associated equipment.
- Execute scheduled and preventative maintenance activities, including filter servicing, media changes, cartridge replacement, backwashing, and system flushing.
- Monitor system performance and conduct routine water-quality testing; support adjustments as directed to maintain established biological operating ranges.
- Prepare and mix seawater and system additives in accordance with established protocols.
- Inspect pumps, motors, valves, sensors, and plumbing for wear, leaks, or performance issues; complete routine repairs within scope and elevate issues as needed.
- Troubleshoot mechanical, plumbing, and flow-related system issues to support reliable operation and uninterrupted nursery function.
- Maintain accurate maintenance, system, and water-quality records in accordance with program procedures.
Coral Nursery Operations, Care & Propagation
- Perform routine coral care activities including handling, cleaning, inspection, and maintenance of nursery corals.
- Conduct coral propagation activities, including fragmentation and preparation of corals for continued nursery growth or restoration use.
- Support routine monitoring and documentation of nursery corals in accordance with established protocols.
- Assist with coral inventory tracking, labeling, and recordkeeping.
- Maintain clean, organized, and biosecure workspaces that support coral health and operational efficiency.
Restoration Materials & Operational Preparation
- Fabricate and prepare nursery and restoration materials to support coral care, propagation, and restoration activities.
- Prepare and mix materials used for coral outplanting in accordance with established protocols.
- Support the breakdown, cleaning, reconfiguration, and setup of raceways, tanks, and nursery infrastructure.
- Clean, organize, and maintain tools, equipment, and work areas used in nursery and restoration activities.
Field & Operational Support
- Prepare, stage, load, and break down equipment and coral materials to support restoration and research field activities.
- Provide logistical support for field operations, including inventorying, organizing, and maintaining field gear and supplies.
- Participate in field activities, including in-water work or scientific diving, as assigned and as certified (diving is not required for the position).
- Support weather preparedness and response activities, including securing systems, equipment, and facilities ahead of storm events.
Facilities & General Operations
- Maintain clean, safe, and well-organized workspaces that support nursery operations and research activities.
- Assist with general nursery upkeep and operational tasks as needed.
- Support special projects and evolving operational needs across nursery facilities.
Physical & Environmental Requirements
- Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 60 lbs safely.
- Ability to stand for extended periods and perform tasks requiring bending, kneeling, climbing ladders, and working around water.
- Ability to work in hot, humid, and variable weather conditions.
- Comfortable working around wet surfaces, mechanical equipment, and aquatic life-support systems.
Minimum Qualifications
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in marine science, biology, aquaculture, environmental science, or a related field OR equivalent hands-on experience in coral nurseries, aquaculture, or aquatic systems.
- Valid Florida driver’s license.
- Authorization to work in the United States.
- Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and comfort working with tools, pumps, plumbing, and filtration systems.
- Ability to perform hands-on, physical work in an operational nursery environment.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to follow biological and technical protocols.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience with coral nurseries, aquaculture facilities, or aquatic life-support systems.
- Familiarity with marine water-quality testing and basic system chemistry.
- Experience supporting coral restoration, nursery operations, or field-based programs.
- SCUBA certification or prior scientific diving experience (preferred but not required).
- Experience working in marine research or restoration programs.
Work Schedule and Conditions
- Regular schedule is Monday through Friday, eight-hour days.
- Occasional weekend, holiday, or extended hours may be required to support system needs, field activities, emergencies, or weather events.
- Position is based in the Upper Florida Keys and may support multiple nursery facilities.
Location: Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, Upper Florida Keys
Application deadline: We will continue to receive and review applications until the position is filled.
