Mote’s Education Outreach Center on Anna Maria City Pier

The Operations Associate will provide an engaging and educational visitor experience by assisting the Center’s team. This role is an entry-level position that spans three operational domains including guest services, aquarium biologist, and retail duties. Applicants should have an interest in animal husbandry, biology, and public interaction.

Tasks:

1. Guest Services

• Greet all guests with a smile and friendly demeanor
• Provide interesting and helpful information on Mote’s research and public outreach programs
• Professionally answer guest inquiries and handle requests or complaints
• Responsible for opening and closing procedures, including daily cleaning duties of the Center
• Sell, renew, and promote memberships, Adopt-an-Animal, and other fundraising programs to guests
• Perform any other customer relation duties; including emergency assistance and safety procedures

2. Aquarium Biologist

• Responsible for the daily husbandry of animals; including preparation of diets, observation and recording of daily/medical care, maintenance of animal exhibit space
• Communicate daily husbandry activities with staff and volunteers
• Assists with life support and water quality of exhibits as needed; including filter changes, handling of chemicals, performing water quality tests, gravel vacuuming, and water changes
• Potential to work independently during times of coverage, such as sick or vacation times

3. Retail

• Replenish inventory on the sales floor
• Receive and handle merchandise payment by credit card
• Maintain cleanliness of the retail area and front desk displays
• Maintain knowledge of policies regarding returns or exchanges, sales or promotions, and retail loss prevention practices
• Respond to requests for assistance promptly

Skills:

• Able to work independently or as a team
• Possess time management and organizational skills
• Public speaking and communication skills
• Customer skills such as critical thinking and active listening
• Strong observational skills to recognize and evaluate conditions of animal health, diets, behavior, and exhibit quality

Working Hours: Normal hours are 9:15 a.m. to 6:15 p.m., with one unpaid hour for lunch and will include weekend and holiday hours. Occasional longer daily hours or evening hours may be required to complete specific tasks.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree (or working towards one) in Marine Science, Biology, or related field preferred OR equivalent combination of related work experience preferred
• First- Aid/CPR/AED certified or ability to obtain certification within 3 months of hire

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift up to 50lbs occasionally
• Able to walk, stand, bend, or crouch for extended periods of time
• Capable of working around bleach or other sanitizing chemicals
• Tolerance working with wet hands, feet and clothes regularly

Experience: Animal care employment, internships, or volunteering experience in a public, aquarium, zoo, or related institution preferred.

Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2023 Operations Associate – Anna Maria” 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 November 1, 2023.

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.