Mote Marine Laboratory (Mote), an independent not-for-profit institution established in 1955, has recently adopted a new 2020 Vision and Strategic Plan that seeks to ensure a comprehensive and integrated 21st Century Mote enterprise with research, innovation and public education and outreach programs that are all among the most creative and fruitful in the world. It is critical that all elements of Mote are guided by the same integrated vision and strategic plan. In doing so, all elements will work together to further Mote’s overarching mission - The advancement of marine and environmental sciences through scientific research, education and public outreach, leading to new discoveries, revitalization and sustainability of our oceans and greater public understanding of our marine resources.
In order to fully implement Mote’s strategic plan, a merger of Mote’s Aquarium and Education Divisions, and stronger linkages with Mote’s Research Division, has recently been initiated. A key element of this merger is the establishment of the Mote Informal Science Education (ISE) Research Initiative. Applications for the Mote ISE Eminent Visiting Scholar Award are now being accepted. The Search Committee will accept applications until the position is filled; however, Mote will start to review applications on June 1, 2013, and may make a decision shortly thereafter, depending on the applicant pool at that time.
The Mote ISE Eminent Visiting Scholar Award is a competitively awarded 2-3 month research opportunity for an outside scholar to conduct innovative research at Mote on informal science education utilizing and highlighting the full suite of Mote education, aquarium, volunteer and research assets in designing and implementing such studies. Salary and per diem will be provided by Mote for a 2 – 3 month period, while other funding sources (i.e., NSF, NOAA, Dept of Education, private foundations) developed by the visiting scholar would cover any other ISE research costs.
The Mote ISE Eminent Scholar Award research shouldsignificantly enhance Mote’s ability to address key goals of our 2020 Vision and Strategic Plan, including:
· Translate and transfer science and technology development to positively impact human society and the marine environment.
· Increase public experiences for marine conservation connections and impressions.
· Increase the number of advanced technology, interactive informal science stations for public use at Mote Aquarium.
· Deliver responsible marine conservation and sustainable-use focused public service to local, regional, state, national and international communities.
· Take a national and global leadership role in implementing a new paradigm for improved interactions between and among the often-disparate communities of science, public policy and education/outreach.
As an independent, nonprofit, mission-based organization, Mote’s greatest strength has been its ability to define its own agenda and research based on our communities’ needs and our scientists’ expertise. Mote is committed to being a leader in nationally and internationally respected research programs that are relevant to conservation and the sustainable use of marine biodiversity, healthy habitats and natural resources. We envision a comprehensive and integrated Mote enterprise with research, innovation and public education and outreach programs that are among the most creative and fruitful in the world.
Mote’s research extends throughout the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and tropical to polar environments. The main 10-acre campus is headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, were Mote’s Aquarium and Educations programs are also located. The 200-acre Mote Aquaculture Research Park is located nearby in Sarasota County. Mote’s other major facilities include a fisheries research station and education office in Charlotte Harbor (Lee County- southwest Florida); a Tropical Research Laboratory on Summerland Key (Monroe County- Florida Keys); and an additional Education Center with small aquarium at the Eco-Discovery Center in Key West. Mote’s existing research programs include behavioral ecology & physiology, benthic ecology, biomedical research, chemical ecology, coral reef ecosystem research, coral reef science & monitoring, dolphin research, ecotoxicology, environmental laboratory for forensics, environmental health, fisheries habitat ecology, manatee research, marine & freshwater aquaculture research, marine biomedical research, marine immunology, marine mammals & sea turtles, marine microbiology, marine stock enhancement, ocean acidification, phytoplankton ecology, sea turtle conservation & research, sensory biology & behavior, shark biology, and marine stranding investigations. The Laboratory also includes a marine policy institute. Program details are available at www.mote.org.
The Mote Aquarium receives over 380,000 visitors per year, while the Mote Education programs enroll over 25,000 students of all ages per year.
Mote offers on-site and outreach school programs, a range of public offerings for toddlers to adult audiences and an extensive, award-winning distance-learningprogram to sites throughout the country. Mote Education also operates a Mobile Exhibit that is a self-contained tractor-trailer sized traveling exhibit that includes a saltwater aquarium and touch tank. Our programs will use the methods and findings of Mote research to increase science and ocean literacy, and to inspire global marine and environmental stewardship through informed personal choices. These programs will take full advantage of emerging markets and technologies to reach a broad-spectrum, multi-faceted audience. Mote Education staff strive to innovate based on a unified organizational purpose, sound financial management, and a track record of success demonstrated by a strong evaluation program.
The Aquarium at Mote Marine Laboratory opened in 1980 as the public outreach and educational arm of the Laboratory. The Aquarium’s living collections include more than 200 species of fish and invertebrates. Marine mammals and sea turtles housed at the Marine Mammal Center include West Indian manatees, a pan-tropical spotted dolphin, loggerhead sea turtles and green sea turtles. The Aquarium also operates a Mobile Exhibit that is a self-contained tractor-trailer sized traveling exhibit that includes a saltwater aquarium and touch tank. Aquarium staff, including a 6,000-gallon tropical reef exhibit at the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport and a 4,000-gallon aquarium at the main branch of the Sarasota County Library, also maintains several offsite aquariums. Mote’s Sea Turtle and Whale and Dolphin Hospitals have established an international reputation for excellence in care and treatment of diseased and injured animals, as well as for the frequency with which such individuals recover and are successfully reintroduced into the wild.
Qualifications
Applicants must have PhD or EdD degree, with exceptional records of academic and research accomplishments in the general area of informal science education. Ideal candidate will have attained tenured-ranked university positions or similar types of positions in other institutions.
Competitive applications will focus on research programs that are relevant to learning in informal science institutions. Mote is especially interested in applications that will focus on conservation education, technology integration or program evaluation. All applications must include a research plan for examining effectiveness of innovative informal science education methods and approaches that would be tested at Mote.
Applicants must be eligible to work in the US in 2013 and 2014, and be able to begin the research in 2013. Actual term of the 2-3 month research opportunity may be a consecutive 2-3 month period or spread over a 12-month period in 2013 and 2014, but the Mote ISE Eminent Visiting Scholar is expected to conduct the research in residence at Mote.
APPLICATION
The Search Committee will accept applications until the position is filled; however, Mote will start to review applications on June 1, 2013, and may make a decision at any time thereafter, depending on the applicant pool at that time. A complete application will be a single pdf file containing:
-- A letter of interest, including employment status and proposed research term at Mote
-- Academic transcript of doctoral studies
-- Copy of the PhD or EdD degree certificate
-- Curriculum vitae
-- A 3-page essay describing the applicant’s intended research program to be conducted at Mote
-- Any 3 journal publications (in press or published) that are pertinent to the proposed research, and
-- Names of 3 references including their complete contact information.
Novel media other than pdf essential to an individual’s application may be submitted.
Address cover letters to the ISE Visiting Scholar Search Committee Chairman. Applications should be sent to: humanresources@mote.org. Or apply by mail to Human Resources 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy Sarasota, FL 34236.
Summer Camp Assistant
Mote Marine Laboratory
Summerland Key, FL
Mote Marine Laboratory is currently seeking a male Summer Camp Assistant to work with Mote staff and interns in the Florida Keys supervising male campers. The ability to work with the team is absolutely essential. It is important that the Assistant be good with time management and with anticipating activities that need to be initiated. Because the activities include elements of camp fun as well as education, the Assistant should understand that he/she is in the hospitality business as well as in the role of an instructor.
Description of General duties and responsibilities:
- Provide supervision of campers throughout residential camp sessions.
- Maintaining safe conditions for campers.
- Checking and preparing equipment for campers (includes snorkel gear, safety equipment, lab supplies, etc.) before each group of campers. Cleaning gear, storing after use. Assisting with cleanup after campers leave.
- Providing tour of property when campers arrive. Outlining safety, privacy and security matters to campers.
- Providing snorkel workshop and training for campers. Overseeing swim check.
- Assisting with meal preparation, food shopping, and all reservations as necessary.
- Providing two evenings per week of educational/interesting programming. Each will be approximately one hour long. May use laboratory equipment, PowerPoint presentation equipment as necessary. Topics may vary with camper age group. Active/interactive presentations are preferred.
- Accompanying campers on snorkel trips and other field trips. Interacting with them in the water.
- Lifeguarding from shore stations and aboard snorkel boat.
Minimum Requirements
- American Red Cross Lifeguarding certificate or equivalent
- CPR, First Aid certificate
- Strong teaching skills
- Good swimming skills
- Valid Class D driver’s license
- U.S. citizenship or foreign citizen’s U.S. work permit appropriate for the work
- Undergraduate or advanced degree in science, education or related field or equivalent work experience
Preferred Requirements
Duration:
This position will begin on or about June 3th, 2013 and end August 5th, 2013.
Physical Requirements:
Stamina for working occasional long hours at outdoor locations in hot weather, high humidity, intense sunlight, and wet weather
Ability to safely lift 40 lbs.
Ability to lift 25 lbs overhead.
Interested applicants should submit as a single electronic file, 1) a cover letter, 2) resume or CV, and 3) the names and contact information for three references, before 5pm May 24, 2013 to HumanResources@mote.org. Alternatively, a single package of all requested elements may be submitted to Mote Marine Laboratory, Attn: Human Resources, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236.
