Primary Function: 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.
Primary Duties:
● Maintain consistent and effective communication and coordination with the Coral Reef Restoration Research Program Manager to ensure operational and fundamental alignment with programmatic priorities as well as timely execution of funded and programmatic deliverables on established timelines.
● Collaborate effectively with the Coral Reef Restoration Research Program’s Nursery Coordinators and Field Operations Coordinators to ensure accurate inventory management, streamlined workflow, timely completion of deliverables, and a balanced approach to achieving both land-based and field priorities.
● Attend and actively participate in regular meetings, including staff meetings, project planning sessions, and coordination meetings with internal and external stakeholders, to facilitate effective communication and collaboration.
● Supervise and train staff for monitoring and data collection-focused fieldwork, ensuring compliance with required standards and alignment with Mote’s Coral Reef Restoration Research Program’s mission.
● Assist with the leadership, coordination, and conduct of routine and research-specific monitoring and photo-documentation, including in-water Structure-from-Motion photogrammetry, of Mote’s Coral Reef Restoration Research, including outplanted corals, and assist with the entry, archival, and reporting of those data as directed by the Coral Reef Restoration Research Program Manager.
● Assist with planning and execution of Mote restoration research objectives including (but not limited to) outplanting corals, monitoring operations, inventory management, data collection and entry.
● Construct and maintain nursery structures and field equipment.
● Lead, coordinate, and assist with field and laboratory data collection and management activities associated with Mote-led & Mote-supported research projects as assigned.
● Lead, coordinate, supervise, and assist with all programmatic data collection, data entry, QA/QC, and report writing efforts.
● Produce high quality data analysis and visualization products to support institutional, programmatic, and project-specific deliverables as well as presentations including for conferences and symposia, formal and informal reports, manuscripts for publication, grant proposals, and programmatic meetings.
● Collaborate with program staff and leadership to generate and track necessary purchase orders per business office guidelines, maintaining detailed procurement records for accurate budget management.
● Provide field and lab support to visiting scientists as directed by Mote’s Coral Reef Restoration Research Program Manager.
● Regularly, as directed, travel to multiple Mote campuses and, periodically, to other field and laboratory sites (including international) to support Mote’s Coral Reef Restoration Research Program mission as directed by the Program Manager.
● Actively represent and promote Mote’s Coral Reef Restoration Program in working groups as directed or requested, providing presentations as requested or directed; this may include presenting research and restoration results at national or international scientific meetings, conferences, or symposia.
● Assist with outreach and education activities, such as tours, presentations, or community events, as requested or directed.
● Be and remain a collegial member of Mote’s Coral Reef Restoration Research Program.
Additional duties will include assisting with various tasks related to the daily operation of a full-service marine laboratory, assist with field and lab support to visiting scientists, and assist with outreach and education activities as needed including interviews, tours, and workshops.
Minimum Qualifications or Requirements
· B.S. degree in the marine or biological sciences form an accredited college or university.
· Nationally recognized SCUBA certification (Rescue Diver certification required within 3 months of hire; divemaster or higher preferred).
· Meet and maintain standards for AAUS Scientific Diver rating, including medical requirements.
· Valid Florida driver’s license.
· Ability to be self-motivated and complete assigned tasks in a timely manner.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
· Prior experience working in tropical marine ecosystems and identification of Caribbean corals.
· Prior Florida and Caribbean coral nursery experience.
· Ability to lift heavy objects or equipment up to 50lbs.
· Ability to clearly and effectively communicate with peers and supervisors both verbally and in writing.
· Ability to work outdoors, on vessels, and underwater in marginal or inclement conditions periodically while maintaining a safe, positive, and professional demeanor to execute Mote’s Coral Reef Restoration Research mission.
· Working knowledge of basic computer software (Windows, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite) required.
· Working knowledge of advanced computing systems such as common Photogrammetric software (e.g., Agisoft Metashape, Viscore), spatial analysis software (e.g., Geographic Information Systems).
· Experience and working familiarity with common data management and statistical analysis software (e.g., MatLab, SPSS, SAS, R).
· Ability to adapt to a changing environment, show initiative and work independently on certain tasks with minimal direct supervision, and good practical problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
· Normal hours are 8 hours within the hours of 7:30-4:30 with one hour lunch break: five days per week; regularly flexible weekend and modified weekday hours will be required to execute Mote’s Coral Reef Restoration & Research Mission. Periodic night, weekend, and holiday work will be required.
Preferred Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities
· M.S. degree in statistics, marine science, biological sciences, or related relevant field from an accredited college or university strongly preferred.
· Extensive prior scientific diving experience strongly preferred
· Ability to operate vessels up to 28’ LOA to support Mote’s coral reef restoration & research activities preferred.
· Prior professional experience with recirculating and flow-through seawater systems – particularly those designed for the husbandry and production of Scleractinian corals preferred.
· Prior supervisory and leadership experience in a laboratory or field setting strongly preferred
Pay: $30.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40.0 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
