Position Overview:
This newly created supervisory level role will work closely under the Executive Director and alongside the Restoration Director at the Reef Institute to oversee the coral and education initiatives. Key responsibilities include coaching staff, supporting professional development, and supporting genetic management and fieldwork planning. The ideal candidate should have a background in Caribbean coral care, particularly in an ex-situ setting. Besides aiding in grant management, writing, and budgeting, the position oversees various aspects of TRI. The role is primarily land-based, with minimal diving involved, focusing on TRI's activities in Florida. Collaboration with partners from universities, government agencies, and non-profits requires strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills. The role demands flexibility, creativity, and the ability to establish strategic processes and partnerships.
Reports to: Executive Director
About the Reef Institute:
Learn about the Reef Institute’s initiatives: https://tinyurl.com/aboutTRI
Also please feel free to check out our website at reefinstitute.org
Prerequisites:
- At least three years of experience with oversite of staff and management experience.
- A strong ability to coach staff in accountability and professional development.
- A minimum of five years of professional experience at an aquarium or research laboratory, including direct responsibility for care of live coral aquaria. This experience should include an increasing degree of responsibility over time with a broad base of technical knowledge.
- Strong understanding of life support systems and water quality parameters for stony corals.
- Identifying and solving obstacles with projects and tasks in a team setting
- Proficiency with Windows and Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Previous experience with coral propagation, or spawning. strongly preferred
- Assuring behavior consistently meets a level of excellence, and ownership consistent with Reef Institute values
- Bachelor of Science or higher degree in a biological science or related field is preferred.
- Detail oriented with an eye towards growth and excellence.
- Must have a valid US driver’s license
- Flexibility to work some weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed
General Responsibilities:
- Oversight of all managerial and coordinator level staff including the Coral Husbandry Coordinator, Education Coordinator, Water Quality Manager and Data Manager, aiding them in leading all staff in accomplishing TRI’s goals.
- Provide emergency backup for the Coral Restoration Director in coral care during vacations and other needs for the Coral Restoration director.
- Lead the Data Manager in creating a genetic management plan for coral reproduction, work with assisted fertilization of other facilities and outplanting.
- Aid research initiatives at TRI.
- Aid Outplanting Coordinator in developing a robust long-term outplanting plan.
- Coach management staff in leading staff and staff development.
- Performing husbandry duties as needed including but not limited to cleaning aquariums, performing water changes, maintaining life support systems, preparing food, feeding animals, and adjusting water quality parameters as a backup to other staff.
- Attends all meetings and calls necessary to improve work in the Florida Coral Rescue community
- Working with the Education Coordinator for outreach and education materials.
- Working with the Coral Husbandry Coordinator to oversee volunteers and interns in direct report to the facility work for the Reef Institute.
- Participating in management of coral spawning and larval rearing activities, including night work and aiding the Data Manager in data collection and coral recruit care using microscopes, as the Reef Institute moves into these new advances.
- Grant writing and grant management
- Available for on-call emergencies at the facility
Salary and Benefits:
Salary for this position available during the interview process
Benefits:
- A robust vacation package is offered.
- Medical insurance, relocation expenses, and 401K are not offered at this time.
Contact:
To inquire about this position please send a cover letter and resume to:
Leneita Fix, Executive Director: Lfix@reefinstitute.org
Tips: Provide a summary of the role, what success in the position looks like, and how this role fits into the organization overall.
