Volunteer Resources Administrative Assistant  (Full-time, Permanent)

Volunteers at Dolphin Research Center play a crucial role in daily operations.  Our programs appeal to a diverse group that includes retirees, high school students and college students.  Some are here for no more than a few days, many for several months and some long-term.  Our dynamic department welcomes about one hundred volunteers per year.  The Volunteer Resources Administrative Assistant supports the Director.

Responsibilities

May include, but are not limited to, the following:

• General correspondence, record keeping, and files maintenance.
• Prompt handling and processing of incoming/outgoing departmental mail.
• Maintain all essential supplies, materials, and equipment necessary for volunteers to perform their duties.
• Process volunteer applications - date, review and acknowledge within three days of receipt.
• Assist in providing Orientation to new volunteers.
• Assist with volunteer training - including operation of necessary equipment.
• Update and print Volunteer Weekly Sign-In Sheet and calculate hours.
• Record, distribute and post weekly department meeting minutes within two days.
• Assist with tasks specific to the Internship program: Intern Selection Lists distribution; prompt notification of status - confirmation packets including Intern Guidelines and not-selected letters; maintain current postings at college career center websites.

Abilities and Skills:

• Serious applicants should be responsible, organized, self-directed and comfortable with multi-tasking; they should also demonstrate good team player skills. 
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability and desire to work with a variety of people on a regular basis are a must. 
• Good communication skills (both oral and written).
• We are the primary caregivers for our family of exotic birds so familiarity with avian care is helpful. 
• Applicants should have good basic computer skills including experience with PC-based applications including Windows and Microsoft Office Suite (or equivalent) and should have good communication skills (both oral and written).

Benefits

DRC currently offers medical benefits, a 401(k) retirement plan, paid vacation, sick, and overtime, as well as personal growth and training opportunities.  DRC seeks to provide for the well being of its employees and our salaries combined with our generous benefits create a competitive total package that is right for our environment.

To Apply

If you are interested, please send your resume and completed application by email to drc-hr@dolphins.orgor fax them to the Human Resources Director at (305) 289-8902. You may also mail them to Dolphin Research Center, Human Resources Director, 58901 Overseas Highway, Grassy Key, FL 33050.

DRC is a 501(c)(3) qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. To see if you qualify for student loan forgiveness please visit https://studentloans.gov/mydirectloan/pslfflow.action.  

Dolphin Research Center is an Equal OpportunityEmployer

Secondary Responsibilities

mittee participation depending on special interests and workload

School Programs & Outreach Curriculum Specialist - Full-Time, Permanent

OCCUPATIONAL SUMMARY 

The School Programs & Outreach Curriculum Specialist is responsible for the development and alignment of educational materials and school programs; liaison for outreach coordination and reservations; and researching and developing new outreach event opportunities. This position also supports Education Program Hosts and Instructors when necessary.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Correspondence with Schools, Teacher/School liaison: cultivation of relationship & programming, marketing, etc.
• Coordinating & development of school programs- develop current & new school programming; coordinate school programs (outreach visits to schools, school visits to DRC- logistics) with direction from supervisors
• Aligning all education materials and programs with national and state standards
• Curriculum Development- maintain/update current curriculum to standards, develop new curriculum & review new materials/programs to ensure meet standards
• Teacher’s webpage update/maintenance on DRC website
• Ocean Celebration Day Coordination/Development- liaison with environmental organizations and schools; coordinate the logistics of the event in partnership with Senior Education Instructor/Coordinator with experience
• MCEEAC/FMSEA/NMEA/FAST Liaison & attendee; develop/participate in initiatives that result from conferences
• Education Grant development & writing
• Distance Learning Programs alignment, development, and conducting DL sessions (knowledge and experience with ZOOM preferable)
• Learn CILC (Center for Interactive Learning Collaboration) for advertising distance learning programming, and eventually take over complete coordination of CILC and programming.
• Mobile Education Exhibit Coordinator (Whale/Sea Lion/Manatee Wagons): development, new artifact acquisition/incorporation, alignment, maintenance of content and structure
• Outreach- liaison with event organizers, coordinates outreach reservations and logistics, ensure activities meet curriculum standards if needed, communicate details to instructors attending the event, receive feedback from instructors & communicate feedback to Admin and Programs Director of ED, propose/develop/research new outreach opportunities; liaison with DRC Volunteer Resource dept to coordinate volunteer participation. Align outreach activities & presentations to ADA compliance.
• Educational outreach materials
  • Brochures provided by outside organizations- liaison with organization, request additional materials when instructors communicate running low.
  • Recommend new materials needed for purchase and discuss with Admin Director of ED for ordering.
  • Re-stocking the Education brochure supply.
• Theater presentations/seminar crossover if needed to support the Education instructor team.
• Daytrip, Dusk to Dawn and DolphinLab crossover if needed to support the Education instructor team.
• DRCTI- curriculum development and alignment, develop & update lectures, organize lecture materials, develop and conduct Professional Development courses for DRCTI faculty and instructors.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated ability to proactively manage multiple, critical deadlines.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and resourceful.
• Flexible, motivated, self-directed.
• Excellent planning and logistic skills.
• Team player, able to interface and communicate smoothly with all levels of personnel (staff and students).
• Passionate about education and nurturing young adults to achieving their dreams.
• Knowledge in curriculum and standards.  Formal education experience and curriculum development preferred.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s, Master’s Degree preferred

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

• Excellent communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with teachers, staff at other organizations and businesses.
• Ability to manage stressful situations in a calm, discreet and respectful manner.

REASONING ABILITY

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

COMPUTER SKILLS

• Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Google Drive products at a minimum.  Familiarity with ZOOM a plus.

STRONGLY DESIRABLE

• Previous experience working in bookings & reservations, outreach coordination, and formal education settings and curriculum development.
• Master’s Degree 
• Experience with and knowledge of ZOOM.

Benefits

DRC currently offers medical benefits, a 401(k) retirement plan, paid vacation, sick, and overtime, as well as personal growth and training opportunities.  DRC seeks to provide for the well being of its employees and our salaries combined with our generous benefits create a competitive total package that is right for our environment.

To Apply

If you are interested, please send your resume and completed application by email to drc-hr@dolphins.org or fax them to the Human Resources Director at (305) 289-8902. You may also mail them to Dolphin Research Center, Human Resources Director, 58901 Overseas Highway, Grassy Key, FL 33050.

DRC is a 501(c)(3) qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. To see if you qualify for student loan forgiveness please visit https://studentloans.gov/mydirectloan/pslfflow.action.  

Dolphin Research Center is an Equal OpportunityEmployer

Visual Communications Staff (Full-Time, Permanent)

Dolphin Research Center currently has a full-time opening for a Visual Communications Staff Member.  DRC is a not-for-profit education and research facility dedicated to teaching, learning and caring for marine mammals and the environment we share. We are home to a colony of Common Bottlenose Dolphins and California Sea Lions.

Join our Visual Communications Department if you enjoy working outdoors around the water, interacting with people and watching dolphins at play. Photograph program participants to provide lasting memories of their experiences. This is a team department and most projects involve working closely with other V-C staff members and with co-workers from other departments.  Note: All photographs and videos are the sole property of Dolphin Research Center. Any photos taken with your own camera and your equipment during personal time are for your personal use and not to be sold or published.  This is NOT the position for someone hoping to transition to a marine mammal trainer.

Abilities and Skills

•  Ideal candidate must be a team player, self-motivated, dependable, flexible and have a positive attitude   
•  Must have physical agility, good balance, and be able to take steep steps while climbing on and off floating docks. 
•  Must also be able to squat and/or kneel to take photographs and/or shoot video.
•  Must be able to work long days in the Florida Keys heat.
•  Windows-based computer skills are required.
•  Familiarity with digital photography is required.
• Knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud software is a plus.

Position Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Taking candid digital still photos of guests and dolphins during public programs.
• All phases of video recording and editing.  Types of projects include promotional, educational, documentary, narrative and visual music montage.
• Photographing and video recording DRC dolphins, programs and events to support corporate-wide needs.
• Creating corporate publications including advertisements and marketing pieces.
• Creating on-site informational and directional signage.
• Tracking and maintaining production schedules.
• Working directly with guests to select and process print and/or digital photos.
• Willing to train the right candidate.

Salary and Benefits

The salary for this position starts at $10.00 per hour.  DRC currently offers medical benefits, life and disability insurance plan, a 401(k)- retirement plan, health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance program, paid holidays, vacation, sick, and overtime, as well as personal growth and training opportunities.  DRC seeks to provide for the well-being of its employees and with our high benefits offers a competitive total package right for our environment.

To Apply:

If interested, please submit a cover letter, resume, DRC application and samples of work (including portraiture or photographs with people as well as any other type of work such as video) to Dolphin Research Center, Attention: Human Resources Department, e-mail at drc-hr@dolphins.org, 58901 Overseas Hwy, Grassy Key, FL 33050.

Dolphin Research Center is an equal opportunity employer

Part Time Sales Associate

Apply in Person at the Dolphin Research Center Gift Shop 

Job Description

• To provide the highest quality of customer service to the guests by combining appropiate sales skills with an awareness of customers and their needs.
• Basic computer knowledge.
• Suggest specific merchandise and offer product advice.
• To be familiar with all merchandise in the selling area.
• Maintain a professional attitude with sincerity and enthusiasm, demonstrating a commitment to the visitor as the most important person in the store.

Requirements:

• Must be at least 16 years old.
• Must have transportation.
• Ability to meet federal, state and local requirements for employment.
• Ability to lift moderately sized boxes and goods, weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends and holidays.

Guest Services Staff (Full-Time/Part-Time Temporary)

Position Responsibilities:

• Understanding each interactive program from cost to content, length, restrictions and daily availability for reservations and walk-in (staff members in GS experience each program).
• Know basic content of each narrative session (GS staff will attend and observe these).
• Be able to give basic information on published  research projects  (surface understanding – we have greater detailed handouts for guests who are more intensely interested in these projects).
• Direct questions to appropriate Education staff member regarding the various education opportunities (i.e. DRC Training Institute (DRCTI), Dolphin Labs/Dolphin Camps, Distance Learning) and provide appropriate literature and contact information.
• Understand Special Needs Department protocol and use it for interactive programs and walk-in guest.
• Assist the Visual Communication Department with the editing and sales of photos.
• Process membership purchases application.
• Follow procedures regarding members arriving at DRC.
• Process admissions in addition to walk-in interactive programs.
• Maintain communication with Animal Care and Training Staff for availability of programs.
• Know protocol for guests visiting our facility during a wild cetacean stranding and why it is extremely crucial to follow the protocol.
• Perform opening/closing and balancing of end-of-day reports.
• At end of day, restock public restrooms and take out rubbish/recyclables daily.

Abilities and Skills:

• Must foster a love for, and protection of, our animals and marine environment.
• Possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills for assisting visitors of all countries and languages and anticipate their needs often based on limited knowledge of English.
• Maintains a calm demeanor under stress or stressful situations.
• Can deal with difficult people and situations.
• Possess problem solving skills.
• Maintains confidentiality regarding our research, animals, and staff.
• Neat in appearance, confident speaking voice, and works well both with others, or independently without instruction.
• Comfortable using computers and multiple software applications.
• Use of cash registers or cash drawers, both computerized and manual; be able to count change back without using a register if necessary.
• Must be extremely flexible in day-to-day operations of facility.
• Reliable and on time daily.
• Weekend work is required.

Benefits

DRC currently offers medical benefits, a 401(k) retirement plan, paid vacation, sick, and overtime, as well as personal growth and training opportunities.  DRC seeks to provide for the well being of its employees and our salaries combined with our generous benefits create a competitive total package that is right for our environment.

To Apply

If you are interested, please send your resume and completed application by email to drc-hr@dolphins.orgor fax them to the Human Resources Director at (305) 289-8902. You may also mail them to Dolphin Research Center, Human Resources Director, 58901 Overseas Highway, Grassy Key, FL 33050

Dolphin Research Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Facilities Maintenance Apprentice (Full-time, Permanent)

Dolphin Research Center (DRC) currently has a full-time opening for an Facilities Maintenance Apprentice.  DRC is a not-for-profit education and research facility dedicated to teaching, learning and caring about marine mammals and the environment we share.

Position Responsibilities:

Major duties of this position in our Animal Care and Habitat Department may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Maintenance of buildings, equipment, vehicles, and boats.
• Attend to plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and automotive needs.
• Assist with land and water construction projects.
• Cleaning, maintenance, and repair of floating docks and in water fencing.
• Maintain and repair filtration systems.
• Maintain records and systems.
• Maintenance and repair of netting and dive equipment.
• Assist with stocking fish within freezer.
• Participate on Manatee Rescue Team.
• Perform safe removal of sea life from lagoons.
• Support Medical and Animal Care and Training staff with care of dolphins, sea lion, exotic birds and other DRC animals, including but not limited to weighing animals, transferring to different lagoons/habitats, in-water medical check-ups, etc.

Qualifications:

• Successful candidate will be a flexible, responsible, organized, and motivated individual who demonstrates excellent “team player” skills.
• Must be physically fit, able to lift 75 pounds, and have a high comfort level in the water.Must be dedicated to the animals’ care, safety and well-beingat all times.
• Will either be diver certified or be willing to become diver certified.
• Must possess general “handy-man” skills, knowledge of dive equipment maintenance is a plus.
• Must have a clean driving record.
• Must be able to work outdoors in the Florida heatand other extreme weather conditions.

Benefits:

DRC currently offers medical benefits, life and disability insurance plan, a 401(k) retirement plan, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance program, paid holidays, vacation, sick, and overtime, as well as personal growth and training opportunities.  DRC seeks to provide for the well-being of its employees and our wage combined with our generous benefits creates a competitive total package that is right for our environment. 

To Apply:

If interested, please submit a resume and a DRC application to drc-hr@dolphins.org or mail to Human Resources, Dolphin Research Center, 58901 Overseas Highway, Grassy Key, FL  33050 or fax to 305-289-8902.

DRC is a 501(c)(3) qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. To see if you qualify for student loan forgiveness please visit https://studentloans.gov/mydirectloan/pslfflow.action.  

Dolphin Research Center is an Equal OpportunityEmployer

Education Program Host (Full-Time, Permanent)

We are looking for an engaging, entertaining person who would love an exciting environmental career.  Programs Hosts narrate live-action, ever-changing presentations of DRC’s dolphins and sea lions.  Program Host is a full-time position and week-end hours are required. 

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Greeting and entertaining guests
• Giving presentations, teaching workshops and/or seminars
• Narrating public dolphin and sea lion sessions
• Conducting guest and kids’ activities
• Checking in and coordinating participant/student activities
• Monitoring dolphin observation and activities with participants/students
• Transporting DolphinLab students in a 15 passenger van
• Assisting in program preparation and development
• Assisting in preparation of pre-class and post-class activities and paperwork
• Assisting with the processing of information requests
• Assisting with resource and equipment maintenance
• Conducting Distance Learning presentations

Qualifications

• Successful candidate will be outgoing, have excellent presentation/public speaking skills and be excited about DRC and our family of dolphins and sea lions. 
• Must be passionate about sharing their excitement and knowledge with our guests. 
• Be flexible with their availability, as work schedules can change weekly (evening and week-end hours are required). 
• Must have physical agility and good balance, be able to take steep steps while climbing on and off our floating docks, and be able to assist guests onto and off of our floating docks. 
• Must also be able to squat and/or crouch to take photographs. 
• Must be able to work long days in the Florida Keys heat. 
• Must have the ability and desire to work with a variety of people, especially youths, on a regular basis is a must. 
• Successful applicant will be a responsible, organized, motivated, self-directed individual who demonstrates excellent “team player” skills. 
• Must have a clean driving record (helpful to have a Florida driver’s license) and computer experience. 
• A Bachelor’s degree is required for this position, however candidates actively pursuing this degree will also be considered.

Benefits

DRC currently offers medical benefits, life and disability insurance plan, a 401(k) retirement plan, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance program, paid holidays, vacation, sick, and overtime, as well as personal growth and training opportunities.  DRC seeks to provide for the well-being of its employees and our salary combined with our generous benefits creates a competitive total package that is right for our environment.

DRC is a 501(c)(3) qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. To see if you qualify for student loan forgiveness please visit https://studentloans.gov/mydirectloan/pslfflow.action.  

Dolphin Research Center is an Equal OpportunityEmployer

SALARY & BENEFITS

The cost of living in the Keys tends to be high and salaries, for the most part, are not competitive with the national average. This is particularly true at DRC, which is still maturing as a not-for-profit corporation. Starting salaries vary according to an applicant's educational background, experience, and particular job responsibilities. The starting annual salary for an entry-level employee at DRC averages $21,000. Many staff members find it necessary to supplement their income through other means.

DRC seeks to provide for the well being of its employees and our salary combined with our generous benefits creates a competitive total package that is right for our environment.

DRC offers an excellent benefits package including health insurance, a 401(k) plan, paid holidays, paid vacation, paid sick leave, gift shop discounts, work clothing, and complimentary Dolphin Encounters. However, the most important benefits are the extraordinary rewards employees encounter on a daily basis: feeling the elation when a dolphin demonstrates a new behavior for the first time, watching a child grin in excitement when she sees a dolphin burst out of the water into a flip, sitting quietly on a dock observing the fluid grace of dolphins, experiencing the sense of satisfaction when a student grasps a new concept, witnessing the magical moment when a learning-disabled child utters his first word. Moments such as these are the true rewards, the unique benefits of working at Dolphin Research Center.

HOW TO APPLY

If you are interested, please send your resume and completed application by email to drc-hr@dolphins.org or fax them to the Human Resources Director at (305) 289-8902. You may also mail them to Dolphin Research Center, Human Resources Director, 58901 Overseas Highway, Grassy Key, FL 33050 or stop by the center and complete an application in person.

Dolphin Research Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.