Volunteer Resources Administrative Assistant  (Full-time, Temporary)

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

Dolphin Research Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Secondary Responsibilities

mittee participation depending on special interests and workload

Education Registration and Enrollment Specialist  (Full-Time, Permanent)

Occupational Summary

The Education Registration and Enrollment Specialist is involved from beginning to end with every group, individual student, and/or parent who attends DRC Education programs, including on the phone or emailing, describing and promoting the programs, scheduling and registering students.  They are responsible for clerical responsibilities related to DRC’s Education department, and assist with some administrative tasks for Dolphin Research Center Training Institute.

Essential Job Functions/Responsibilities

•  Individual student/group education program scheduling, enrollment, booking, correspondence, processing and billing
•  Maintain programs statistics for all Education programs
•  Coordinate Ed programming needs with other departments (ACT for programs with animals; Vis Com for photo needs)  Input Ed program numbers into ResQuest.
• Coordinates with organizations in the community for scheduling our students visits and/or needs
•  Update booking calendars, databases, and schedules on a regular basis
•  Receiving and handling or routing numerous e-mail and telephone inquiries
•  Inventory, ordering & maintaining materials needed for the education department and programs
•  Web page maintenance for Education programs
•  Assist in maintaining traditional, video and electronic journal libraries
• Cooperatively interfacing with other DRC departments and staff members to effectively represent DRC’s Education department and Dolphin Research Center Training Institute (DRCTI)
• Budget and accounting liaison for Education department 
•  Maintain current and up-to-date user knowledge of departmental computer software 
•  Maintain audio/visual equipment and gathering resource material
•  Perform administrative duties as requested for Administrative Director and Programs Director of Education 
•  Mailing all education correspondence and packages
•  Liaison with College of the Florida Keys regarding DolphinLabs
•  Liaison with local environmental organizations and services for DolphinLab and overnight Dusk to Dawn programs
•  Administer institute grant programs such as Title 4 and VA for DRCTI
• Assist with marketing for DRC’s education programs and DRCTI programs
• Assist the DRCTI Registration and Enrollment Coordinator with administrative duties

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

Education and/or Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent, with Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

Communication Skills

• Excellent communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with applicants, giving guidance through the application process.
• 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 DonorPerfect software a plus.

Strongly Desirable

• Previous experience working in bookings & reservations and/or college admissions a plus. 

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

Dolphin Research Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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 Permanent and Part-Time Permanent)

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

Accounting Manager (Full-Time- Permanent)

Functions/Expectations:

This position is responsible for accuracy, integrity and timeliness of organization’s financial and accounting records, reporting and disclosures.

Major duties of this position in our Accounting department may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Preparation of monthly and year-end financial statements and analysis.
• Oversee accounting department for processing daily receipts and accounts payable with emphasis on accountability and internal controls.
• Oversee online reservations system credit card processing.
• Reconcile bank statements and balance sheet g/l accounts on a monthly basis.
• Processing and management of cash management, budgeting, forecasting, capital budgeting and depreciation.
• Maintain intimate working knowledge of accounting software for training and problem solving purposes.
• Review preparation and filing of Florida state sales tax reports.
• Assist with process of weekly payroll and related g/l entries, reconciliations and reports including quarterly tax filings.
• Assist in the development of policies and procedures.
• Management of Fixed Assets System.
• Ensure that all incoming assets are properly tagged and recorded in accordance with established procedures.
• Assist with periodic physical inventories.
• Prepare invoices for submission in accordance with provisions of granting agency.
• Coordinate year-end close and assist with audit preparation.
• Supervises a staff directly responsible for A/P and A/R.

Qualifications:

• Be a hands-on self-starter, able to work effectively in a team oriented environment.
• Be familiar with all aspects of general accounting financial reporting and analysis
• Possess a bachelor’s degree in business or accounting and 5-8 related experience (or equivalent experience) is required.
• Knowledge of MAS200 preferred.
• CPA and/or non-profit experience is a plus.
• Should have experience in management with good people skills.

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

Dolphin Research Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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.