Accounting Director  (Full-Time/Permanent)

Functions/Expectations:

• Maintain intimate working knowledge of accounting software for training and problem solving purposes.

• Oversee accounting department for processing daily receipts and accounts payable with emphasis on accountability and internal controls.

• Oversee online reservations system credit card processing.

• Prepare monthly financial statements and close accounting software modules as required.

• Reconcile bank statements and balance sheet g/l accounts on a monthly basis.

• Review preparation and filing of Florida state sales tax reports.

• Assist with the process of weekly payroll and related g/l entries, reconciliations and reports.

• Assist in the development of policies and procedures.

• Prepare all grant reimbursement request paperwork for submission in accordance with provisions of the granting agency.

• Assist with Fundraising Events including the preparation of accounting reports for the events.

• Coordinate year-end close.

• Prepare schedules and reports as requested by auditors to assist in the preparation of the audited financial statements and corporate income tax return.

• Assist in the review of the draft audited documents including reconciling the amounts reported on the financial statements to the amounts reported on the tax return.

• Manage Accounting Staff.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Possess a bachelor’s degree in business or accounting.

• 5-8 years experience in a computer-based environment.  

• Must be a responsible, organized, and motivated individual who demonstrates excellent “team player” skills.

• Must have experience in management with good people skills.

Benefits

DRC currently offers medical benefits, a 401(k) retirement plan, paid vacation, sick, 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. 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

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.org  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 OpportunityEmployer

Secondary Responsibilities

mittee participation depending on special interests and workload

Visual Communications Staff (Full-Time, Part-Time, Seasonal)

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.

Benefits

 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

Media & Marketing Staff Member (Full-Time, Permanent)

Functions/Expectations:

Social Media

• Curate/schedule engaging content for daily posts to DRC social media platforms
• Monitor social media platforms for customer questions, etc.
• Host Facebook Lives when needed

Media Relation

• Assist with screening & responding to media requests
• Assist in preparing for/managing on-site media visits
• Help write & submit press releases
• Assist in developing stories to pitch to media
• Team with other departments to prepare talking points and position papers on various issues
• Participate in manatee rescue missions as liaison with public and media
• Maintain press clippings notebooks and media archive

Marketing & Advertising

• Help manage marketing, advertising and promotional activities in terms of effectiveness and cost, including Google AdWords account agency
• Help oversee DRC's website, coordinating new content, changes, etc.; support other departments with changes to relevant areas of website
• Help manage DRC's printed and digital marketing and advertising materials, including distribution
• Recommend changes and develop new initiatives in all activities to maximize value
• Assist in preparing annual marketing/advertising plan and budget, keyed directly to DRC's mission, principle and philosophy, operating objectives, and public image

Support to Other Departments

• Help to curate content for and help create monthly What's New feature for Members Only area of website, Format Pod Update bi-monthly for same area
• Create monthly electronic newsletter for members

Miscellaneous

• Help oversee DRC website context and design;implement overall changes; provide training and assistance to other departments that  also manage website areas
• Coordinate, edit, and write for Dolphin Society Newsletter
• Represent DRC at Florida Attractions Association & Local chambers of commerce
• Assist with DRC outreach to elected officials
• Coordinate miscellaneous special activities involving DRC
• Support other departments' communications needs with writing/editing/proofreading
• Cross-train in duties of various other departments in keeping with DRC's corporate approach
• Serve on DRC committees as necessary
• Assist with Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks & Aquariums Communication projects

Qualifications

 The successful candidate:

• Will be a responsible, organized, motivated, self-directed individual who demonstrates excellent "team player" skills and the ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.   
• Excellent oral and written communications, interpersonal and computer skills -- including social media and graphic design -- are a must.   
• A.B.S./B.A. degree in communications, marketing or related field and at least 5 years of progressive work experience or a combination of education and experience are required.

Benefits

DRC currently offers medical benefits, a 401(k) retirement plan, paid vacation, sick, 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. You may also mail them to Dolphin Research Center, Human Resources Director, 58901 Overseas Highway, Grassy Key, FL 33050

Gift Shop Staff (Part-Time, Permanent)

Gift Shop positions involve direct contact with our visitors and is another opportunity to ensure they leave Dolphin Research Center with a happy and positive experience.  

Requirements:

• Provide the highest quality of customer service to the guests by combining appropriate sales skills with an awarenes of customers and their needs.
• Suggest specific merchandise and offer product advice.
• 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.
• 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.
• Ability to lift moderately sized boxes and goods, weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends and holidays.

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

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

Guest Services positions involve direct contact with our visitors and is their first impression of Dolphin Research Center.  Candidates will be reliable, neat in appearance, exhibit a warm, friendly attitude, be flexible, take direction well, be computer literate and must love dolphins!

Position Responsibilities:

• Know basic content of each narrative session (CS staff will attend and observe these).
• Understanding each interactive program from cost to content, length, restrictions and daily availability for reservations and walk-in (staff members in CS experience each program)
• 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.

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

Trainer (Full Time Permanent)

Ongoing, energetic individual, who is a "people-person" and enjoys working with the public, is needed as a Trainer for our Animal Care & Training department.  Applicants with all levels of experience considered.  Salary and title based on experience.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Position responsibilities will vary based on the individual candidate's experience and skill level, but will include:

• Daily diets and vitamin preparation for the dolphins and sea lions.
• Narrate daily educational public presentations with dolphins and sea lions.
• Build relationships with dolphins, learning their personalities and responding to them as individuals.
• Foundational free feeding and handling skills with dolphins.
• Work with dolphins and guests in public intereactive programs.
• Work in water with dolphins for medical assists, in a variety of positions including restraining dolphins.

The first 90 days of employment are the Orientation and Evaluation period. During this time, the staff member determines whether or not the position meets his/her expectations, and the supervisors determine whether or not the staff member possesses the knowledge, skills, and necessary competencies to perform satisfactorily, and if they are a fit with the team.

ABILITIES & SKILLS:

The successful candidate will:

• Be a flexible individual, able to think on their feet.
• Have experience making connections with and building relationships with animals (and/or children).
• Possess an outgoing personality.
• Have a good, strong voice and the ability to speak in front of groups of people.
• Be a "people-person" who enjoys working with the public.
• Be a team player with excellent organization, problem solving, and communication skills.
• Must be physically fit and be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds and pass a swim test.
• Be confident, physically fit, and strong enough to help medically assist dolphins.
• Prior experience with animal training may be beneficial but not required.

Human Resources Assistant (Part Time/Permanent)

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 Include but are not limited to:

Recruitment & Staffing

• Respond to all requests for employment information (via online, mail, & telephone)
• Write position announcements and employment advertisements and place in various media
• Maintain updated DRC career opportunities information
• Maintain resume/employment applications record-keeping and filing systems.
• Notify interviewees that are not selected
• Arrange and/or conduct pre-employment testing
• Perform employment verification and reference checks

Orientation & Basic Training

• Conduct new employee orientation
• Ensure employees receive basic company training (voice mail, email, Ed training, computer, etc.)
• Track equipment (keys/locks, badges)

General & Administrative

• Maintain employee bulletin board
• Assist in maintaining updated staff biography book
• Document and maintain safety records and incident reports
• Maintain employee emergency evacuation list and contact lists and maintain key set for on-site emergency crew.
• Maintain key safe, copy and issue keys as needed, and maintain property caretaker's key set.
• Assist in organizing employee and company activities (parties, beach cleanups, community participation activities)

Abilities & Skills

The successful candidate will be a responsible, organized, motivated, self-directed individual who demonstrates excellent “team player” skills and the ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality. Excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal and computer skills are a must.

Dolphin Research Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Secondary Responsibilities

mittee participation depending on special interests and workload

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 a 501(c)(3) 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 $26,000. 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.

Transparency in Coverage Rule Compliance

Under the Transparency in Coverage Rule, issued in 2020 by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Department of Labor, and Department of the Treasury and enforced beginning 7/1/22, health insurance issuers must publish two separate machine readable files (MRFs) as follows:

• In Network: Negotiated rates for all covered items and services between the plan or issuer and in-network providers
• Out of Network: Allowed amount paid to, and billed charges from, out-of-network providers for all covered services within a 90-day period

These MRFs are available for you to read here.

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.