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Career Opportunities at Dolphin Research Center

Join the Dolphin Research Team! Discover the exciting career opportunities available here at DRC.

Accounting Director (Full Time - Permanent)

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)

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

 

 

 

Education Program Host (Full-Time/Permanent)

Education Program Host (Full-Time, Permanent)

If you are an engaging and passionate educator who would love an exciting environmental career teaching about marine mammals, please apply for the Education Program Host position. Educators narrate live-action, ever-changing presentations with our dolphin, sea lion and bird family members. The Education Program Host position is a full-time position; weekend hours are required.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Greeting guests and answering questions
  • Presenting and teaching workshops and/or seminars
  • Narrating public dolphin and sea lion sessions
  • Conducting activities and program orientation with guests of all ages
  • Facilitating camp activities and student discussions
  • Preparing Education programs paperwork, classroom activities and schedules
  • Assisting with information requests and program supply inventory
  • Assisting with Distance Learning presentations
  • Transporting DolphinLab students in a 15-passenger van

Qualifications

  • Successful candidates will be outgoing, have excellent communication/presentation/public speaking skills and be excited about DRC and our family of dolphins and sea lions.
  • Must be passionate about sharing their enthusiasm and knowledge with our guests.
  • Be flexible with their availability, as work schedules can change weekly (evening and weekend 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 on and off 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 and in all types of weather conditions.
  • Must have the ability and desire to work with a variety of people, especially youth, on a regular basis.
  • Successful applicants will be a responsible, organized, motivated, self-directed individual who demonstrates excellent “team player” skills.
  • Must have basic knowledge of computer programs.
  • Must have a clean driving record.
  • Must have or are actively pursuing an Associates degree (at minimum) for this position.

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. 

 

Media & Marketing Staff Member (Full Time, Permanent)

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

 

 

Medical Technician (Full-Time, Permanent)

Medical Technician  (Full-Time, Permanent)

 

Functions/Expectations:

  • Assist in medical procedures, treatments, and monitoring animal health. 

  • Assist in coordination and implementation of treatment plans carried out by animal care and training staff.
  • Collect diagnostic samples and perform routine laboratory procedures. 
  • Clean and maintain medical equipment. 
  • Organize and maintain inventory of supplements, medicines, and medical supplies.
  • Maintain accurate medical records, procedures manual, and government documentation.
  • Collect and analyze data from medical and husbandry records. 
  • Research sources and specifications of drugs, supplies, and equipment.
  • Participate in assessment and rescue of manatees.
  • Assist in necropsies. 
  • Assist in administrative duties including budget preparations, note taking, and correspondence.

Qualifications:

  • Position requires a highly motivated, energetic, versatile, and flexible team player, with a BS or BA, certification as a veterinary technician, or equivalent experience. 
  • Excellent technical, organizational, interpersonal, computer, and communications skills a must. 
  • Requires attention to detail and a strong desire to learn.
  • Must be able to manage own time and have the ability to identify and solve problems of varying scope and complexity.
  • As with any position in the medical field, hours must be flexible and based on the needs of the animals. 
  • Must be able to work weekends and more than eight hours per day. 
  • Experience in radiology and ultrasonography is a plus.
  • Interest or experience in complementary/ alternative therapies is also a plus.

Physical Demands:

  • Must be physically fit and comfortable working in the water.
     

Facilities Maintenance Apprentice (Full-Time, Permanent)

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-being at 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 heat and 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. Pay is based on experience.  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.

 

Dolphin Research Center is an Equal OpportunityEmployer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Human Resources Assistant (Part-Time, Permanent)

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

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

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.

Resource Library

Our Mission - Through education, research and rescue, Dolphin Research Center promotes peaceful coexistence, cooperation and communication between marine mammals, humans and the environment we share with the well being of DRC's animals taking precedence.
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