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. 

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.

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.

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

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.  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)

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

IT Technical Specialist (Part Time, Permanent)

Dolphin Research Center currently has a part time opening for an entry level IT Technical Specialist.

Position duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Maintain health of all hardware and software
• Assist users with computer and network issues
• Provide first response for computer, phone, and alarm problems
• Train users as needed
• Move and set up computers (must be able to lift 30 pounds)
• The successful candidate will have;
  • good problem solving skills
  • a working knowledge of G-Suite Enterprise, Windows OS and Adobe products
  • a pleasant attitude
  • and the ability to work well with others

Benefits

DRC currently offers medical benefits, life & disability insurance plan, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) retirement plan, employee assistance plan, 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.

To Apply

If interested, submit a cover letter, resume and DRC application to Dolphin Research Center, Human Resources, 58901 Overseas Highway, Grassy Key, FL  33001, or email to drc-hr@dolphins.org.

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.