Jobs & Internships

Position Title: Part-Time Controller
Department: Administration
Reports to: Executive Director
Pay: Competitive hourly rate based on experience
Employee Category: Part-time; hourly; 15-20 hours per week
Closing Date: Until Filled

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Part-Time Controller plays a key role in supporting the financial health and sustainability of a mission-driven organization dedicated to conservation, education, and exploration of coastal ecosystems. This position oversees all accounting and business functions, with a strong focus on fund accounting, grant compliance, and transparent financial reporting.

The ideal candidate is both detail-oriented and mission-aligned—someone who values environmental protection and enjoys translating financial data into meaningful insights for leadership, Board members, and community stakeholders.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Financial Management & Reporting
  • Maintain accurate financial records in accordance with GAAP for nonprofits
  • Oversee fund accounting, ensuring proper tracking of restricted, temporarily restricted, and unrestricted funds
  • Prepare monthly financial statements, including program-level reporting
  • Provide financial reports and insights to the Executive Director and Board of Directors
  • Support Finance Committee with clear, concise reporting

• Budgeting & Program Support
  • Assist in development of the annual organizational and program budgets
  • Monitor actual performance vs. budget and provide variance analysis
  • Partner with program leaders (education, conservation, research) to track financial performance of initiatives
  • Help leadership make informed decisions regarding resource allocation and program growth

• Grant & Donor Fund Management
  • Track and report on grant funding and restricted donor contributions
  • Ensure compliance with grant requirements, including financial reporting and allowable expenses
  • Collaborate with development team to support grant applications and donor reporting
  • Assist in tracking outcomes tied to funding (e.g., education programs, restoration projects)

• Compliance & Audit
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local nonprofit regulations
  • Maintain internal controls and financial policies
  • Coordinate and lead the annual audit process and serve as liaison to external auditors

• Operational Oversight
  • Oversee or manage accounts payable, receivable, and payroll processes
  • Perform or review monthly bank and balance sheet reconciliations
  • Monitor cash flow and support long-term financial sustainability planning
  • Oversee other business areas like insurance and capital management

EDUCATION/TRAINING/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field
• CPA or former CPA strongly preferred
• 5+ years of accounting experience, with nonprofit and fund accounting required
• Experience with grant accounting and reporting
• Strong knowledge of nonprofit GAAP and internal controls
• Experience with accounting software, QuickBooks and CRM software
• Experience working with audits and Form 990

SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE

• A commitment to understand, support and convey the mission, vision and values of Marine Discovery Center
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Must enjoy working with and engaging with the public, including young children, older adults, community volunteers and the MDC staff
• Exhibit patience and superior customer service skills
• Works well independently as well as with others
• Highly organized
• Point of Sale and/or booking or reservation software knowledge a plus

KEY ATTRIBUTES

• Passion for environmental conservation, education, and community impact
• Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial audiences
• High level of integrity, organization, and attention to detail
• Collaborative mindset with ability to support both leadership and program teams
• Comfortable working in a mission-driven organization where flexibility is valued

MISSION CONNECTION

Join a team dedicated to inspiring environmental stewardship and protecting the Indian River Lagoon and coastal ecosystems for generations to come. Your financial leadership will directly support education, conservation, and community engagement efforts that make a lasting impact.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Sufficient strength and mobility to move about the facility and grounds
• Ability to lift at least 50 lbs.

EXPOSURE TO HAZARDS

Many MDC operations involve being on, in or near water. Additionally, chemicals are used for various laboratory tests, in aquaria, and in restoration work. All safety protocols must be followed.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

You must submit the following documents to be considered for the position:
1) Cover letter
2) Resume

All documents must be submitted to Laura Stapleton by email at [email protected]. Position is open until filled.

Position Title: Education Specialist
Department: Education
Reports to: Education Coordinator
Pay: !16-19/hr
Employee Category: Full Time/Non-Exempt
Closing Date: Until Filled

POSITION OVERVIEW

Marine Discovery Center (MDC) is a 501c-3 environmental non-profit organization with a mission of protecting and restoring Florida’s coastal and Indian River Lagoon ecosystems through education, research, and community stewardship. The Education Specialist will play an active role in shaping and implementing MDC’s mission.

As a key member of the education team, reporting directly to the Education Coordinator, the Education Specialist is responsible for organizing and delivering marine science education programs in classroom and outdoor settings for a variety of age groups. Additionally, this position is responsible for facilitating community programs and opportunities that expand understanding of the Indian River Lagoon and Florida’s coastal waters

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

This position requires both field and office tasks, therefore the applicant must be able to work in an estuarine environment including wading in water, walking on trails and kayaking. The individual must be able to lift and carry at least 50 pounds and be able to work in sometimes adverse conditions that include rain, heat, insects, etc. Some weekend work-related activities are also required.

• Educator duties include working with K-12 students to deliver marine science based, hands-on, feet-wet programs in a safe environment while encouraging active learning by students.
• The educator will have a working knowledge of the Indian River Lagoon ecosystem and the flora and fauna within.
• The educator will teach in a variety of settings including outdoors on vessels (pontoon and kayaks), classrooms and public events.
• The educator will play a key role in designing, developing, and delivering engaging marine science-based programs, including field trips, summer camps, community programs, and other educational initiatives. This position will help inspire environmental stewardship and foster meaningful connections between participants and the coastal environment.
• The educator will interact closely with teachers and various professionals to schedule and curate adventure field trip experiences and be responsible for all communications regarding these experiences
• The educator will manage community science programs, under the guidance of the Education Coordinator, such as Project Plankton
• The educator will assist with the training of seasonal education staff, interns, and volunteers in spring, summer, and fall semesters
• The educator will provide support to education staff to track program supply inventory & program metrics
• The educator will be comfortable handling live reptiles and other animals designated specifically for educational programming
• The educator will have experience engaging with the public and is comfortable speaking to crowds of all ages

Management Responsibilities

• Work closely with and manage volunteers, interns, and camp counselors during field trips, community programs, holiday camps, and summer camps

Outreach

• Identify and attend appropriate outreach events that increase awareness and engagement within the community
• Develop education materials to support participation at events
• Work with staff and volunteers to provide training for outreach event set up and MDC content delivery

OTHER RELATED FUNCTIONS

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of MDC’s mission and the strategic vision of the organization
• Provide materials for the Executive Director’s monthly report to the Board
• Comply with MDC Employee Handbook guidelines and expectations
• Attend and/or participate in special fund-raising events at MDC
• Participate in outreach speaking presentations as requested
• Develop community and governmental partnerships
• Attend internal committee and staff meetings as required
• Assume responsibility for professional growth and development

WORK HOURS

40 hours a week. Schedule can vary but a typical schedule is 9:00AM – 5:00PM, Monday – Friday. Summer Hours 8:00AM-4:00PM Monday-Friday.
Occasional evenings and weekends required.

EDUCATION/TRAINING/EXPERIENCE

• B.A. or B.S. in Environmental Science, Biology or other science-related field, or five years of formal/informal education experience as an equivalent. CPA or former CPA strongly preferred
• A background in K-12 education in either a classroom or an informal environmental education setting

SKILLS

• Must have excellent interpersonal, communication and organizations skills to interact professionally with the public, MDC Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers – is able to convey a strong passion for the Mission of the MDC and engage others to support the organizationExcellent interpersonal communication skills
• A team player who can establish strong working partnerships inside and outside the organization
• Must demonstrate excellent initiative, creativity, problem-solving and independent work skills
• Functional knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and database software

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Sufficient strength and mobility to move about the facility and grounds, on and off boats
• Corrected vision and hearing in the normal range
• The ability to lift 50 pounds regularly
• The ability to respond quickly to sounds
• The ability to move safely over uneven terrain or in confined spaces
• The ability to see and respond to dangerous situations
• The ability to safely climb ladders
• The ability to work in extreme weather

EXPOSURE TO HAZARDS

Many MDC operations involve being on, in or near water. Additionally, chemicals are used for various laboratory tests, in aquaria and in restoration work. All safety protocols must be followed.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

You must submit the following documents to be considered for the position:
1) Cover letter
2) Resume

All documents must be submitted to Carley Metcalf, Education Coordinator, by email at [email protected]. Position is open until filled.

Marine Discovery Center Internship Opportunities
Marine Discovery Center is offering internship opportunities in our Conservation, Education, and Exhibits departments. Interns will care for MDC exhibits, nurture a growing seagrass nursery, lead K-12 education experiences, build restoration materials with volunteers, and more!

Applications are accepted year-round for semester long terms:
• Fall: September to December
• Spring: January to May
• Summer: May to August

Requirements:
• Set schedule with a 10 hour/week minimum commitment
• Background check (cost covered by MDC if selected)
• Reliable transportation to MDC

Applications are currently closed for 2026 internships. Please contact Julia Petersen at [email protected] with any inquiries or questions.