Jobs & Internships

Position Title: Guest Services Assistant
Department: Marketing and Development
Reports to: Guest Services Coordinator
Employee Category: Part-time; hourly up to 20 hours per week
Closing Date: Open Until Filled

POSITION OVERVIEW

Under the direction of the Guest Services Coordinator (GSC), the Guest Services Assistant (GSA) helps provide a welcoming, engaging and memorable experience for thousands of guests and program participants who visit Marine Discovery Center each year. The GSA works as a liaison between Welcome Center volunteers and MDC staff and assists with the maintenance and management of the gift shop. The Guest Services Assistant will be required to attend docent training and work to become knowledgeable about the indoor exhibit space.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Welcome Center and Gift Shop

• Greet visitors and ascertain nature of visit; provide directions to various destination
• Receive and direct phone calls in a friendly and polite manner; provide information, guidance and assistance as needed
• Assist with the coordination and training of Welcome Center and gift shop volunteers
• Oversee volunteers and Welcome Center operations during weekend shifts
• Perform general housekeeping tasks associated with the maintenance and cleaning of Welcome Center, gift shop and restrooms
• Act as point of reference to volunteers and other staff regarding booking procedures, memberships, and Point of Sale activities
• Educate the public on all educational opportunities and programs offered by MDC, including boat and kayak tours, camps and school programs and public lectures
• Manage monetary exchanges and complete complex transactions
• Assist with creating and maintaining all sales and marketing displays
• Maintain all merchandise storage areas
• Assist Guest Services Coordinator with any special projects related to gifts and sales
• Comply with MDC Employee Handbook guidelines and expectations
• All other duties as assigned by supervisor

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• 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 the public, including young children, community volunteers, and MDC staff
• Exhibits patience and superior customer service skills
• Works well independently as well as with others
• Highly organized
• Point of Sale and/or booking and reservation software knowledge a plus

WORK HOURS

Saturdays and Sundays: 9am – 3pm; one weekday per week: 9am – 5pm. Weekend hours are required.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

High School Diploma; Gift Shop or customer service experience preferred. Computer skills: Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Sufficient strength and mobility to move about the facility and grounds, on and off boats, assist students, volunteers and guests. Ability to lift at least 50 pounds.

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 Robin Mansfield, Guest Services Coordinator, by email at robin@marinediscoverycenter.org. Application will be open until filled.

Position Title: Restoration Specialist
Department: Conservation Science
Reports to: Conservation Science Coordinator (CSC)
Employee Category: Full-time, Non-exempt
Pay: $16/hour
Closing Date: Open Until Filled

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Restoration Specialist (RS) will be responsible for assisting in the creation and logistics of the Conservation programs at MDC. The RS will be responsible for purchasing supplies, maintaining infrastructure, training volunteers, facilitating volunteer events, networking with partners, and assisting with the Shuck & Share program. The RS must be a team player and able to multi-task. A good attitude about working outdoors in a variety of conditions, proficiency with Microsoft Office, and the ability to lift at least 50lbs are essential. The RS must be able to work independently with limited supervision and will occasionally need to complete tasks remotely. The RS is expected to build and maintain good relations with event participants, Staff, Board of Directors and outside agencies. This full-time position is funded through July 31st, 2025. The gross annual salary is listed at $33,280 which is 40 hours a week @ $16/hour.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

The Restoration Specialist will implement the following at the Marine Discovery Center (MDC):

Shoreline Restoration
Shuck & Share:

• Assist CSC with the following:
  • Coordinate/facilitate events to create restoration units
  • Order supplies and materials
  • Maintain and nurture current restaurant network
  • Coordinate volunteers to help with shoreline restoration deployments
• Grow restaurant network to include new partners
• Update grant reports and paperwork

Seagrass Nursery:

• Assist in the coordination of the design, engineering, and construction of multispecies aquaculture raceway system to produce bivalve and plant habitat with emphasis on sea grass.
  • Order supplies and materials
  • Maintain infrastructure for a healthy nursery
  • Communicate with restoration partners
  • Establish volunteer network and facilitate events
  • Work with marketing department to create communication materials
  • Update grant reports and paperwork

Volunteer Management

• Communicate with volunteers and maintain good relations with participants.
• Respond to volunteer interest in a timely manner, through phone or e-mail contact.
• Assist with planning and executing volunteer training events.
• Clearly communicate expectations and responsibilities to volunteers.
• Appropriately handle any incidents or accidents involving participants.
• Help maintain a positive environment for volunteers, and work with key volunteers to manage events and achieve project goals efficiently.
  

OTHER RELATED FUNCTIONS

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of MDC’s mission and the strategic vision of the organization
• Comply with MDC Employee Handbook guidelines and expectations
• Assist in the creation of MDC content as requested
• Attend and/or participate in special fund-raising events at MDC as requested by Executive Director
• Participate in outreach speaking presentations as requested
• Clean and maintain grounds and facilities as needed
• Attend internal committee and staff meetings as required
• Assumes responsibility for professional growth and development
• All other duties as assigned by CSC

WORK HOURS

The RS typically works 40 hours a week or more depending on organizational needs. Schedule can vary but a typical schedule is 9AM-5PM, Monday-Friday. Occasional evenings and weekends will be required.

EDUCATION/TRAINING

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Biology, or Education preferred or five years of work-related experience as an equivalent
• Computer Skills: Microsoft Office Suite and general working knowledge of computers required.

EXPERIENCE

Experience in outdoor education, biological field work, and/or restoration projects preferred. Experience conducting scientific surveys and managing/analyzing datasets preferred.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

• Must have excellent interpersonal, communication and organization skills to interact professionally with the public, MDC Board of Directors, MDC staff, and volunteers. 
• Must be a good team player and able to establish working partnerships inside and outside the organization.
• Must demonstrate excellent initiative, creativity, problem-solving and independent work skills.
• Must have a positive attitude, enjoyment of the outdoors, customer service experience, and an ability to deliver environmental education programs to both children and adults.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Sufficient strength and mobility to move about the facility and grounds, on and off boats
• Move equipment (lift at least 50 lbs.)
• 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 work in sometimes adverse conditions that include rain, heat, insects, etc.

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.

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 Tess Sailor-Tynes, Conservation Science Coordinator, by email at tess@marinediscoverycenter.org. Application will be open until filled.

Position Title: Education Specialist
Department: Education
Reports to: Education Coordinator
Employee Category: Full Time, Non-Exempt
Range: $12-14/hr
Closing Date: Open Until Filled

POSITION OVERVIEW

To deliver marine science education programs in classroom and outdoor settings for a variety of age groups. The position exercises a working knowledge of software including MS Office and database management software. The applicant must have the ability to multi-task and must possess excellent independent work skills. The applicant must demonstrate the ability to interact professionally with the public, board of directors, MDC staff and volunteers. The applicant must be a good team player as well as establish working partnerships inside and outside the organization. The position is expected to participate in holiday camps, summer camps, most special events and fundraising activities.

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 may also be 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 boats (pontoon and kayaks), classrooms and public events.
• The educator will help design, develop, and implement marine science-based programming for field trips, summer camps, and community programs, to name a few.
• 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
• While working with the Education Coordinator, the educator will work with teachers and other members of the schools to integrate Marine Discovery Center programs into the learning objectives of public, private and home schools within the Central Florida area.
• 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 as requested by Executive Director
• Participate in outreach speaking presentations as requested
• Develop community and governmental partnerships
• Attend internal committee and staff meetings as required
• Assumes responsibility for professional growth and development
• All other duties as assigned by Executive Director

WORK HOURS

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

EDUCATION/TRAINING/EXPERIENCE

• A. or B.S. in Environmental Science, Biology or other science-related field, or five years of formal/informal education experience as an equivalent.
• A background in K-12 education in either a classroom or an informal environmental education setting.
• Although a teaching degree or certification is not required, it is preferred.

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 organization
• 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

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, Coordinator, by email at carley@marinediscoverycenter.org. Application will be open until filled.

Position Title: Lead Camp Instructor (ages 5-9, ages 5-14, or ages 10-14)
Department: Education
Reports to: Education Coordinator
Salary Range: $12-14/hr, 40 hours/week (Monday-Friday 7:45 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.)
Status: Seasonal Employment – Full Time Non Exempt
Starting Date: May 22, 2023
Salary Range: August 14, 2023

POSITION OVERVIEW

To deliver the Marine Discovery Summer Camp Program to children in one of 3 age categories – ages 5-9, ages 5-14, or ages 10-14. The Lead Camp Instructor will utilize the classroom, kayaks, a boat and the outdoor environment to teach a hands-on, feet-wet summer camp curriculum. The Lead Camp Instructor must demonstrate the ability to interact professionally and exercise careful oversight of all campers, volunteers, parents, MDC staff, MDC Board and the general public. This position calls for excellent independent work skills, and the ability to multi-task is essential.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

Teaching and Program Activities
Under supervision of the Education Staff the Lead Camp Instructor will…

• Ensure that health, happiness and safety are top priorities at all times.
• Lead activities, games, arts and crafts, and songs.
• Provide an understanding of marine topics.
• Be able to build lessons based on state science standards.
• Oversee all campers.
• Set-up and breakdown all activities.
• Keep inventory of supplies up to date.
• Organize educational and recreational activities.
• Meet and greet parents/guardians and participants at check-in and check-out each day.
• Be prepared to get wet and muddy in the field.
• Clean and maintain grounds and facilities as needed.
• All other duties as assigned by the Education Coordinator.

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Training
B.A. or B.S. in Environmental Science, Biology or Education degree preferred. A background in K-12 education in either a classroom or an informal environmental education setting is desirable. Computer literate in Microsoft Office.

Licensure/Certification
CPR and First Aid preferred. Will be subject to Level II background screening.

Other
The successful candidate will have excellent writing and communication skills, a positive attitude, enjoyment of the outdoors, and an ability to communicate environmental education principles to children. Sufficient mobility and strength to move about the facility, on and off of boats, assist children and move educational equipment (lift at least 50 pounds). The individual must be able to work in sometimes adverse conditions that include rain, heat, insects, etc.

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, Coordinator, by email at carley@marinediscoverycenter.org. Please specify which age bracket you prefer (ages 5-9, ages 5-14, or ages 10-14). Position will be open until filled.