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Career Opportunities at Dolphin Research Center

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

Volunteer Resources Assistant (Full-Time, Permanent)

Volunteer Resources 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 Assistant supports the Director.

Responsibilities 

May include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • General correspondence, record keeping, and file 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 and 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. DRC is a 501(c)(3) qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. To see if you qualify for student loan forgiveness, please visit https://studentloans.gov/mydirectloan/pslfflow.action.

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

 

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, tortoise, 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 responsible, organized, motivated, and self-directed individuals who demonstrate excellent “team player” skills.
  • Must have basic knowledge of computer programs.
  • Must have a clean driving record.
  • Must have or are actively pursuing an associate's 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 the salary, combined with benefits, creates a competitive total package that is right for our environment. DRC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Firgiveness (PSLF) Program. To see if you qualify for student loan forgiveness, please visit http://studentloans.gov/mydirectloan/pslfflow.action. DRC is a dog-friendly workplace!

 

Visual Communications Coordinator (Full-Time, Permanent)

Visual Communications Coordinator (Full-Time, Permanent)

Dolphin Research Center currently has a full-time opening for a Visual Communications Coordinator.  DRC is a nonprofit education and research facility dedicated to teaching, learning, and caring for marine mammals and the environment we share. We are home to a family of dolphins, sea lions, tortoises, and birds.

The Visual Communications Coordinator will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of interactive program photography, providing photography for guests and projects, maintaining department supplies and equipment, and assisting with the onboarding and attrition of team members and interns. It is both an office and active position that requires time outdoors in all weather conditions. 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.

Department Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Be available to assist the Daily Team Leader with schedules or issues as needed.
  • Oversee daily activities, including program photos, office equipment maintenance, office cleaning, and maintenance.
  • Photograph interactive guest public programs.
  • Inventory and order VisComm department supplies and printed materials as needed.
  • Assist with custody and maintenance of video and photo equipment.
  • Confirm daily operation of Kodak system and handle support issues as necessary to maintain operations.
  • Assist in scheduling photo and video shoots for corporate wide needs.
  • Assist Department Head with assigning and tracking inter-departmental work/project requests.
  • Train on new software and tutorials when time permits.
  • Participate in new skills training.
  • Assist with photo, video, or design-related projects as needed.
  • Prepare and update Standard Operating Procedures as needed.
  • Innovate ways to become more efficient and creative with our DRC projects and responsibilities.
  • Assist the Department Head with any necessary department activities as needed.

Team Member Responsibilities

  • Participate in selecting, coaching, and evaluating department interns when necessary.
  • Assist in new employee setup.
  • Assist in training of new staff members.
  • Assist in departing team member follow-up.
  • Prepare department weekly schedules and ensure the department calendar is current. 

Qualifications

Minimum two years in an administrative position or related management position or associate’s or bachelor's degree in a related field + one-year of work experience.

Employment or higher education in photography, design, video production, or visual media is preferred but not required.

Candidates must have good communication and time management skills, excellent computer skills, be willing to take initiative to troubleshoot and solve problems, and have a team-oriented and focused approach to their day-to-day responsibilities.

  • Experience working with Windows Computers
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office products and/or Google Suite products
  • Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite applications
  • Familiarity with Photography, Graphic Design or Videography, or other creative field beneficial
     

Requirements

  • Working on some holidays
  • Weekend shifts
  • Team player
  • Physical: Time spent outdoors in Florida Keys heat and all weather conditions, standing, kneeling, squatting on floating platforms over the water. 

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. DRC is a 501(c)(3) qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. To see if you qualify for student loan forgiveness, please visit https://studentloans.gov/mydirectloan/pslfflow.action.

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.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Staff Photographer (Full-Time/Part-Time, Seasonal)

Staff Photographer (Full-Time, Part-Time, Seasonal)

Dolphin Research Center currently has a full-time opening for a Visual Communications Staff Member.  DRC is a nonprofit education and research facility dedicated to teaching, learning and caring for marine mammals and the environment we share. We are home to a family of dolphins, sea lions, tortoises, and birds.

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 montages.
  • Photograph and video record DRC animals, 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. DRC is a 501(c)(3) qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. To see if you qualify for student loan forgiveness, please visit https://studentloans.gov/mydirectloan/pslfflow.action.

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 Assistant (Full Time, Permanent)

Media & Marketing Assistant (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 Live

Media Relations

  • 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
  • Help oversee DRC's website, coordinating new content, changes, etc.
  • 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
  • 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

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 are a must.   

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. DRC is a 501(c)(3) qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. To see if you qualify for student loan forgiveness, please visit https://studentloans.gov/mydirectloan/pslfflow.action. DRC is a dog-friendly workplace!

 

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

 

 

Trainer (Full-Time, Permanent)

Trainer (Full-time, Permanent)

DRC is a nonprofit education and research facility dedicated to teaching, learning, and caring for marine mammals and the environment we share. We are home to a family of dolphins, sea lions, tortoises, and birds. Looking for an outgoing, 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 are 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.

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. DRC is a 501(c)(3) qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. To see if you qualify for student loan forgiveness, please visit https://studentloans.gov/mydirectloan/pslfflow.action. DRC is a dog-friendly workplace!

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.

 

Dolphin Research Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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. DRC is a 501(c)(3) qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. To see if you qualify for student loan forgiveness, please visit https://studentloans.gov/mydirectloan/pslfflow.action.

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.

 

Dolphin Research Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Postdoctoral Researcher

Postdoctoral Researcher

Dolphin Research Center (DRC) invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to join our research group studying dolphin behavior, cognition, and welfare. DRC is a not-for-profit education and research facility, home to a family of dolphins and sea lions, located in the Florida Keys.

The successful candidate should hold a PhD in comparative psychology, zoology, animal behavior, or a related field. The specific area of specialization is open to negotiation. This postdoctoral position will be responsible for coding, analyzing and publishing studies using existing long-term data sets, and will also have the opportunity collaboratively to design and conduct novel observational research projects in their area of interest. 

Our ideal candidate will have:

  • a proven track record of peer-reviewed publications
  • the ability to communicate scientific concepts and arguments clearly and compellingly, both orally and in writing
  • an excellent understanding of study design and statistics
  • the ability to work well both independently and as part of a team

The position is for one year initially, with a possibility of renewal contingent on performance and mutual satisfaction. Starting date is flexible. 

To apply, please submit the following to drc-hr@dolphins.org, with the subject line “Postdoc application”:

  • a cover letter describing your motivation, research interests, experience, and goals
  • your CV
  • pdfs of up to 2 of your key publications or submitted manuscripts
  • contact information for 2 academic references

Complete applications are due by May1, 2024

For further information, please contact Dr. Kelly Jaakkola at kelly@dolphins.org.

 

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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