Staff Biologist – Photogrammetry
(Posted 11/20/2023)

Target Audience: Technician/Staff


Institution: Mote Marine Laboratory

Institutional Web Link: http://www.mote.org

Description of Internship or Research Opportunity: The incumbent will be primarily responsible for the collection, curation, processing, and analysis of large-area imagery data in support of Mote Marine Laboratory’s Coral Reef Restoration and Research mission. The position is located at Mote’s Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration (IC2R3) on Summerland Key, Florida

Primary Duties:
• Conduct imagery capture events to support research and restoration objectives
• Produce 2D and 3D Structure-from-Motion products including the collection of images, curation and management of data, and reconstructions of imagery using Agisoft Metashape and other computer software packages
• Analyze 2D and 3D Structure-from-Motion products for changes in benthic cover (including corals) and physical landscape (e.g. rugosity)
• Conduct in situ ecological surveys of coral reefs on SCUBA
• Assist with coral husbandry in Mote’s in and ex situ coral nurseries as needed.
• Assist with the propagation of corals as needed
• Assist with the outplanting of corals at a variety of restoration sites as needed
• Assist with data collection, report writing, data entry, and curation
• Assist with data analysis and the preparation of technical reports and manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals
• Assist with outreach and education activities as needed including representing the Coral Reef Restoration Research Program at conferences, symposia, and meetings as needed
Additional duties will include assisting with various tasks related to the daily operation of a full-service marine laboratory, assist with field and lab support to visiting scientists, and assist with outreach and education activities as needed including interviews, tours, and workshops.
Minimum Qualifications or Requirements:

• Bachelor of Science degree in the marine, biological, or ecological sciences from an accredited college or university.
• Working knowledge of Agisoft Metashape.
• SCUBA certified (Rescue Diver and Dive Master or higher certification preferred).
• Previous research diving experience required.
• Meet and maintain AAUS Scientific Diver standards, including medical requirements.
• Ability to obtain a valid Florida driver's license.
• Ability to be an adaptable and collegial member of team, self-motivated, and complete assigned tasks in a timely manner.
• Ability to identify coral species common to the Caribbean and the Florida Keys.
• Ability to lift heavy objects or equipment up to 50 lbs occasionally.
• Working knowledge of basic computer software (Windows, Word, Excel) required.
• Normal hours are 8:00 am – 5:00 pm M-F; however, weekend and evening hours will be required to meet Mote’s Coral Reef Restoration and Research objectives

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Masters Degree in marine, biological, or ecological sciences preferred
• Previous experience planning, executing, and publishing original marine research preferred
• Experience with statistics and the analysis of quantitative data preferred
• Experience operating small vessels (up to 28’ LOA) preferred
• USCG Captain’s license preferred
• Prior experience navigating coastal and near coastal waters of the Florida Keys preferred
• Extensive prior scientific diving experience (>1,000 dives) strongly preferred



Funding Source: Other


How to Apply: Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2023 Staff Biologist, Photogrammetry” at https://mote.smapply.org/prog/job_applicants or mail a single package including cover letter, resume or c.v. and the contact information for three references to Mote Marine Laboratory, Attn: Human Resources, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236 before 5pm December 22, 2023.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected category. Mote participates in E-Verify.


Application Closing Date: 12/22/2023

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