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
Closing Date: December 22, 2023.
