Coral Nursery Mate (BEC) - Spring 2026
About The Position
In 2018, Sea Base built its first land-based coral nursery. Located at the Brinton Environmental Center in Summerland Key, the coral nursery contributes to and supports ongoing coral restoration efforts in the Florida Keys, as well as serves as a hands-on educational facility for Scouts and visiting school groups to learn about coral reef ecology and conservation. Sea Base offers unique opportunities for youth to engage in nursery-based experiential learning, including coral husbandry, coral feeding, and measuring water quality. Applicants will be responsible for the daily care of corals within the facility, will assist with field-based activities (e.g., scuba diving), and should be comfortable engaging with the general public (e.g., leading coral nursery tours, interacting with youth). All applicants should have a desire to work in a residential, community setting.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in biological sciences, marine science, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
- Strong background in marine biology, specifically coral biology, physiology, and ecology.
- Knowledge of water chemistry is critical for maintaining a stable environment for corals.
- Familiarity with Caribbean and Florida coral species and common coral diseases and pests is essential.
- Scuba certified (30+ boat dives).
- Prior relevant fieldwork experience and scientific diving experience.
- Ability to work independently as well as part of a team while remaining collegial and adaptable.
- Lift 50+ pounds and perform precise and repetitive tasks while standing/walking in hot, humid, buggy conditions for multiple hours a day.
Nice To Haves
- experience in coral restoration efforts and/or aquarium husbandry
Responsibilities
- Daily coral husbandry, including feeding, siphoning, and algal mitigation.
- Basic maintenance, including cleaning tanks and life support maintenance.
- Coral propagation using microfragmentation techniques.
- Will collaboratively with colleagues to support field activities, including but not limited to outplanting and monitoring corals.
Benefits
- Salary ($405 weekly entry rate)
- Housing and meals
- Access to recreational equipment during time off
