Seasonal Biologist, Sea Turtle Rehabilitation

Florida Aquarium • Tampa, FL

9d • Onsite

About The Position

This is a full time seasonal position lasting 3 months. The Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center Seasonal Biologist supports the care and rehabilitation of rescued marine turtles and contributes to daily facility operations at the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center (STRC), located at The Florida Aquarium’s Apollo Beach campus. This role also involves field response and animal transport activities in support of the Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network (STSSN). The position will ensure all activities are conducted in compliance with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) regulations and guidelines, in coordination with the Animal Health team.

Requirements

• Minimum of one year of direct experience working with marine turtles, with foundational knowledge of husbandry practices and environmental parameters necessary for their care.
• Working knowledge of life support system (LSS) operations and troubleshooting, including chlorine and ozone disinfection systems, as well as water quality testing and chemical management.
• Knowledge of Windows and Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.).
• Must be willing and able to obtain a valid State of Florida Driver’s License.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• Strong knowledge of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network (STSSN) protocols and procedures preferred.
• Schedule flexibility during cold-stun season.
• Ability to work on-call as a part of a rotating roster to respond to emergencies or stranding events as needed.
• SCUBA certification is required.
• Knowledge of animal record-keeping systems (ZIMS/Tracks) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Ensure full compliance with all Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) marine turtle regulations, as well as adherence to The Florida Aquarium’s (TFA) established processes, protocols, and standard operating procedures (SOPs), including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Perform daily husbandry responsibilities for marine turtles, including but not limited to diet preparation, feeding, and assisting with medical procedures such as diagnostics and treatments.
• Maintain the highest standards of care for marine turtle habitats and life support systems (LSS), including tasks such as diving to clean enclosures, maintaining and monitoring ozone and LSS equipment, conducting water quality testing, and performing water changes in accordance with SOPs.
• Support field operations including the response, rescue, and transportation of stranded marine turtles; assist with data and sample collection, necropsy procedures both onsite and in the field, carcass disposal, and the release of rehabilitated turtles.
• Ensures accurate animal record keeping through consistent utilization of electronic record keeping system (Tracks).
• Supports TFA’s Shared Purpose by participating in a Conservation Day of Action shift on an annual basis.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level