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Coral Recruit Technician – Research Associate I

Coral Reef Futures Lab

The Coral Recruit Technician is an integral part of the University of Miami’s Land-Based Coral Facility team at The Rosenstiel School on Virginia Key, FL. This position supports reef research and restoration conducted by the Coral Reef Futures Lab. Specifically, the coral recruit technician carries out the sexual propagation and subsequent care of Caribbean coral juveniles within the lab’s aquaculture facility and research spaces. This is a key period in coral development during which the employee’s attention to detail, drive, and determination contribute directly to the production and survival of coral recruits.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with the production, rearing, and outplanting of sexually derived coral recruits
• Perform daily husbandry and maintain aquarium systems. Monitor coral health to identify and address issues as they arise.
• Coordinate daily and weekly husbandry activities, including developing and assigning tasks to student volunteers. Must adhere to and instruct based on standard operating procedures for coral systems.
• Assist with the diagnosis and resolution of plumbing, electrical, and other operational issues associated with aquarium systems.
• Coordinate with graduate students and other staff in the Coral Reef Futures Lab to support ongoing research efforts.
• Respond as a team member to system equipment failures in an on-call capacity, with the ability to think critically to diagnose and resolve issues in coordination with other team members.
• Participate in evening and nighttime coral spawning, fertilization, and larval care activities, with occasional work schedule changes to work on weekends or public holidays to accommodate these activities during the spawning season. 

Requirements & qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in marine biology, environmental science, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• U.S. citizenship, or valid U.S. work authorization.
• Knowledge of coral biology, aquaculture, marine science, and/or related fields.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with team members, researchers, and members of the public.
• Accountability and attention to detail, particularly when working with living organisms and time-sensitive husbandry needs.
• Ability to troubleshoot and communicate or delegate tasks effectively.
• Ability to work for several hours a day in outdoor shadehouse facilities in South Florida, which can be particularly warm and humid during the summer. 

Preferred qualifications/competencies:

• Experience with coral spawning and rearing sexually derived coral recruits
• Experience with saltwater aquaria, coral husbandry, life support systems, and/or water quality
• AAUS Scientific Diving certification
• MOCC Boating certification

Work Environment:

Although this position includes work with indoor systems, laboratories, and spawning tanks, most time will be spent at the outdoor land-based coral facility. Additional opportunities exist to support field efforts. South Florida weather can be unpredictable and at times extreme, and consequently sun-protective clothing and head coverage via sunhat or hooded shirt are required. Employees should be prepared to work up to 4-5 hours at a time outdoors, and on occasion outside of the regular work week, being accountable for responding to equipment alerts, and involvement in nighttime spawning activities. Position occasionally involves physically demanding duties, including lifting and transporting items weighing up to 50 pounds.

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With more than 20,000 faculty and staff, the University is committed to excellence and guided by a mission to positively impact the lives of students, patients, and communities locally and globally.

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The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Click here for additional information.

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