Coral Biologist

About I.CARE:

I.CARE is a reef restoration organization dedicated to restoring hope to Florida’s coral reefs by empowering the community to be part of the solution. Through hands-on conservation, I.CARE provides meaningful opportunities to people of all backgrounds to actively rebuild coral and sponge populations on Florida’s coral reef. Recreational divers work alongside scientists to transplant, maintain, and monitor corals and sponges, directly contributing to the recovery of these critical ecosystems. Non-divers are equally vital to the mission and are encouraged to participate in land-based coral husbandry, educational programs, and outreach efforts that inspire awareness and stewardship of these critical habitats. With the help of our community, I.CARE transforms passion into action by restoring reefs, strengthening communities, and protecting Florida’s marine ecosystems for generations to come. To learn more about I.CARE, visit www.icareaboutcoral.org or follow us on social media @icareaboutcoral.

Job Description

As a Coral Biologist, this individual will assist in the management of land-based and in-water coral nurseries, including building new in-water nurseries. They will assist with all coral propagation activities for I.CARE including collecting corals of opportunity, fragmenting corals, and all coral husbandry needs. The Coral Biologist will regularly lead I.CARE interns and volunteers in the above activities. They will also help track inventory and summarize data for team, grant, and permit reports. The Coral Biologist may be involved with communicating with I.CARE’s partners including Mote Marine Laboratory, Reef Renewal, USA, The Florida Aquarium, and The Reef Institute on any ongoing projects or potential exchanges of genetic material. As I.CARE grows, this position will require flexibility and may include new responsibilities that will be discussed with the Co-Founders and the Coral Propagation Manager.

Job Responsibilities and Duties:

• Support coral husbandry at the land-based facility including cleanings, feedings, and any necessary treatments
• Help build, maintain, and monitor new in-water nurseries
• Lead I.CARE interns and recreational divers in nursery maintenance
• Track inventory of all coral species and genotypes across coral nurseries
  • Communicate which corals are available for weekly outplant trips
  • Summarize and provide data to assist with grant and permit reports
• Collect Corals of Opportunity (COOs) for propagation
  • Lead staff trips with interns and guide recreational divers
• Assist in all coral propagation activities for I.CARE
  • Fragment corals with the I.CARE team and occasionally with volunteers
  • Coordinate with veterinarians to obtain veterinary checks on corals as needed
• Assist with genetic swaps or obtaining new corals for outplanting from partners including Mote Marine Laboratory, Reef Renewal, USA, The Florida Aquarium, and The Reef Institute
• Assist with ongoing I.CARE projects and events including:
  • Outplanting and monitoring coral fragments
  • Quarterly surveys of reef communities
  • Sponge restoration program (collection of sponges, educational training sessions, transplanting of sponges, etc.)
  • I.CARE’s annual Halloween party and annual Trash Derby

Required Qualifications:

• 1+ years of experience in coral restoration and/or related fields
  • 2+ years of experience preferred
  • Master’s degree can count towards experience requirement
  • In-water nursery experience and coral husbandry experience preferred
• Active Dive Master certification
• Strong organizational and leadership skills
• Flexible mindset prepared for the changing schedule of fieldwork
• Ability to work independently and with the I.CARE team
• Ability to lift gear up to 50 lbs. and conduct field work on a regular basis
• Personal vehicle and computer