Marine Turtle Specialist

The Marine Turtle Specialist performs technical work in support of marine turtle conservation, including identifying and documenting sea turtle nesting activity during early morning nesting surveys along approximately five miles of beach. The position enters and analyzes sea turtle nesting data, assists with the care, feeding, and maintenance of indoor and outdoor aquariums and associated life support systems, and conducts public presentations and educational programs.

• Conduct early morning beach surveys for sea turtle nests in Boca Raton.
• Identify all nesting emergencies and non-nesting emergencies.
• Properly mark, protect, and record sea turtle activity (i.e., nesting and crawls).
• Use non-lethal predation deterrents/irritants.
• Record and report disorientation and predation events.
• Excavate and inventory nests.
• Provide proper care and husbandry to hatchling sea turtles prior to release.
• Assist with the care and feeding of permanent resident sea turtles in outdoor aquariums.
• Respond to sea turtle and other marine animal stranding events, including transport to rehabilitation facilities or wildlife centers.
• Assist with and conduct public presentations for sea turtle-related programs (Turtle Walks, Hatchling Releases, school and camp programs, etc.).
• Enter data in field notebooks and GIS software on iPads or handheld computers.
• Maintain equipment and clean storage areas.
• Operate ATVs, utility vehicles, trucks, and vans.
• Operate the radio to stay in contact with other staff members.
• Assist Aquarist with indoor and outdoor aquarium food prep, public feeding presentations, water quality testing, and life support system maintenance.
• Participate in onsite facility events and outreach events.
• Attend annual meetings, training, and/or workshops associated with sea turtle strandings, nest monitoring, and rehab as required by the FWC permit requirements.

• Basic knowledge of environmental conservation principles, including sea turtle conservation and rehabilitation practices.
• Knowledge of customer service principles and public engagement in an educational or visitor-facing environment.
• Knowledge of basic data entry procedures and record‑keeping practices.

• Strong verbal communication skills to effectively interact with the public, staff, and external partners.
• Data entry skills with an emphasis on accuracy and efficiency.
• Interpersonal skills to work effectively with diverse groups and individuals.
• Organizational skills to manage tasks independently while supporting team objectives.

• Learn new tasks and procedures quickly.
• Complete work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with Environmental Center staff, outside agencies, and the public.
• Respond clearly and appropriately to citizen and visitor questions regarding sea turtles and conservation efforts.
• Adapt to fluctuating schedules and workload demands tied to environmental and wildlife activity.
• Support public education programs during evening hours.

• Graduation from high school or equivalent, with some college‑level coursework in biological science, environmental science, or a related field.

• Bachelor’s degree or current enrollment in the biological or marine sciences preferred.
• Prior experience conducting field work and using Geographic Information System technology.

Additional experience is accepted as a minimum requirement in lieu of the postsecondary degree on the following basis: additional four (4) years in lieu of the bachelor’s degree, and additional two (2) years in lieu of an associate degree.

• Possession of a valid State of Florida Class E driver’s license with no more than six (6) points within a three (3) year period.
• Complete an ATV certification course within 60 days of employment.
• Ability to work variable and non‑traditional hours, including early mornings (up to 45 minutes before sunrise) and occasional late evenings, based on nesting season and public program schedules.
• Availability to work primarily during nesting season (March – October), with peak workload from May through August. Minimal hours during the off‑season (November – February).
• Annual hours not to exceed 1300 per year.

• Criminal Background Check
• Employment Verification
• Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) Check
• Physical Examination
• Drug and Alcohol Screening