Coral Nursery Mate; BEC

Job Details

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, and 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).

• 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.
• All applicants should have a desire to work in a residential, community setting.
• Preferred: experience in coral restoration efforts and/or aquarium husbandry.

• Daily coral husbandry, including feeding, siphoning, and algal mitigation.
• Basic maintenance, including cleaning tanks and life support maintenance.
• Coral propagation using microfragmentation techniques.
• Collaboratively with colleagues to support field activities, including but not limited to out planting and monitoring corals.

• Salary ($405 weekly entry rate)
• Housing and meals
• Access to recreational equipment during time off

This application is for the Spring 2026 season. Please submit applications for other seasons through a separate listing on our job board.

The Sea Base is one of four National High Adventure Bases operated by Scouting America (formerly Boy Scout of America). We offer programs that include fishing, sailing, scuba diving, coral restoration, snorkeling, kayaking, camping, and much more across six operating locations.

Many job opportunities are available at multiple locations; not all locations have job opportunities.

• Sea Base, Islamorada - Located in Islamorada, FL at mile marker 73.8 along US‑1, Overseas Highway. Home to our sailing and scuba diving adventures.
• Camp Jackson Sawyer - Located just south of Bahia Honda State Park, mile marker 33.9. Home to our Family Adventure Camp and Pre/Post adventure camp.
• Brinton Environmental Center - Located in Summerland Key at mile marker 23.8. Home to our coral nursery and coral restoration efforts, Out Island adventure (Big Munson Island), and many other adventures.
• Sea Base, St. Thomas - Located in the United States Virgin Islands. Home of two different sailing opportunities.
• Sea Base Bahamas - Located about 100 miles east of Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Home to three different sailing opportunities.

Our staff get to work in many different capacities to support and run our many programs that run throughout the year. While the summer season (approximately mid‑May through August) is our largest opportunity for staff, we have employment opportunities throughout the year.

Employees have the opportunity to take advantage of regular meals prepared by our food‑services team and on‑site housing provided during each employment term. Accommodations also include fitness rooms, recreational areas, and laundry machines.

While on staff, you will have the opportunity for staff to gain knowledge and certifications in scuba diving, lifeguarding, wilderness first aid, CPR, and SERV Safe.

Salary: $405 per week