Ocean Rescue Jobs in Tampa, FL (NOW HIRING)

Position Details
Dept Number/Name: 471000 - Florida Institute of Oceanography
Location: Florida Keys, Layton, FL
Salary Plan: Administrative
Job Code/Title: 5035 / Sr. Biological Scientist
Hiring Salary/Salary Range: $58,250 to $68,000 (commensurate based on experience)
Position Number: 100017880
Organizational Summary:
The Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO) is an institute of the University of South Florida that connects Florida's academic, public, and private partners to the marine environment through oceanographic research, education, workforce development, and applied maritime operations. As a regional marine science and technology resource, FIO provides access to research vessels, specialized marine equipment, field operations expertise, and the Keys Marine Laboratory to support discovery, student learning, environmental stewardship, and solutions to complex coastal and ocean challenges.
Through its vessels, facilities, and experienced maritime professionals, FIO enables researchers, students, agencies, and industry partners to conduct work on, in, and around the water safely and effectively. FIO supports oceanographic research while also serving as a broader platform for interdisciplinary education, experiential learning, marine technology testing, public-private collaboration, and workforce development. As part of USF, FIO strengthens the university's role as a leader in ocean science, coastal resilience, and marine innovation while serving the needs of Florida and the broader ocean community.
Position Description:
Incumbent will serve as the Manager of the Florida Institute of Oceanography - Keys Marine Laboratory (KML) seawater systems to operate and manage the Seawater Systems at the KML in addition to captaining vessels and acting as lead science diver. Incumbent must have depth of knowledge of scientific sampling in the coastal marine environment, as this position is located at the Keys Marine Laboratory (KML), Layton FL in the Florida Keys.
As a requirement, incumbent must have sufficient boat handling skills to safely operate small vessels up to 30' length in marine coastal waters. Position will perform specific tasks that will include assisting visiting university education and research groups at KML and on the water as vessel operator (sometimes as the sole operator). Incumbent will assist visiting researchers at KML which may include site selection, sampling, and data collection, and data management and transfer. Tasks may include contributions to the design and execution of research protocols, data analysis, and preparation of publications. As a requirement incumbent must be currently certified SCUBA diver with a minimum of 50 open water dives (Advanced and Rescue Diver certifications, AAUS status preferred).
Incumbent must be able to attain AAUS scientific diver status within 2 months to support KML's SCUBA mission critically to support scientists, graduate students, and undergraduates in their collection and sampling of specimens in the field.
Incumbent must have depth of knowledge of scientific sampling in the coastal marine environment, as this onsite position is located at the marine field station, Layton, Florida in the Florida Keys. This position will report directly to the KML Associate Director position on the KML Layton campus location.
Responsibilities
50% - Serves as the Manager of the KML seawater systems

• Responsible for ensuring KML user needs for the seawater system are met; ensuring water quality is adequate.
• Has sufficient understanding of both well based and open ocean flow-through sea water systems; especially water chemistry including pH, salinity, oxygen, nutrient and non-nutrient chemicals and inputs and experimental protocols.
• Manages multiple large-scale aquaria and animal care facilities used in research labs to meet IACUC standards.
• Manages scheduling for all KML seawater systems and organizes required request forms and paperwork.
• Maintains operations of all KML seawater systems, orders supplies; tracks inventories and arranges or carries out repairs; calibrates equipment as necessary to ensure operations of the onsite seawater system, and perform other duties as assigned.
• Mechanical and practical knowledge of pumps, UV sterilizers, filtration, plumbing, electrical, water flow, and basic construction.
• Provides vision and plans for future seawater system development to KML and FIO leadership
• Ability to build or modify tank layouts, equipment, and running seawater systems for science support based at KML.
• Manage and track supply budgets.
• Manage purchasing card spending and all associated paperwork.
• Manage multiple, concurrent grant reports and execute deliverables.
• Ability to be on call after hours and over weekends to respond to seawater system emergencies, answer seawater user questions, and troubleshoot any issues.
• Manage all water quality data for (4) independent seawater systems.

15% - Knowledge of ancillary KML SW system and laboratory equipment

• Uses instruments appropriate to the research that may require extensive training and both theoretical and practical knowledge to interpret results.
• Prepares, and assists with field techniques to collect, analyze, and maintains logs and records of laboratory techniques, observations, findings, and results.
• May also serve as part of a data gathering or assembling and analyzing data on the project for scientists at remote locations that may require navigating through shallow near-shore waters of the Keys to remote sites to gather data.
• Ability to recommend and select sampling sites in consultation with PI's and faculty to optimize sampling both for research and education experiences. Must be able to utilize appropriate scientific sampling protocols to ensure sample integrity.
• Oversees the maintenance and programming of laboratory equipment, arranges for repair as necessary, orders and inventories laboratory supplies

30% - Pilots and navigates KML vessels, sometimes as sole operator, through coastal waters of the Florida Keys

• Inspects the vessels for readiness, prepares gear, and plans routes and submits float plans prior to departure.
• Ensures proper maintenance and use of survival equipment.
• Supervises the work of scientists, undergraduates, and graduate students to ensure they are safe while performing field work.
• Must be able to make decisions regarding mission aborts, cancellations, or postponements due to weather or for other safety reasons.
• SCUBA certification required with a minimum of 50 open water dives; must be able to meet and maintain AAUS training requirements including the use of mixed gases and at depths greater than 60 feet.

5% - Other duties as assigned

• Train laboratory staff and researchers on seawater system use and maintenance methods and procedures operations
• Ability to tow small trailers (<30' length) and assist with maintenance of KML facility including infrastructure and vessels, and diving equipment.
• Specimen collections and shipping for researchers upon request

Outreach and Education

• Develop and assist with programs at KML (ie Science Night, Open House, etc.)
• Represent FIO and KML while attending conferences and workshops.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
This position requires a Bachelor's degree in a natural or medical science and 2 years of research experience and field work; or a Master's degree in a natural science. Progressively responsible experience involving scientific laboratory or field work may be substituted for the Bachelor's degree. Must be able to maintain a valid Florida driver's license.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience working with collecting oceanographic specimen and interpreting data is preferred.
Special Skills/Training:

• SCUBA certification (Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver or AAUS)
• Sufficient boat handling skills to safely operate small vessels up to 30' length in marine coastal waters

Requires: Criminal History background Check - Level 1 / Drug Screen
Please provide the following documents when completing your application:

• Curriculum vitae / resume
• A copy of academic transcripts
• Contact information for three professional references (one must be your current/most recent supervisor).

The selected candidate must have a current work authorization in the United States. This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.
About Us
Working at USF
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
About USF
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.
Compliance and Federal Notices
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.