Coral Recruit Technician – Research Associate I

About the role

The Coral Recruit Technician is an integral member of the University of Miami’s Land‑Based Coral Facility at the Rosenstiel School on Virginia Key. Working within the Coral Reef Futures Lab, the role focuses on sexual propagation and care of Caribbean coral juveniles to support reef research and restoration.

Key responsibilities

• Assist with production, rearing, and outplanting of sexually derived coral recruits.
• Perform daily husbandry, maintain aquarium systems, and monitor coral health.
• Coordinate husbandry activities, assign tasks to student volunteers, and follow SOPs.
• Troubleshoot plumbing, electrical, and other operational issues in aquarium systems.
• Support graduate students and staff in ongoing research projects.
• Respond to equipment failures on‑call and participate in evening/nighttime spawning events.

Required profile

• 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, and marine science.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to work outdoors in warm, humid conditions for several hours and lift items up to 50 lb.

Required skills

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