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Marine Turtle Specialist P/T

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Marine Turtle Specialist P/T

Salary

$19.05 - $21.51 Hourly

Location

Boca Raton, FL

Job Type

Part-Time

Job Number

04538

Department

Recreation Services - Parks Operations

Division

Gumbo 62/25032

Opening Date

01/07/2026

Closing Date

1/23/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

General Statement of Job

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.

The position is headquartered at the Gumbo Limbo Environmental Complex and is performed under the general supervision of the Sea Turtle Conservation Coordinator.

Essential Functions

+ 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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

+ 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.

Skilled in:

+ 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.

Ability to:

+ To learn new tasks and procedures quickly.

+ To complete work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

+ To establish and maintain effective working relationships with Environmental Center staff, outside agencies, and the public.

+ To respond clearly and appropriately to citizen and visitor questions regarding sea turtles and conservation efforts.

+ To adapt to fluctuating schedules and workload demands tied to environmental and wildlife activity.

+ To support public education programs during evening hours.

Minimum and Preferred Qualifications

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

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

+ 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.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

+ 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 offseason (November - February).

+ Annual hours not to exceed 1300 per years.

POST OFFER PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING REQUIREMENTS:

Final offer and employment are contingent upon successful completion of the following post-offer, pre-employment screening items:

+ Criminal Background Check

+ Employment Verification

+ Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) Check

+ Physical Examination

+ Drug and Alcohol Screening

The City of Boca Raton is an Equal Opportunity (https://www.myboca.us/1226/Equal-Employment-Opportunity) , Inclusive, Veteran's Preference Employer and Drug Free Workplace. It is the policy of the City of Boca Raton to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, pregnancy, familial status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

CITY OF BOCA RATON - BENEFITS SUMMARY

Part-Time Employees

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: To be eligible to receive Paid Leave and to contribute to the 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, a part-time employee must have worked at least 1,040 hours in the prior fiscal year

PAID LEAVE: Employees who work a minimum of 1,040 hours per fiscal year will receive twelve (12) hours of Paid Leave on October 1st. This Paid Leave shall be used no later than September 30th of that fiscal year or it will be forfeited. These hours may not accumulate and may only be granted with the approval of the employee's supervisor. This paid leave has no cash value at separation of employment.

MISSION SQUARE 457 DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN: Employees who work a minimum of 1,040 hours per fiscal year will be allowed to participate in the 457 Deferred Compensation Plan. The City will not provide any matching funds.