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Open: August 7, 2026 — Closes: August 21, 2026
Summary
This is a term position with an initial appointment expecting to last at least 13 months but may be extended up to a total of 10 years under STEM without further competition at management's discretion. This position is located in Key West, FL at the Dry Tortugas National Park (DRTO). Information about DRTO can be found here: NPS - DRTO Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement.
Major Duties
Park Description/Area Information: This position is based at Dry Tortugas National Park, 70 miles west of Key West, Florida. The park is 101 square miles, mostly open ocean, with a subtropical coral reef system. Seven small islands support nesting seabirds, including sooty terns, brown noddys, frigatebirds, and masked boobies, and hundreds of loggerhead and green sea turtle nests each year. Work includes land and marine tasks such as seabird and sea turtle monitoring, invasive species management, marine surveys, and restoration projects. Because the park is remote and weather can change quickly, priorities often shift and flexibility is essential. Two biologists will be hired: one focused on terrestrial and marine fieldwork, and one focused on equipment and instrumentation, including dive gear and vessels. Employees usually stay at Garden Key, a 16-acre island with limited services. Housing is in small or shared units with basic amenities. Internet access is limited, and there are no stores or banks, so travel to Key West is required for services. Living on the island for up to two weeks at a time can be challenging. Recreation options include snorkeling, diving, paddleboarding, fishing, sailing, and birding. Term Appointment (STEM Authority): This position is filled under the Department of the Interior STEM Term Appointment Authority, which allows an initial 13-month term that may extend up to 10 years. This authority supports scientific work that requires long-term continuity. Dry Tortugas National Park must maintain multi-year marine and terrestrial science programs, including coral disease response and restoration, coral nursery development, seabird monitoring, sea turtle studies, invasive species management, habitat restoration, environmental condition monitoring, reef assessments, habitat mapping, and water-quality trend analysis. The park also requires long-term maintenance and calibration of vessels, dive gear, sensors, cameras, and other scientific equipment. Due to the park's remote setting and the training needed for diving, boating, and field operations, continuity is essential for safety and program success. The park expects to extend the term appointment up to the 10-year maximum based on mission needs. Major Duties: Conduct biological and ecological field studies by collecting data, identifying species, measuring conditions, and documenting observations using Global Positioning System (GPS) units, field tools, and established protocols. Lead coral restoration and disease response work by assessing coral health, performing treatment procedures, maintaining coral nurseries, and supporting long-term restoration efforts. Operate and maintain small vessels and diving equipment in open-ocean settings by navigating to field sites, transporting gear, inspecting and maintaining scuba equipment, and following safety standards. Manage and report biological data by entering results, performing basic analyses, preparing summaries, creating charts or maps, conducting quality checks, and keeping organized records. Coordinate field teams by assigning tasks, guiding interns and volunteers, ensuring vessel and dive safety, adjusting plans to changing conditions, and supporting collaborative work in remote settings. Responsibilities: Ensure safe field operations by following diving and boating safety rules and monitoring changing conditions. Maintain accurate scientific data and records by collecting reliable information and keeping organized files. Care for scientific equipment by inspecting, cleaning, and repairing vessels, scuba gear, and field instruments. Support long-term resource management by completing monitoring, restoration, and research projects. Promote teamwork by coordinating tasks, providing guidance, and supporting collaborative work in remote environments.