Careers
New Position: Operations Manager
Are you passionate about preserving the marine environment? Are you interested in public outreach? Are you a good leader? BIMI endeavors to inspire our visitors to learn to love Block Island through hands-on exploration of marine science and maritime activities. Our operations are growing and we are seeking a manager to support our Director in with overall operations and management of our aquariums.
Position: Block Island Maritime Institute (BIMI) Manager of Operations
Reports to the Director.
Summary: BIMI’s mission is to provide educational experiences and hands-on exploration to inspire appreciation and preservation of the extraordinary saltwater environment around Block Island. BIMI is a small non-profit that is continually looking for innovative ways to reach and engage students and the general public. Our operations are growing and we are seeking a manager to support our overall operations and aquariums.
The Operations Manager (Manager) will assist the Director ensuring that all facilities and programs meet established standards and provide a positive environment for visitors and staff. The manager will directly supervise BIMI’s interns while the interns perform aquarist tasks; work with the public; lead scheduled programs; and perform related duties.
The Manager will be the Lead Aquarist on-site and will continually advance their knowledge in marine ecology, core programs, aquarium operations, and business plans. The manager must maintain a positive attitude, act with integrity, be mission driven and self-directed.
BIMI believes in collaboration amongst various nonprofits and educational institutions. The manager will need to be able to collaborate across various disciplines and may participate in collaborative research projects.
We encourage autonomous thinking and independent problem-solving and are looking for a leader that inspires both visitors and staff.
Schedule: The Manager will be scheduled five days per week with some weekend and after-hours needed from mid-April to October. The Manager will further be responsible for after-hour emergencies according to a posted schedule. During the off-season, the Operations Manager will work remotely according to an agreed upon schedule. BIMI will consider a 10 to 12 month contract.
Location: Block island, RI. Manager is provided an apartment from April to November that is located on site on the shores of New Harbor.
Compensation: Annual salary between $46,000 and $51,000 with an additional $4,000 for medical insurance reimbursement or HSA.
Minimum Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree or Equivalent in a Related Field.
- Working knowledge of marine science, ecology, or marine environmental education.
- At least two years’ experience in a Leadership Role.
- Experience in an aquarist or other animal care role.
- Ability to earn CPR, First Aid, and PADI certificates.
- Lifeguard Certification preferred.
Required Skills:
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
- Computer literate
- Capacity to create digital programs and media.
- Experience with a variety of digital media platforms preferred.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to occasionally lift approximately 50lbs.
- Ability to work outdoors for long periods of time.
- Ability to stand, sit or walk for long periods of time.
- Ability to swim.
Other:
Must be able to provide evidence of a criminal background check completed by the local police.
How to Apply: Applications will be accepted until positions are filled. To be considered in the first round of interviews, a cover letter and resume along with college transcripts must be submitted via e-mail to [email protected] by no later than January 31, 2024. References must be available upon request.
2024 Internships
We are now taking applications for our summer internships. Do you love being in and on the water? Do you have the desire to share that love with others? The Block Island Maritime Institute endeavors to inspire our visitors to learn to love Block Island through hands-on exploration of marine science and maritime activities. To do so, we need people that are excited to to work with other people; like working outdoors; and have experience and education in marine biology, oceanography or a related degree. Intern Applications for Summer 2024 are now open and will be accepted until January 31, 2024.
2024 Block Island Maritime Institute (BIMI) Internship
Full-time Seasonal Marine Science and Maritime Activities Educator
Position Announcement
Approximately June 16, 2024 – August 31, 2024
Primary Responsibilities
- Providing a welcoming environment for visitors, both adults and children.
- Engaging with visitors at our aquarium exhibits, providing education about the species on display. Further educating visitors about BIMI, Block Island, its local flora and fauna, sustainable marine systems, and various other marine science and maritime activities.
- Actively encouraging guests to visit the aquariums and participate in programs, providing ongoing education as to opportunities that are available.
- Participating in the creation of social media content on at least a weekly basis for the duration of the internship.
- Assist and provide oversight to volunteers.
- Documenting daily activities, observations, and research.
- Under direction of the Aquarium Manager, providing maintenance of the aquarium tanks and Institute facilities.
- Distributing posters, brochures, and other program information electronically and at locations around the Island.
- Participating in other island activities and coordinating with staff from other environmental education and community support programs on the island.
- Assisting with visiting school groups and clubs as needed.
- Sales of merchandise and programs. Encouraging donations.
- Other duties as assigned.
Specific Qualifications
- Working knowledge of marine science, ecology, or marine environmental education, preferably with a Bachelor of Science degree.
- Experience working with children in an educational or recreational setting preferred.
- HIGHLY motivated and self-driven – must be an independent thinker and accomplish tasks independently.
- Effective communication skills – must have the ability to clearly communicate with supervisors, coworkers, and visitors of all ages.
- Ability to interact appropriately with children, adults, and peers.
- Familiarity with various social media formats and ability to post on BIMI’s behalf preferred.
- Must be able to work effectively in a team structure. BIMI staff live and work on the same premises requiring that interns be able to communicate effectively with the BIMI team, seeking out support from co-workers and/or the Director when needed.
- Must be able to provide evidence of a criminal background check completed by the local police.
- Must be able to complete First Aid and CPR training prior to employment. (BIMI will reimburse this expense as needed).
- Lifeguard experience preferred.
- Experience in water sports preferred.
- Bilingual preferred.
Compensation
- $16.00 to $17.00 per hour.
- The internship will average 35 hours per week at regular pay from about June 19th to about September 3rd.
- Unscheduled overtime (over 40 hours) may be needed.
Other
- Interns are supervised directly by the Director with oversight in specific duties by the Aquarist and/or Public Outreach Coordinator.
- Housing may be provided, typically shared with other interns. Given the needs of running an aquarium and a non-traditional schedule of employment, BIMI is dependent upon its employees to be flexible. BIMI provides housing including utilities only for employees that can provide that flexibility. If the BIMI employee chooses to work for another entity or commit themselves to any project that disallows flexibility in the employee’s schedule, the employee will have to pay their fair share of rent and utilities for the apartment.
- A rent credit may be available for full-time employees if housing is not needed.
- Transportation, such as bringing your own bicycle, is recommended.
How to Apply
- Applications will be accepted until positions are filled. To be considered in the first round of interviews, full application packet must be submitted via e-mail to [email protected] by no later than January 24, 2024. For more information, email or call Valerie Blansfield, Director at 401-500-3501.
Packet must include:
- Current Resume including any specialized certifications and/or skills including full name, mail address, e-mail address, and phone number where you can be reached.
- College Transcripts.
- Cover Letter (in 500 words or less) detailing your career goals, what you hope to gain from an internship; and what sets you apart from other candidates.
- Two (2) Reference Letters from a non-family member sent to [email protected] .
2024 Block Island Maritime Institute (BIMI) Internship
Full-time Seasonal Marine Science and Maritime Activities Educator
Position Announcement
Approximately June 16, 2024 – August 31, 2024
Primary Responsibilities
- Providing a welcoming environment for visitors, both adults and children.
- Engaging with visitors at our aquarium exhibits, providing education about the species on display. Further educating visitors about BIMI, Block Island, its local flora and fauna, sustainable marine systems, and various other marine science and maritime activities.
- Actively encouraging guests to visit the aquariums and participate in programs, providing ongoing education as to opportunities that are available.
- Participating in the creation of social media content on at least a weekly basis for the duration of the internship.
- Assist and provide oversight to volunteers.
- Documenting daily activities, observations, and research.
- Under direction of the Aquarium Manager, providing maintenance of the aquarium tanks and Institute facilities.
- Distributing posters, brochures, and other program information electronically and at locations around the Island.
- Participating in other island activities and coordinating with staff from other environmental education and community support programs on the island.
- Assisting with visiting school groups and clubs as needed.
- Sales of merchandise and programs. Encouraging donations.
- Other duties as assigned.
Specific Qualifications
- Working knowledge of marine science, ecology, or marine environmental education, preferably with a Bachelor of Science degree.
- Experience working with children in an educational or recreational setting preferred.
- HIGHLY motivated and self-driven – must be an independent thinker and accomplish tasks independently.
- Effective communication skills – must have the ability to clearly communicate with supervisors, coworkers, and visitors of all ages.
- Ability to interact appropriately with children, adults, and peers.
- Familiarity with various social media formats and ability to post on BIMI’s behalf preferred.
- Must be able to work effectively in a team structure. BIMI staff live and work on the same premises requiring that interns be able to communicate effectively with the BIMI team, seeking out support from co-workers and/or the Director when needed.
- Must be able to provide evidence of a criminal background check completed by the local police.
- Must be able to complete First Aid and CPR training prior to employment. (BIMI will reimburse this expense as needed).
- Lifeguard experience preferred.
- Experience in water sports preferred.
- Bilingual preferred.
Compensation
- $16.00 to $17.00 per hour.
- The internship will average 35 hours per week at regular pay from about June 19th to about September 3rd.
- Unscheduled overtime (over 40 hours) may be needed.
Other
- Interns are supervised directly by the Director with oversight in specific duties by the Aquarist and/or Public Outreach Coordinator.
- Housing may be provided, typically shared with other interns. Given the needs of running an aquarium and a non-traditional schedule of employment, BIMI is dependent upon its employees to be flexible. BIMI provides housing including utilities only for employees that can provide that flexibility. If the BIMI employee chooses to work for another entity or commit themselves to any project that disallows flexibility in the employee’s schedule, the employee will have to pay their fair share of rent and utilities for the apartment.
- A rent credit may be available for full-time employees if housing is not needed.
- Transportation, such as bringing your own bicycle, is recommended.
How to Apply
- Applications will be accepted until positions are filled. To be considered in the first round of interviews, full application packet must be submitted via e-mail to [email protected] by no later than January 24, 2024. For more information, email or call Valerie Blansfield, Director at 401-500-3501.
Packet must include:
- Current Resume including any specialized certifications and/or skills including full name, mail address, e-mail address, and phone number where you can be reached.
- College Transcripts.
- Cover Letter (in 500 words or less) detailing your career goals, what you hope to gain from an internship; and what sets you apart from other candidates.
- Two (2) Reference Letters from a non-family member sent to [email protected] .
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer opportunities for Summer 2024 are available. Opportunities include volunteering with educational programs or assisting with the aquarium. Or… If you want to help, but prefer to be fishing, we have room for a few more people to help stock our tank. We would love to talk to you if you are interested in collecting species especially if you have a live well on your boat. If interested, please contact us at [email protected]
