Employment
Make a direct impact by joining the Tampa Bay Watch Team. If you don't see open positions that fit what you're searching for, please check back regularly.
Learn more about job openings at the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center on the St. Pete Pier.
Employment Opportunities
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Position Title: Restoration Specialist
Department: Restoration
Reports to: Oyster Program Manager
Location: Tierra Verde, FL
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Established in 1993, Tampa Bay Watch is a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the recovery and protection of the Tampa Bay estuary through scientific and educational programs. With the opening of our second location, the Discovery Center in downtown St Pete our organization is growing.
Position Summary:
The Restoration Specialist position’s primary responsibility is to assist with the day-today operations of the Oyster Shell Recycling Program. This includes the collection and deposit of recycled shell at designated curing locations. This position will also be responsible for assisting the operation of Tampa Bay Watch’s Oyster Reef Ball Program and other programs as needed. This position will be expected to maintain positive relationships with volunteers, stakeholders, and citizens. This position requires an enthusiastic, highly motivated, hard-working individual who can work well both independently and as part of a team.
Funding Notice:
This is a specially funded position, dependent upon Federal, State, Foundation or other non-TBW operating funds, and is not funded pursuant to the regular budget. Continued employment is always contingent upon satisfactory performance and organizational needs. Grant funded positions are also contingent upon continued funding. This appointment is only assured through 2027. Employment beyond the expiration date of the grant is subject to continued funding and need, as identified by Tampa Bay Watch.
Responsibilities:
• Oyster Shell Recycling Program (OSRP) including daily operations, development. Also provide oversight of all supplies, materials, and equipment necessary for these projects.
• Operation of Tampa Bay Watch vehicles, including usage of loading ramps, trailers, and heavy equipment.
• Repeatedly loading and unloading of 5-gallon buckets and 32-gallon wheeled bins full of oyster shell into pick-up truck beds, and trailers. Dumping and moving of shell at various curing areas.
• Operation of hand tools including, shovels, handheld power tools, drill presses.
• Logging and maintaining data in the form of logs, data files and records.
• Reporting any programmatic needs, problems, or issues to the Oyster Program Manager.
• Support Restoration projects and programs including the Native planting program, Marine Debris Program, Oyster Reef Ball Program, and any other programs as needed.
• Support Development Staff with Fundraising Events.
• Promote Tampa Bay Watch to community groups through presentations.
• Support Administrative staff as needed.
• CPR/First Aid/AED/O2 Administration instruction through a recognized certification agency
• Completes other duties as assigned
Knowledge, Education and Skills Required:
• Position requires an individual with an Associate’s degree or higher preferred. Commensurate experience may be considered in lieu of Associates Degree. Familiarity in Florida coastal and estuarine ecosystems is preferred.
• Highly motivated, detail oriented, organized, and hardworking individual who can coordinate a diverse group of students and adults to accomplish Restoration program goals.
• The physical ability to accomplish habitat restoration projects and vessel operations and maintenance activities in the Florida outdoors year-round is required.
• Three (3) or more years of experience with trucks and trailers and their operation, required maintenance, and troubleshooting required.
• Possession of a State of Florida Driver’s License and a clean driving record required
• Ability to obtain Department of Defense security clearance.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
TAMPA BAY WATCH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
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POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the Development Director, the Major Gifts Officer serves as a frontline fundraiser within Tampa Bay Watch. They are responsible for identifying, cultivating, and maintaining relationships with high-level donors, typically individuals or corporations capable of making large financial contributions of $10K or more. They play a vital role in stewarding these donors and ensuring their continued engagement and loyalty to Tampa Bay Watch.
The position, in collaboration with the Executive, Development, and Communications team, raises funds, builds strategic partnerships, and raises awareness of Tampa Bay Watch priorities while helping our donors accomplish their philanthropic goals through our organization. The Major Gifts Officer works closely with the Development Director, CEO, Program Directors, the Board of Directors, and other stakeholders to secure major gifts and align donor opportunities with TBW’s mission.
Key Responsibilities:
● Develop, identify, qualify, and cultivate major gift strategies for a portfolio of 100+ donors and prospects capable of making major gifts, and build a robust pipeline to increase revenue at the $10,000-$1M+ level.
● Lead the solicitation process for major gifts, including developing tailored solicitation proposals, presentations, and funding opportunities aligned with donor interests and TBW priorities.
● Cultivate and steward relationships with high-net-worth individuals, major donors, and family foundations.
● Must be able to foster an environment of teamwork within the development department and the organization’s management team.
● Create and deliver tailored proposals and grant applications for foundations, gift agreements, and impact reports aligned with donor interests and TBW programs.
● Partner with the CEO, Development Director, and Board members to plan and execute donor engagement and solicitation strategies.
● Manage a portfolio of major donors, ensuring timely follow-up, reporting, and personalized acknowledgment of support.
● Plan and oversee donor cultivation events, in-person visits, and site tours with TBW leadership to deepen donor engagement.
● Collaborate with the Development, Restoration, and Education Directors to identify fundable opportunities and articulate compelling cases for support.
● Maintain accurate activity records in the donor management system and communicate with and track Moves Management strategies for donors.
● Track and analyze major giving trends to inform strategy and forecast revenue.
● Prepare and present regular progress reports and updates for the CEO, Development Director, and Development Committee Chair.
● Demonstrate excellent listening, writing, and presentation skills.
● Support the execution of major fundraising events by developing compelling sponsorship proposals and monitoring the receipt of benefits.
● Coordinate with Development team members to ensure consistent communication and aligned strategies across all existing appeals and campaigns.
● Ensure correct donor recognition in all publications.
● Maintain a shared electronic calendar that outlines current fundraising activities and is accessible to the CEO and Development Director.
● Adhere to gift acceptance policies and procedures, demonstrating commitment to transparency, accountability, and direct communication.
● Performs other duties as assigned by the Development Director.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, sales, communications, public relations, business, or other related areas. CFRE desired.
Experience:
● Minimum five years’ experience in development and fundraising.
● Demonstrated experience in securing major gifts, meeting fundraising goals, developing, and implementing an annual fund campaign.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Tampa Bay Watch is an equal opportunity employer. Applications are considered for positions without regard to veteran status, uniformed service member status, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
SALARY & BENEFITS
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, Life and AD & D, employer-paid short-term disability, Employee Assistance Program, and 403(b) plan with a company match
• Paid holidays and Vacation days that accrue based on years of service. Paid Parental Leave.
HOW TO APPLY
Tampa Bay Watch has retained Catalyst Consulting Services to conduct this search on their behalf. To be considered for this opportunity, please click this link to submit a cover letter and resume.
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Position Title: Human Resources Generalist
Department: Administration
Reports to: CEO
Location: Tierra Verde, FL
FLSA Status: Exempt
Established in 1993, Tampa Bay Watch is a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering a healthy Tampa Bay watershed through community driven restoration projects, education programs and outreach initiatives.
Tampa Bay Watch’s approach is multifaceted, involving community-driven restoration projects, educational initiatives and advocacy to safeguard the health of Tampa Bay. With ongoing support from volunteers, members and partners, Tampa Bay Watch is making a lasting impact on the environment, demonstrating the power of collective action.
Position Summary: Reporting to the CEO, the Human Resources Generalist will play a key role in supporting organizational success by overseeing recruitment, compensation and benefits administration, record-keeping, policy compliance, employee relations and turnover tracking, training and development, policy formulation and implementation, and performance management. This position ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations while maintaining the confidentiality of all privileged and sensitive information.
Key Responsibilities:
Reviews, tracks and documents compliance with mandatory and non-mandatory training, continuing education and work assessments. This may include safety training, anti-harassment training, professional licensure and certifications.
Recruits, interviews and facilitates the hiring of qualified job applicants for open positions; collaborates with department Directors and Managers to understand skills and competencies required for openings.
Conducts background checks and employee eligibility verifications.
Implements new hire orientation, onboarding/offboarding, and employee recognition programs and morale.
Manages changes in employee status, including promotions, transfers and terminations.
Administers employee benefit programs, including health, dental, vision, and retirement plans; assists in the review and selection of benefit offerings; and serves as the primary point of contact with benefit providers.
Serves as primary point of contact for employment-related inquiries from applicants, employees, and supervisors, referring complex and/or sensitive matters to the appropriate staff.
Maintains and oversees the interpretation of the Employee Policy Manual and ensures adherence.
Advises, attends and participates in employee disputes, investigations, disciplinary meetings and terminations.
Reviews and makes recommendations on policies and procedures, compensation, rules and regulations, forms and documents and ensures compliance with federal, state and local employment laws and regulations and recommended best practices.
Remains up to date on best practices, trends, regulatory changes and new technologies in human resources, performance management, professional development and training, and employment law.
Ensures confidentiality of all employee records, investigations, and other information.
Performs other duties as assigned by the CEO.
Qualifications & Required Experience:
The Human Resources Generalist position requires bachelor’s degree and/or related experience with a minimum of three years of human resources management experience preferred.
SHRM-CP a plus.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to professionally organize, present, and articulate ideas and information in an effective and understandable manner, both verbally and in writing.
Knowledge of EEO, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, and other federal, state, and county laws.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent organization, negotiation and conflict resolution skills, with attention to detail.
Ability to prioritize tasks and delegate them when appropriate.
Extraordinary time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
Must be a professional with high integrity who can maintain confidentiality.
Thorough knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations.
Proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office Suite required.
Demonstrated skills in motivating, supervising and retaining staff.
Familiar with coastal ecosystems is extremely helpful but not required.
Physical Requirements: While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit or type and talk or hear. The employee may be occasionally required to stand; walk for extended periods and spend time in the FL outdoor heat during special events. The employee must be able to lift up to 25 lbs.
TAMPA BAY WATCH IS AN EQUAL OPPORUNITY EMPLOYER
Benefits:
403(b)
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Health insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance
Human Resources: 3 years (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
Tierra Verde, FL 33715 (Required)
Work Location: In person
Internship Opportunities
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St Petersburg, FL or Tierra Verde, FL
Learn how to develop and teach interactive environmental education programs in a science classroom setting!
This position is available at either of our locations - Tierra Verde or St. Petersburg.
Click here to learn more about and apply for the Tierra Verde position.
Click here to learn more about and apply for the St. Petersburg position.
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St Petersburg, FL
Learn how to develop and teach outstanding environmental education programs on the water!
Click here to learn more and apply.
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St Petersburg, FL
Discovery Center at the St. Pete Pier
Gain valuable experience caring for a variety of native and non-native species. Did we mention we have adorable diamondback terrapins?
Click here to learn more and apply!
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Tampa Bay Watch, Tierra Verde, FL
The Habitat Restoration Internship at Tampa Bay Watch provides a variety of experience in field related activities, restoration efforts, and public engagement.
Responsibilities:
Assist the Native Planting Program with Bay Grasses in Classes events which include the building of nurseries, harvesting plants, transplanting at restoration sites, educational curriculum development, and classroom presentations
Assist with the Oyster Reef Ball Building, Oyster Shell Recycling and in the construction and installation of oyster reefs at projects throughout Tampa Bay
Assist with Living Shoreline Creation project coordination and installations
Assist with marine debris prevention and removal projects such as coastal cleanups, fishing line recovery and recycling, and stormwater programming as needed
Create community outreach and educational materials for habitat restoration projects and present to program participants
Assist with programmatic and project specific monitoring efforts
May assist with other restoration or educational programs as needed
Qualifications:
Must be 18 years or older
Valid driver’s license
Proof of health insurance
Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Marine Biology, or a related field preferably with familiarity in Florida coastal ecosystems
Have strong written and verbal skills
Able to work both independently and as part of a team
Flexible schedule is preferred
Maintain a safe working environment for personnel and students
Able to work year round in Florida’s climate and perform physical challenges involved in the daily duties of the department including: lifting/carrying equipment weighing approximately 50 lbs., sitting, kneeling, stooping, crawling, twisting, reaching above head, pulling, bending, and climbing stairs and ladders.
Additional Information:
This internship is unpaid and housing is not provided. This internship may provide college credit, with approval from the university and advisor. The intern will be responsible for transportation and personal health insurance. A background check, including fingerprinting, will be required, at the expense of Tampa Bay Watch.
Schedule:
Intern may work 2-4 days a week, depending on the schedule. A typical schedule may consist of M-F from 9 AM-3 PM, for the duration of the season but the weekly schedule is dependent on project scheduling and program needs. We require interns to work a minimum of 12 hours a week. Start/end dates are flexible.
Spring: January-April
Summer: May-August
Fall/Winter: September-December
Location: Tampa Bay Watch, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL 33715
Application: To apply, please send a resume, cover letter, and two references to sherndon@tampabaywatch.org. In the subject line, please include the position you are applying to, your name, the season you are applying for, and the year in the following format:
Habitat Restoration Internship Applicant_Full Name_Season, Year
Deadline for spring: December 20
Deadline for summer: April 20
Deadline for fall/winter: August 20

