Tampa Bay Watch Seeks Discovery Center Start-Up Manager
Janet Echelman’s net sculpture won’t be the only beautiful thing to grace the new St. Pete Pier. Tampa Bay Watch is upping the education part of their game with a 10-year lease at the Pier’s Discovery Center, which will include an environmental exhibition hall and educational facilities. The organization seeks a manager to oversee early construction and development of the facility. Now a 12-month position starting in March, based on performance and need, it could turn into a full-time job.
Qualifications:
- Minimum five years of event venue development or business management in a supervisory capacity.
- Highly energetic professional with a track record of management of public facilities or public start-ups.
- Strong public speaking experience
- Exceptional strategic management skills. Ability to motivate a variety of professional staff and energetic community volunteers.
- Computer experience including MS Office programs.
- Familiarity with Florida coastal ecosystems helpful but not required.
- BA or BS degree minimum – Masters preferred
Salary: $55,000 + health & life insurance & retirement savings.
Responsibilities: The start-up manager is responsible to the President of Tampa Bay Watch with the support of the organization’s Department Directors.
Tasks include:
- Design and development of the Discovery Center building, environmental exhibits, educational facilities and program activities over the next 12 months at the new St. Pete Pier. Program coordi nation with architects, construction contractors & exhibit designers.
- Coordination with the city of St. Petersburg and operations manager Colliers International for Pier-related activities.
- Creation and implementation of project and financial timelines required for the Discovery Center.
- Creation and implementation of eco-tourism partnership with a vessel contractor for the Pier.
- Marketing and communications of the Discovery Center and raising the profile of Tampa Bay Watch.
Contact: Do not call. Send resume and supporting materials to resumes@tampabaywatch.org Potential applicants are encouraged to find out more at tampabaywatch.org.
Great American Cleanup Saturday, March 16, 9 – noon
Tampa Bay Watch is recruiting volunteers to participate in the Great American Cleanup, in partnership with Keep Pinellas Beautiful. This cleanup is sponsored by SeaWorld Busch Gardens Conservation Fund and supported by city of St. Petersburg.
The Great American Cleanup is the nation’s largest community improvement program, which takes place annually in an estimated 20,000 communities nationwide. This is a land-based cleanup, so we are looking for volunteers to walk the sites to pick up trash to prevent marine debris. Helping hands are needed at Bartlett Park, 647 22nd Ave S., St. Petersburg 33705 and Grandview Park, 3734 E 6th St, St. Petersburg 33701. We could also use a maximum of 8 kayakers at Grandview Park.
Spend a “Day on the Bay” March 12, 13, or 14, 9am – noon
This spring break, come join the education department on an eco-tour throughout the Tampa Bay estuary. After a quick estuary introduction and kayak briefing, trained staff will take you on the water in tandem kayaks to see the estuary from a whole new perspective! Kayak the mangrove tunnel and get the chance to see the unique plants and animals that call Tampa Bay their home.
Eco-tours are offered March 12, 13, and 14 from 9am – noon. Tour price is $35 per participant. please visit our website at http://tampabaywatch.org/dayonthebay.html
Hope to see you soon!
(PIX of HERON)
The Tricolored Heron can be seen in the quiet shallow waters of Tampa Bay. Strikingly slender, with long bill, neck, and legs, it is often seen wading belly-deep in the bay. Although it is solitary in its feeding, it is sociable in nesting, often in very large colonies with various other herons and egrets. This bird is formerly known as the Louisiana Heron. Source: audubon.org
(PIX of SEAHORSE)
Dwarf Seahorses live in the shallow seagrass beds of Tampa Bay. They use their tails to anchor themselves to the seagrass as seen in the above picture. Adults only grow to about an inch tall. They have complex social behaviors, usually mating for life. Male seahorses carry the babies and give live birth. Unfortunately, seagrass habitat has been damaged from pollution, boats and changing ocean conditions causing the populations of these little seahorses to decline. Source: biologicaldiversity.org.
Tampa Bay Watch,
3000 Pinellas Bayway So., Tierra Verde, FL 33715-2516
tampabaywatch.org