About the Role

Join a mission-driven team working to conserve ocean life  through education, citizen science, and community engagement

We are looking for the right candidate to join our REEF Campus-based team to support the day-to-day administrative work that is critical to the smooth operations of our ocean conservation work. Tasks will include shipping and store support, back-office processing, facilities coordination, and mail. This is an in-person role based at REEF’s Key Largo Florida Campus.

Position Details

Job Title: REEF Campus Operations Assistant                  
Location: REEF Campus, Key Largo, Florida US 
Reports to: Sierra Barkdoll, Operations Manager
Type: Part-time, hourly, 15–25 hours/week, in-person (no remote)
Application Timeline: Application review starts on September 8, 2026, open until filled. Immediate start date desired.
How to Apply: Click on the application portal below. Please follow directions and provide one PDF with cover letter, CV/resume, and names of 2-3 references.

Apply Now

Position Summary

Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) seeks a reliable, detail-oriented Campus Operations Assistant to support the day-to-day administrative and operational work that keeps REEF Campus running smoothly. The right candidate will take ownership of core administrative categories — shipping and store support, back-office processing, facilities coordination, and mail. This is an in-person role based at REEF’s Key Largo Campus. The ideal candidate is comfortable working across a variety of digital tools and platforms, is willing to learn and adapt to new systems, and looks for appropriate ways to use technology to work efficiently. They work independently with initiative and bring reliability to a busy, mission-driven nonprofit campus. The staff member will be accountable for the consistent, ongoing execution of core categories. 

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Key Responsibilities

Shipping and Retail Support

  • Process and ship online store orders; support REEF Trip and event package preparation (checking supplies, ordering, packing, and sending).
  • Support store inventory tracking and routine reordering.
  • Provide tidiness checks for the Ocean Exploration Center retail area.

Mail, Phones, & Front Desk

  • Welcome members of the public who visit REEF’s Administrative building and provide friendly, informed assistance.
  • Answer incoming phone calls and route them to the appropriate team member.
  • Open, sort, and distribute incoming mail; retrieve and send outgoing mail via the post office.
  • Run routine campus supply errands (office and cleaning supplies, water, etc.).
  • Support onboarding logistics for new team members (tech setup coordination, calendars/logistics).

Back-Office & Financial Processing

  • Complete routine payment reconciliations (e.g., Pitney Bowes, PayPal/Square) following documented procedures.
  • Support bank deposits and other routine financial administrative tasks.
  • Maintain accurate records for assigned administrative processes.

Facilities & Campus Coordination

  • Coordinate vendor scheduling (landscapers, cleaners, etc.) under the Operations Manager’s direction.
  • Support storage, furniture/equipment, and phone system coordination.
  • Assist with routine facilities upkeep coordination across campus buildings.

The new staff member will initially focus on store order processing, shipping, and mail, which are the priority areas for this fall, before taking on additional responsibilities. REEF Interns, Fellows, and other campus staff remain available to help with overflow and higher-volume periods. The roles and responsibilities for this position are dynamic and will continue to develop over time aligned with the organizational needs.

Qualifications

  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Proven ability to work independently, take initiative, and follow through on assigned tasks.
  • Willingness to use AI tools for drafting, organizing, and/or troubleshooting as part of normal daily work.
  • Ability to learn new systems and platforms quickly (Asana, Zoho, Slack, point-of-sale/retail, etc.).
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Reliable, predictable weekly availability with reasonable flexibility for occasional schedule shifts.
  • Comfortable working across a busy, multi-building nonprofit campus alongside staff, interns, fellows, and visitors.
  • Prior administrative, retail, shipping/receiving, or office-support experience preferred.
  • Eligible to work in the US without sponsorship.

 

Physical & On-Site Requirements

  • Able to lift and carry up to 25–40 lbs (store/trip package shipments, supply deliveries).
  • Able to move between buildings across the REEF Campus, including some outdoor walking in Florida Keys weather conditions.
  • Able to stand or walk for extended periods during shipping, receiving, and retail support tasks.
  • Regularly present on-site in REEF’s Administrative building, Key Largo, FL during scheduled hours.

Compensation, Terms, & How to Apply

  • Position Type: Part-time, hourly, on-site at REEF Campus, Key Largo, FL.
  • Hours: 15–25 hours per week, with a predictable weekly schedule and reasonable flexibility.
  • Compensation: Hourly rate within REEF’s organizational pay scale and commensurate with experience $19–$24/hr.
  • Benefits: Not eligible for benefits due to part-time status.

 

Interested applicants should apply through www.REEF.org/job-application. Applicants will upload a combined PDF including resume, cover letter, and references, addressed to Sierra Barkdoll, Operations Manager. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting September 8, 2026. REEF is aiming for an immediate start date that allows time to onboard into store order processing, shipping, and mail responsibilities before the end-of-year holiday giving season. Applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. This position is based in Key Largo, Florida US.

About REEF

REEF is a nonprofit grassroots organization dedicated to conserving marine environments worldwide. REEF engages the public through citizen science, education, and partnerships with the scientific community to inspire curiosity, connection, and action in marine conservation.

Founded over 30 years ago, REEF’s mission is to protect biodiversity and ocean life. With a commitment to hands-on science, public engagement, and collaboration, REEF operates a range of innovative programs that connect people with the ocean and inspire stewardship.

REEF’s place-based facility, known as the REEF Campus, is in Key Largo, Florida and includes administrative offices, a classroom building, a Native Plants and Heritage Trail, and the Ocean Exploration Center for Marine Conservation, which opened in June 2025. This state-of-the-art visitor and education center features a seminar space, flexible exhibits, and immersive learning environments designed to bring REEF’s mission to life for visitors of all ages. It is open six days a week and is free for all to enjoy.

REEF is committed to creating a welcoming workplace and serving our communities with respect. As the ocean thrives through its biodiversity, REEF strives to bring varied perspectives and experiences to our team, programs, and partnerships.