St. Mark’s Wildlife Refuge Seeks Part-Time Lighthouse Keeper

Ever wanted to be a lighthouse keeper?  Now’s your chance!  The Friends of St. Marks Wildlife Refuge is accepting applications to operate the historic St. Marks Lighthouse keeper’s quarter’s museum every Thursday through Sunday.  If you are looking to spend your time in a beautiful and historic setting, meeting and greeting people from around the world, and gaining invaluable experience, then this is your opportunity! Applicants must be 18+ years old and able to commit to at least 24 hours/week, speak with visitors, provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and learn quickly. If you would like to join our team, please email your resume and interests to tbaird01@comcast.net to get started. Full list of duties and job details below.

The St. Marks Lighthouse is the second oldest lighthouse in Florida and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The lighthouse is on the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge south of Tallahassee and is owned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

You can read about the lighthouse at https://www.stmarksrefuge.org/lh-icon. The Friends of St. Marks Wildlife Refuge is a 501c3 non-profit organization whose mission is to support the programs of the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.  To learn more about us, visit https://www.stmarksrefuge.org/

This position is a contractual arrangement with the Friends of St. Marks Wildlife Refuge.  No benefits are included. The position is to open and operate the St. Marks Lighthouse Keeper’s Quarters museum as a visitor attraction six hours/day, four days every week (except holidays).  Pay is $20/hour or $1920/month based on a 24-hour work week. Although it is expected that the position is staffed four days a week for 6 hour shifts, the exact schedule will be determined after discussing options with the chosen candidate. Days and times of opening can be adjusted and are negotiable.  The lighthouse keeper work schedule will include pre-arranged times and dates that can be advertised in newsletters and websites.

Duties will include:

1. Learn the history of the lighthouse and be ready to communicate that to visitors
2. Provide a welcoming atmosphere for guests and help ensure visitors have a positive experience
3. Arrange and maintain displays and signage
4. Provide orientation for volunteers or interns, including all safety protocols and procedures
5. Help recruit volunteers for scheduled lighthouse openings
6. Schedule volunteers for lighthouse openings
7. Evaluate and suggest changes or additions to displays and visitor experiences
8. Propose new lighthouse events or activities
9. Regularly inventory and request necessary cleaning supplies and safety equipment
10. Regularly inventory and request necessary handouts and informational brochures
11. Note and report any maintenance needs on the structure
12. Ensure the keeper’s quarters are cleaned, decorated and ready for openings
13. Be available for meetings, and coordinate activities with Friends’ board officers and/or USFWS staff

Due to the lighthouse location, the applicant will need to have reliable transportation.  The keeper should dress casually, but appropriately for meeting the public.  Training in CPR considered an advantage.

Please email your resume or letter of interest to Tom Baird at tbaird01@comcast.net. Prospective candidates will be scheduled for an in-person interview. Call 850.491.6074 with questions.