Get Involved
Work With US
Explore exciting opportunities to contribute to our mission! Join us as a staff member, volunteer, intern, or through procurement partnerships to make a meaningful impact on the restoration and preservation of Florida's precious estuarine ecosystems.
Employment
Whether you are an experienced professional or just starting your career, we offer exciting opportunities to grow, innovate, and make a difference. Explore our current job openings below to join the GSI team!
Internships
Gain hands-on experience in field and lab work, contributing to vital research, restoration, and aquaculture initiatives. If you're a motivated student ready to make a difference, see below to learn more.
Volunteer
Get involved in preserving Florida's estuarine ecosystems through our exciting volunteer opportunities! Join us in protecting the vital environments of Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay, and Charlotte Harbor through preservation and restoration.
Learn more
Public Procurement
Partner with us in our mission to protect Florida's estuarine environments! Explore opportunities for public procurement below and collaborate with us to support crucial research and restoration initiatives.
Employment
Duration: One year contracts, renewable based on funding availability
Compensation: Salary is commensurate with experience and specific job postings
Benefits: 403(b) employer-matching retirement plan
The Gulf Shellfish Institute (GSI) is a non-profit, scientific research organization based in Palmetto, Florida dedicated to advancing shellfish aquaculture and restoration. GSI aims to facilitate, support and encourage increased production of shellfish in the Gulf region for both economic and environmental benefit. We seek ambitious and passionate staff members to support our mission of applied shellfish research and restoration. New opportunities will be updated below as they become available.
Current Opportunities:
Volunteer
Duration: Event Specific
Age Group: All
Season: All Year Long
Get involved in preserving Florida's estuarine ecosystems through our exciting volunteer opportunities! Join us in protecting the vital environments of Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay, and Charlotte Harbor through preservation and restoration. These opportunities contribute to our ecosystems' health and foster a deeper connection with Florida's natural beauty. Whether helping with habitat restoration, participating in water quality monitoring, or engaging with the community, your efforts will make a real difference. Explore how you can join us in this important work!
Current Opportunities:
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By enrolling in our citizen science program, you can help us learn more about VOGs while also helping educate our community about the importance of oyster restoration
Internships
Duration: 3 months
Age Group: Undergraduate students
Season: Spring, summer, and fall
GSI internships are available each semester to undergraduate students interested in shellfish aquaculture, research, and restoration. Tasks vary depending on ongoing GSI projects but essential duties include field and laboratory data collection, sample processing, experimental design and construction, and animal husbandry. We seek motivated, enthusiastic students willing to work in hot, humid, and adverse conditions. If you are interested in working with us, please contact us with your name, school, and availability.
Current Opportunities:
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This paid, part-time summer internship is available to students from Roger Williams University. This competitive internship, in honor of GSI’s first Executive Director, will be awarded to one to two students each summer. The estimated work commitment for this position is 15 hours per week for 8 to 12 weeks. Students will conduct an independent research project and present their findings at the conclusion of the internship.
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This part-time internship is available to Florida undergraduate students in the spring and fall semesters. Positions may be paid or unpaid depending upon current funding availability.
Procurement
Doing Business with Gulf Shellfish Institute
Thank you for considering partnership opportunities with us in our mission to support shellfish growth throughout Florida’s Gulf Coast. Our goal is to collaborate with the most qualified agencies, businesses, and organizations to fulfill our grant objectives. Our procurement process is equitable, transparent, fair, and ethical while adhering to all relevant laws, policies, and procedures.
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Under Chapter 287.057(3)(e) of the Florida Statutes, certain contractual services provided by governmental agencies, including state universities, can be exempt from competitive bidding. This includes single source services, artistic services, auditing services, legal services, and public educational events.
Here are the relevant thresholds for procurement:
$20,000 - $35,000: One to three written quotes are required.
Greater than $35,000: A formal competitive procurement process is required, which involves public advertisement and sealed responses.
County Specific Regulations: In addition to state statutes, county regulations may impose additional requirements for procurement processes.
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Request for Quotes (RFQ)
Type: Informal
Purpose: For specific, smaller purchases of goods or services under $100,000.
Submission: Responses can be emailed.
Request for Bid (RFB)
Type: Formal
Purpose: Invites contractors to submit bids for a specific project.
Evaluation: Typically awarded to the lowest bidder.
Request for Proposal (RFP)
Type: Formal
Purpose: Solicits proposals evaluated on multiple criteria.
Evaluation: Price is not the primary factor; terms may be negotiated.
Request for Qualifications (RFQu)
Type: Formal
Purpose: For professional services as outlined in FL Statute 287.055.
Evaluation: Selection is based solely on qualifications, not price.
Invitation to Negotiate (ITN)
Type: Formal
Purpose: Combines elements of RFP and RFQu, allowing for negotiation on the project scope.
Evaluation: Considers various factors beyond price.
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GSI’s preferred payment method is a physical check. Payments may be delayed until GSI receives grant cost reimbursements.
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As required by Florida Statute 488.095, vendors must be registered in the E-Verify system through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Log on to dhs.gov/E-Verify to register.
Current Opportunities: