Marine Education Specialist
Posting Details
Posting Details
Posting Number F2228P Working Title Marine Education Specialist Department PSO-Marine Extension Service About the University of Georgia
Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education ( https://www.uga.edu/ ). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.
About The College/Unit/Department
Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant provides integrated research, education and extension programs that foster the responsible use of Georgia’s coastal resources by individuals, decision-makers and management agencies.
Our program is managed through a federal-state partnership between the University of Georgia (UGA) and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Sea Grant College Program, a national network of 34 Sea Grant programs located in coastal and Great Lakes states and territories.
Mission and Focus Areas
Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant’s mission is to improve the environmental, social and economic health of the Georgia coast through research, education and extension.
Every four years, our program develops a long-range strategic plan that describes our goals and priorities for the coming years. To create this plan, we utilize an inclusive, multi-step process that incorporates fresh input from a diverse constituency.
Read Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant’s 2024-2027 Strategic Plan here .
The strategic plan outlines goals, strategies, outcomes and corresponding performance measures organized under the program’s four focus areas:
• Environmental Literacy and Workforce Development
• Healthy Coastal Ecosystems
• Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture
• Resilient Communities and Economies
College/Unit/Department website https://gacoast.uga.edu/ Posting Type External Retirement Plan TRS or ORP Employment Type Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Underutilization Minorities & Females Advertised Salary Commensurate with Experience Anticipated Start Date 03/01/2025 Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings) Job Posting Date 11/22/2024 Job Closing Date Open until filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants Location of Vacancy Savannah Area EEO Statement
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .
Position Details
Position Information
Classification Title Public Service Professional AC FLSA Faculty Rank Public Service Assistant Contract Type Fiscal (12 mo.) Tenure Status Non-Tenure Track Minimum Qualifications
Master of Science in marine science, biology/ecology, environmental science, oceanography/climate science, science education / environmental education or related field
Position Summary
The University of Georgia Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant Marine Education Specialist is based at the Marine Education Center and Aquarium on Skidaway Island, near Savannah Georgia. This is a full time, non-tenured, benefits eligible Public Service Faculty position to be assigned to the Marine Education Center and Aquarium. Primary responsibility of the position is to lead, instruct, and ensure the safety of student participants in marine science and coastal ecology educational programs. These education programs include over 30 (30) field explorations, laboratory studies, discussion sessions and boat-based classes. The latter are conducted aboard 24-foot open boats (Carolina Skiffs) and the 43-foot trawler R/V Sea Dawg. Secondary responsibility of this position is the development and management of the unit’s marine education fellowship program. This includes the daily leadership and management of Sea Grant marine education fellows and international education fellows, described above and who serve as teaching staff for a year. Additional responsibilities include grant writing to secure external funding for the center’s activities and development of new education programs related to current coastal research topics.
Preferred Requirements
Additional Requirements Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification
• MS required / PhD preferred in marine science, biology/ecology, environmental science, oceanography/climate science, science education / environmental education or related field
• 3-5 years minimum experience teaching PK-12 and adult audiences required; experience teaching student groups aboard boats and in the field preferred.
• 3-5 years internship/fellowship program development and management preferred.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
• Considerable content knowledge in marine science, biology, coastal ecology and natural history; considerable content knowledge in oceanography and climate science encouraged
• Grant writing background and record of grant submission.
• Effective verbal/ written and interpersonal communication skills related to public outreach and extension work with non-scientists
• Proven leadership and team work skills
• Ability to work independently and to collaborate and work effectively with a small team of educators, interns, researchers, volunteers, diverse populations, and other public stakeholders
• Knowledge of strategies for developing and delivering high quality pre-professional opportunities for students in higher education.
• Excellent networking skills and demonstrated success in developing relationships with other academic units related to education fellowship program.
• Confidence in preparing and making presentations before small and large groups.
• Trustworthiness with confidential and sensitive information, communications, and materials.
• Attention to detail, quality, and clarity.
• Strong ability to multitask and work under pressure.
• Success in collaborating and coordinating with multiple offices and teams.
• Dependability as a colleague.
• Professional etiquette with all internal and external constituencies.
• Knowledge of and proficiency with Microsoft Office environment.
• Boat handling skills and /or the willingness to pursue such training and / or captains license.
• Ability and desire to work with diverse and under-represent groups or those with special needs.
Physical Demands
• The ability to teach outdoors in a variety of coastal weather conditions, including rain, wind, salt spray and coastal habitats , including salt marsh, sandy beach, maritime forest and on boats and barrier islands
• The ability to sit or stand for an extended time period.
• The ability to drive.
• The ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
Is this a Position of Trust? Yes Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No Does this position require a P-Card? No Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? Yes Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) No Credit and P-Card policy
Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website .
Background Investigation Policy
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website .
Duties/Responsibilities
Duties/Responsibilities
• Leading and instructing marine science classes and 5-day summer camps for PK-12 students, teachers, undergraduates and the general public,
• Development of new curriculum and supplemental material and publishing of education based articles in professional journals
• Serving as USCG boat captain or crew aboard University passenger vessels
• Insuring the safety of student / participant groups while on University led programs and boat trips
Percentage Of Time 40 Duties/Responsibilities
• Developing, managing, and coordinating marine education fellowship program to include: recruitment, training, evaluation, data management and reporting of fellow activities, projects, and impacts and grant writing to support the effort.
• Mentoring, leading and supervising daily work of Sea Grant marine education fellows and international education fellows.
• Serving as the point of contact for marine education fellowships.
Percentage Of Time 30 Duties/Responsibilities
• Developing collaborative funding proposals to support education efforts, particularly those involving education fellows.
• Representing Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant at public festivals, school outreach events, professional meetings, collaborative working groups and partnerships with other organizations in the field of marine science/environmental education
Percentage Of Time 30
Posting Specific Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• List of References with Contact Information
Optional Documents
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Other, Information Technology, and Management
Full-time