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.

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.

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

• 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

• 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