The Texas Sea Grant College Program is dedicated to the understanding, wise use, and stewardship of the state’s coastal and marine resources.
It is part of a network of 34 university-based programs in coastal and Great Lakes states that operate as a partnership between the state governments and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Texas Sea Grant is located at Texas A&M University and is part of the Division of Research. Texas Sea Grant focuses on three primary, interconnected activities: research, outreach, and education.
What We Want
The Program Coordinator II (Coastal Resilience Specialist) works collaboratively with the Coastal Resilience Program Director to plan, develop and implement Texas Sea Grant’s and NOAA Sea Grant’s Resilient Communities and Economies (RCE) program focus area. The extension specialist will support the RCE team in planning, developing, and implementing an education, outreach, and engagement program to support Texas communities and development in the Texas Coastal Areas. As a part of Texas Sea Grant’s RCE team, the specialist will address a broad range of issues across sectors (communities, local businesses, local governance organizations, non-profits, etc.) with a primary emphasis on community resilience. The specialist needs to have a broad understanding of issues faced by coastal communities in Texas, including (but not limited to) water systems (drinking water, wastewater treatment, ground/surface water issues), energy systems (renewable and non-renewable systems that are being developed and affect the Texas Coast) and food systems (coastal agricultural systems, seafood industry). Knowledge of disasters (natural and man-made), hazards, economic and social disruptions caused as a result of such is required.
What You Need to Know
This position will be located in a Texas coastal Community. This position requires frequent travel to build relationships with stakeholders along the Texas coast and other regional partners. Overnight and weekend travel as necessary.
Required Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in any STEM field or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Four years of experience in program coordination, as well as experience in coastal resilience (and/or related areas), experience in community engagement, and experience in providing education and technical assistance to communities
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Skills in quantitative communication to community stakeholders
- Skills in public speaking/presentation
- Skills in verbal and written communication of scientific knowledge
- Skills in facilitation for meetings with diverse stakeholders
- Knowledge of coastal hazards and risk management
- Ability to self-motivate, multi-task, and work independently and cooperatively as a member of the Texas Sea Grant team.
- Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.
Preferred Education and Experience
- A Master’s degree in a STEM field, education, or certification in policy or social sciences will be preferred.
- Three or more years of experience working along the Texas Coast or other coastal areas with direct community engagement, volunteer work, engaging and supporting low-income communities for disaster management areas of response, recovery, preparedness, and mitigation, or water management. Experience in grant writing activities and external funded research. Experience with community outreach and education.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of Coastal Risk Management
- Knowledge of Coastal Resilience (and/or other resilience) Metrics
- Knowledge of Sustainable Development Goals
- Ability and track record of working in university and research institute settings
- Working knowledge of Texas and Gulf of Mexico disaster management, community resilience, water issues, and policy
