UGA (University of Georgia) Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant provides research, education, training, and science-based outreach to assist Georgia in solving problems and realizing opportunities for its coastal and marine environments.
By advancing research, education and training, and outreach, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant promotes the economic and environmental health of Georgia’s coast and prepare citizens to become good stewards of coastal ecosystems and watershed resources.
Position Summary
The University of Georgia Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant program seeks a full time, non-tenured, benefits eligible Public Service Faculty position to be assigned to the Marine Education Center and Aquarium. Primary responsibilities of the position are to lead, instruct, and ensure the safety of student participants in marine science and coastal ecology programs. These education programs include 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 responsibilities of this position are to manage and expand education programs for the general public including adults and families. Duties include developing, coordinating, collaborating on and delivering programs that highlight the work of MAREX / GA SG. Existing public programs include onsite activities such as lectures, labs, and field experiences; community outreach events; stewardship and community science programs. Additional responsibilities include grant writing to secure external funding for the Center’s activities related to public programming.
Duties/Responsibilities
Instruction and Curriculum Development
- Lead and instruct marine science classes for PK-12 students, teachers, undergraduates and the general public
- Lead and instruct 5-day summer marine science camp sessions
- Develop new curriculum, supplemental material and publish education based articles in professional journals
- Serve as USCG boat captain (preferred) or crew (required) aboard University passenger vessels
- Ensure the safety of student / participant groups while on University led programs and boat trips
Public Program Coordination
- Develop, manage, and coordinate public programs (both onsite and virtual) to include: registration, training, data management, promotion, instruction and evaluation
- Serve as the point of contact for the entire unit and coordinate public programs with other faculty and staff within the unit, other Pubic Service and Outreach and academic units of UGA, Georgia Sea Grant funded researchers, and community groups / stakeholders
Additional Duties
- Develop collaborative funding proposals to support education efforts, increase number of programs, numbers served, and income generated by public programs
- Represent Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant at public festivals, school outreach events, professional meetings, committees, advisory boards, collaborative working groups and partnerships with other organizations in the field of marine science / environmental education
Requirements
- Master’s degree in marine science, biology, environmental science, science education/environmental education or related field required.
- 3 years minimum teaching experience required
Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification
- Ph.D. preferred in related field.
- 3 years minimum experience teaching student groups aboard boats preferred
- 3 years public program development and management preferred
- 1 year experience with virtual program development and management preferred
- 3 years / 100 hours small boat handling experience preferred.
- USCG Captains License preferred
Preferred Abilities
- Considerable content knowledge in marine science, biology, coastal ecology and natural history
- Grant writing background and record of grant submission and funding
- Effective teaching skills with varied audiences and in a variety of teaching formats to include field, lab, discussion, boat based, and virtual programs
- Effective verbal/ written communication skills related to public outreach and extension work with non-scientists
- Ability to collaborate and work effectively with a small team of educators, researchers, interns, volunteers, and other public stakeholders
- Skilled in online registrations, management, and virtual program platforms (Microsoft Office, People Soft, Adobe products, Qualtrics and other online survey tools, interactive freeware/shareware, social media, and video conferencing platforms and applications.
- Proven leadership and teamwork skills
- Outstanding ability to communicate clearly and effectively, in writing and verbally
- Public speaking skills
- Ability to work on several projects at once and other time management skills
Physical Demands
- Work outdoors in the field and on boats in various and changeable weather coastal conditions.
- Ability to lead sometimes strenuous walking explorations in saltmarsh, sand dune, and beach front habitats.
- Ability to carry teaching gear and emergency equipment in the field.
Closing Date: November 6, 2023
