Marine Educator and Community Science Coordinator

Posting Number : F2549P

Working Title :

Marine Educator and Community Science Coordinator

Department :

PSO-Marine Extension Service

About the University of Georgia :

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https : / / www.uga.edu / ) . The proof is in our more than 240 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 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

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 AreasMarine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant’s mission is to improve the environmental, social and economic health of the Georgia coast through research, education, training and outreach.

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 a broad, multi-step process that incorporates fresh input from a broad 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

Advertised Salary :

Compensation will be determined by the qualifications and experience of the successful applicant

Anticipated Start Date :

03 / 02 / 2026

Job Posting Date : 11 / 14 / 2025

Open until filled : Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants :

All applications received by January 4, 2026 are assured full consideration

Location of Vacancy :

Savannah Area

EEO Statement :

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected 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 .

Classification Title :

Public Service Professional AC

Faculty Rank : Open Rank

Contract Type : Fiscal (12 mo.)

Tenure Status : Non-Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications :

MS required in marine science, biology / ecology, environmental science, oceanography / climate science, science education / environmental education or related field.

Position Summary :

This is a full time, non-tenured, benefits eligible Public Service Faculty position to be assigned to the Marine Education Center and Aquarium near Savannah, GA. This position is based on Skidaway Island at the Marine Education Center and Aquarium. It requires some state, regional, national and potentially international travel. The Center operates year-round as a hub for hands-on, feet-in coastal education opportunities that engage a range of audiences.

Primary responsibility of this position is to lead, instruct, and ensure the safety of student and public participants in marine science and coastal ecology educational programs. Education programs for visiting PK-12 groups include over thirty (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. School programs are offered September – May. Summer camps are offered June-July. Public programs are offered throughout the calendar year. Educator workshops are often collaborative and grant funded.

Secondary responsibility of this position is the coordination and development of community science projects and opportunities. This includes maintaining community involvement and research databases for existing coastal monitoring efforts (e.g. onsite phytoplankton monitoring in partnership with NOAA’s SE Phytoplankton Monitoring Network and Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, Nest Watch, eBird, Audubon Christmas Bird Count) and coastal cleanups / marine debris surveys. It also includes expanding efforts to engage broad audiences in the hands-on science and the research process and to partner with other Sea Grant programs and coastal groups who have similar community science programs that could be replicated on the Georgia coast.

Additional responsibilities of this position include coordinating the Center’s summer marine science camp program, grant writing to secure external funding for the center’s activities and development of new education programs related to current coastal research topics. This position will work regularly with Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant’s volunteer coordinator and communication team to expand the network of individuals who participate in community science efforts, particularly to new groups and audiences. Finally, this position will take a leadership role in connecting with SG funded researchers, extension professionals, and educators to develop new community science programs

Additional Requirements :

Experience

Relevant / Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and / or Certification :

Preferred Education and Experience

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and / or Competencies :

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

Physical Demands :

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 :

Percentage Of Time : 40

Duties / Responsibilities :

Percentage Of Time : 40

Duties / Responsibilities :

Percentage Of Time : 40