Marine Advisory Specialist, College of Earth, Ocean and Environment

~ Our alumni tell our story of achievement -- from the first class that included three signers of the Declaration of Independence and a signer of the Constitution to a Nobel Prize-winning scientist, a Tony Award-winning choreographer and the current vice president of the United States.~

Our distinguished faculty includes internationally known authors, scientists and artists. State-of-the-art facilities support UD’s academic, research and service activities.

Campus life is welcoming -- enriched by distinguished guest speakers, NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics, 300-plus engaged student organizations, concerts and other arts and cultural activities.

In addition to our vibrant main campus in Newark, UD has locations across the state -- in Wilmington, Dover, Georgetown and Lewes. A thriving study-abroad program and expanding international partnerships further enhance our students’ education as global citizens.

Position Overview

The Marine Advisory Service (MAS) Specialist I reports to the Director of the Marine Advisory Service Program, the major outreach component of the University's Sea Grant College Program. The MAS Specialist performs both traditional extension agent and extension specialist roles--from "field" work to applied research, teaching, proposal writing, and budget management.

The MAS Specialist is responsible for planning, developing, and implementing educational programs dealing with marine issues and concerns of the state of Delaware. The individual serves as a vital liaison between the University and various marine-related businesses, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, formal and informal education audiences, the general public, and other interest groups throughout the state.

The MAS Specialist works independently to develop programs for various stakeholders in the area of coastal hazards response/mitigation and climate resiliency. This position will strengthen the ability for Delawareans to understand and improve their resilience to natural hazards and respond to changing conditions. Programming should emphasize stakeholder education and problem-solving assistance to community decision-makers and planners leading to measurable benefits.

Responsibilities

• Work with stakeholders throughout the state to identify issues and problems meriting Sea Grant research and outreach assistance.
• Serve as a recognized state resource for knowledge related to coastal hazards response/mitigation and climate resiliency.
• Develop and implement 4-year strategic plans within coastal hazards response/mitigation and climate resiliency to ensure accomplishment of goals and outcomes prioritized by the National Sea Grant Program and identified by Delaware Sea Grant stakeholders.
• Communicate with individuals in various colleges, departments, and centers in the university to increase faculty and researchers’ awareness of Delaware Sea Grant Program mission.
• Plan, conduct, and evaluate educational programs at the local or statewide level to stimulate change, and provide science-based information to groups and individuals on coastal/marine topics of interest.
• Initiate new sources of program funds, to support research, outreach, and educational programming by responding to RFP solicitations from government agencies, non-government organizations, and other potential funding partners. Work with fiscal staff to oversee management of grants.
• With assistance from communications staff, prepares publications, audio/visual presentations, web-based programs, and other educational materials to convey appropriate information to targeted clientele.
• Maintain and improve professional competence in coastal hazards response/mitigation and climate resiliency through formal and non-formal courses and conferences. Maintain a high standard of knowledge within coastal hazards response/mitigation and climate resiliency.
• Work as a team member with other Sea Grant outreach colleagues and college staff to help plan and organize annual educational open house at UD’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment – Coast Day, to increase marine literacy among the 10,000 - 12,000 annual visitors.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the overall Sea Grant College Program mission.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in climate, coastal or marine science, community planning, ecology, geography, or related environmental science field with a minimum of four years of experience in education or outreach in related field.
• Familiarity with coastal environments, climate impacts, and mitigation/adaptation practices.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities with evidence of being able to work well with diverse clientele.
• Ability to plan, develop and organize an effective marine outreach program, including developing and implementing short-and long-range goals and evaluating informal and/or formal educational outreach programs.
• Capacity to work independently in a dynamic and rapidly changing field.
• Possess strong organizational and multi-tasking skills, and exercise good judgment in decision making.
• Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences is required.
• Knowledge and use of computer technology for educational programming, data analysis, and survey collection is required.
• Knowledge of outreach/extension education methods is preferred.
• Working knowledge of meeting organization, facilitation, and public participation processes.