Extension Associate

Position Function :

To lead and support a variety of routine and specialized Extension and research duties focused on a combination of coastal conservation and restoration, environmental monitoring, environmental stewardship, and environmental education.

Salary Grade : 13

Please see or for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Department Profile :

This position will be administratively housed in the Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi, MS, but it is anticipated that the selected applicant for this position will work remotely based in coastal Texas.

Area of Specialization :

Coastal conservation and restoration, environmental monitoring, marine debris removal

Anticipated Appointment Date :

April 2023.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

The selected applicant will become part of the Coastal Conservation and Restoration Program (CCR) and will be involved with a variety of program activities.

Notable subprograms of the CCR include the Mississippi Coastal Cleanup, Living Shorelines, Mississippi Master Naturalist, and Student Naturalist programs.

The primary activities for the selected applicant are outlined below but could include any activities associated with the Coastal Conservation and Restoration Program.

The primary responsibilities of the selected applicant will be to lead and / or assist with the development, implementation, and evaluation of an applied science program focused on marine debris removal.

These duties will include activities such as, but not limited to :

• Assessing (pre and post), permitting, providing project management, and administering a funding competition focused on removal of large marine debris in coastal Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.
• Organizing meetings;
• Leading and assisting with trainings;
• Leading and assisting with the preparation and dissemination of outreach materials, Extension publications, and technical reports;
• Developing, organizing, and implementing field research;
• Applying for and managing extramural funding;
• Trailering and operating vessels;
• Collecting, interpreting, and reporting data;
• Performing research activities, such as literature reviews and sample collection / processing;
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications :

Education : Bachelor's degree with major course work in a curriculum appropriate for the field of assignment.

Licensure : A valid driver's license.

Rank and Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications :

• Two years of relevant experience;
• GIS experience;
• Grant writing;
• Extension, applied research, outreach, education, and project management experience;
• Familiarity with coastal, marine, and estuarine ecosystems and associated field research.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

• Must have reliable personal transportation, a valid driver’s license, and ability to travel often.
• Typing and computer skills (word processing and spreadsheets);
• Highly flexible : ability to adapt to a rapidly changing schedule;
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks and prioritize multiple demands;
• Strong oral and written communication skills;
• Knowledge and skills in using Microsoft Office Suites especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint; knowledge and skills in document / project management / sharing platforms ( Google Drive, Basecamp, etc.);
• Ability to develop and maintain diverse and robust partnerships;
• Ability to collect, process, and interpret research data; ability to author or co-author publications.;
• Ability to apply for, secure, and manage extramural funding.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions;
• Ability to work long hours;
• Requires substantial routine travel, including some overnight trips
30+ days ago