Description
Title: Marine Education Specialist
Headquarters: Skidaway Island, 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.
Salary: Compensation will be determined by the qualifications and experience of the successful applicant. This is a full time, benefits eligible, non-tenured Public Service Faculty track position.
All applications received by January 4, 2026, are assured full consideration.
Background
UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant improves the environmental, social and economic health of the Georgia coast through research, education, training and outreach. We believe an engaged and informed public support thriving coastal ecosystems and resilient and inclusive communities.
Job 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. 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
Responsibilities and Duties
Instruct marine science classes for PK-12 school and other visiting groups
Translate and disseminate science-based research related to coastal ecology, and coastal issues.
Coordinate summer marine science camps for ages 6-14
Collaborate with Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant education and communication teams, extension professionals and Georgia Sea Grant funded researchers to develop public outreach and community programs
Develop new educational materials that support programming efforts or stand alone as resources; publish education-based articles in professional journals
Serve as USCG boat captain or crew aboard university passenger vessels
Ensure the safety of student / participant groups while on university led programs and boat trips
Develop, manage, and coordinate community science projects to include participant recruitment (in collaboration with volunteer coordinator), training, and general oversight
Coordinate data management, evaluation and reporting related to community science projects and impacts,
Secure external funding through grants to support the effort to maintain and expand community science opportunities for diverse audiences
Serving as the point of contact for community science programs for Marine extension and Georgia Sea Gran
Developing collaborative funding proposals to secure external funding in support of education programs and events, particularly those involving community/citizen/participatory science
Representing Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant at community events, public festivals, school outreach events, professional meetings, collaborative working groups and partnerships with other organizations in the field of marine science/environmental education
Requirements
Required Education/ Experience
MS required in marine science, biology/ecology, environmental science, oceanography/climate science, science education / environmental education or related field
3-5 years minimum teaching experience required
3-5 years community / citizen science program experience. Coordination, development and management of these programs preferred
Preferred Education and Experience
Ph.D. in a discipline related to marine science, biology/ecology, environmental science, oceanography/climate science, science/environmental education or related field
At least 5 years of experience teaching student groups aboard boats and in the field preferred. Preference given to experience with community outreach and education.
Record of grant writing in application for support of education and/or community outreach.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Considerable content knowledge in marine science, biology, coastal ecology and natural history; considerable content knowledge in oceanography and climate science encouraged
Knowledge of strategies for developing engaging and impactful community science opportunities and programs
Record of grant writing in application for support of education and/or community outreach.
Effective verbal/ written and interpersonal communication skills related to public outreach and extension work with non-scientists
Proven leadership and teamwork skills
Ability to work independently and to collaborate and work effectively with a small internal team of educators, extension professionals, researchers, volunteers, and other stakeholders
Excellent networking skills and demonstrated success in developing relationships with researchers, extension professionals, and science educators related to community / citizen science
Confidence in preparing and making presentations to academic, community, and professional groups
Trustworthiness with confidential and sensitive information, communications, and materials Attention to detail, quality, and clarity
Strong ability to multitask and work under pressure
Success in collaborating and coordinating with multiple offices and teams
Dependability as a colleague
Professional etiquette with all internal and external constituencies
Knowledge of and proficiency with Microsoft Office environment
Boat handling skills and /or the willingness to pursue such training and /or captain’s license.
Physical Demands
The ability to teach outdoors in a variety of coastal weather conditions, including rain, wind, salt spray and coastal habitats, including salt marsh, sandy beach, maritime forest and on boats and barrier island
The ability to sit or stand for an extended time period
The ability to drive
The ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
An Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action, Veteran, Disability employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status.
