Description

External Retirement Plan TRS or ORP Employment Type Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Underutilization Advertised Salary Compensation will be determined by the qualifications and experience of the successful applicant Anticipated Start Date 03/02/2026 Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings) Job Posting Date 11/14/2025 Job Closing Date 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.

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title Public Service Professional AC FLSA 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

• 3-5 years minimum teaching experience required
• 3-5 years community / citizen science program experience. Coordination, development and management of these programs preferred

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

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
Knowledge / Skills / 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.

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

Duties/Responsibilities

• 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

Percentage Of Time 40 Duties/Responsibilities

• 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 Grant

Percentage Of Time 30 Duties/Responsibilities

• 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

Percentage Of Time 30

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents