Clean Marina Extension Specialist (Project Specialist I)

Job Title

Clean Marina Extension Specialist (Project Specialist I)

Agency

Texas A&M University

Department

Sea Grant Administration And Program

Proposed Minimum Salary

$5,000.00 monthly

Job Location

Corpus Christi, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Who We Are

Texas Sea Grant, headquartered at Texas A&M University, is part of NOAA’s National Sea Grant College Program—a network of 34 university-based programs across coastal and Great Lakes states, Puerto Rico, and Guam. Our mission is to improve the understanding, wise use, and stewardship of Texas coastal and marine resources. Through a unique blend of competitive research funding and community-based extension services, we connect top scientists with coastal stakeholders to address real-world challenges. Our work spans four key focus areas: Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, Resilient Communities and Economies, Healthy Coastal Ecosystems, and Environmental Literacy and Workforce Development.

What We Want

Texas Sea Grant is seeking a Clean Marina Extension Specialist (Project Specialist I) to support programmatic development and implementation within the Resilient Communities and Economies focus area. Specifically, Texas Sea Grant is developing a new clean and resilient marina extension program in collaboration with marinas and boaters in the Texas coastal zone and adjacent watersheds, the Gulf of America Alliance, Texas Parks and Wildlife and other state agencies and partners. The ideal candidate has familiarity with program development as well as with marina operations, Clean Vessel Act funds, and water quality and infrastructure challenges unique to marina and boating communities. This role involves travel throughout the Texas coastal zone to educate marina operators and boaters about clean marina practices, resilient infrastructure, and strategies for addressing water‑quality and hazard resilience issues. Success in this position requires strong communication skills, community‑engagement experience, and the ability to work effectively with various partners and communities. This role will work closely with the Associate Director and Extension Lead as part of the Texas Sea Grant Extension team.

Please note: This position is funded from grant and/or contract funding, which is renewed through provisions of the grantor of the contract. Therefore, this position is contingent upon continuation of funding from these grants and/or contracts, as well as satisfactory job performance

What You Need to Know

Salary: $60,000 - $65,000/annually (Compensation will be commensurate to the selected hire’s experience).

Cover Letter/Resume: A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended and will help in our review. You may upload them on the application under the CV/Resume section.    

Other Requirements and Factors:

• This position is located in Corpus Christi, TX.

• This position may require up to 20% or more travel.

• This position may require work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelors degree in relevant field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• No prior experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in areas relevant to water quality, coastal and marine science, natural resource management, environmental science, environmental policy, coastal management, or combination thereof.

• Experience managing or developing projects or programs, or with strategic planning.

• Experience with grant writing and proposal development.

• Experience with needs assessments, surveys, or interviews.

• Excellent writing and interpersonal communication skills.

• Experience with marinas and boaters.

• Experience building and sustaining partnerships.

• Research or practical experience with relevant coastal ecosystem themes such as but not limited to water pollution, water quality, marina owner/operator best practices, boaters and boating, Clean Vessel Act, sewage control, vessel pump-out programs, watersheds, bays and estuaries, natural resource management, environmental policy, coastal management, or combination thereof.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

• Ability to occasionally work outside of normal working hours and on weekends.

• Willingness and ability to travel.

• Ability to effectively utilize a computer and applicable software.

• Proficient and effective in both written and verbal communication.

• Knowledge of state and federal natural resource management practices or policies and Texas marine and coastal ecosystems.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors exposed to various weather conditions, potential allergens, elevated noise levels, and heat.

• Ability to move light, medium or heavy objects with assistance.

• Some lifting/carrying of outreach materials up to 40lbs. for booth-based events).

Essential Duties/Tasks

Program and Project Development

• Assists in the planning, developing, implementation, and evaluation of the Clean and Resilient Marina Program and projects related to Resilient Communities and Economies focus area.

• Assists in developing project budgets and preparing contracts.

• Manages budget for small projects or components of large programs under the direction of the program director.

• Participates in project development meetings, collaborating with team members to establish project goals and objectives.

• Conducts need assessments, focus groups, or facilitated input sessions to inform program development and evaluation.

• Identify grant opportunities for sustaining Clean and Resilient Marina programming and assist with proposal development.

Project Coordination and Monitoring

• Coordinates project activities and collaborate with project team members and external partners.

• Assists in monitoring progress toward achievement of project goals.

• Documents key decisions and tracks the progress of project activities.

• Develops measurable project goals and objectives in collaboration with program director and team members.

• Conducts research on natural resource management issues and best management practices relevant to marinas and boaters in coastal Texas.

Committee Participation and Stakeholder Engagement

• Serves as an active participant in project-related work groups and committees.

• Disseminates project and program information and provides recommendations to achieve project goals.

• Supports programmatic extension activities in the Resilient Communities and Economies focus area.

• Provides assistance to stakeholders to field questions relevant to the Clean and Resilient Marina Program and/or connect them to resources and partners (e.g. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Clean Vessel Act grant funding, Gulf of America Alliance Clean and Resilient Marina Program).

• Create and implement education and outreach activities (workshops, trainings) related to water quality, boating practices, vessel pump-outs, and other themes relevant to the clean and resilient marina programs that address stakeholder needs.

• Work proactively with the Texas Sea Grant team, local stakeholder groups, other agencies, and nonprofits to develop coordinated efforts for relevant outreach, education, communication, and extension activities.

Reporting and Documentation

• Assists in writing and disseminates work plans, proposals, and progress reports.

• Prepares agendas for meetings and ensures the documentation of key decisions.

• Draft a strategic plan for a Texas Sea Grant Clean and Resilient Marina Extension Program under direction of program director.

Why Texas A&M University?

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences.  Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration. 

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums.

• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays. 

• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month.

• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas. 

• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time.

• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more.

• Employee Tuition Assistance and Educational Release time  for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.