Shellfish Aquaculture Extension Specialist

About the Position

The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium is seeking a Shellfish Aquaculture Extension Specialist to develop, coordinate, and implement a science-based and user-driven shellfish aquaculture-related research and outreach program.

The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium, a state agency established to manage the Sea Grant College program for South Carolina, optimizes the environmental, social, and economic potential of coastal and marine resources of the state and region through the support and dissemination of high-quality research, education, extension, and communications programming.

Commitment to Diversity

The Consortium is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and seeks to create a culture of belonging where all people are treated with dignity and respect and have equitable access to resources, opportunities, and outcomes. We acknowledge that our activities, programs, services, and everyday interactions are enriched by building a diverse team of staff and partners who engage in open, respectful, and meaningful exchange. We also strive to achieve our agency’s mission by engaging individuals from a broad diversity of backgrounds who bring a range of experiences, values, and expertise to bear on the region’s major environmental and socioeconomic issues.

We strongly encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, and from those who identify as members of historically underrepresented communities.

Job Responsibilities

The Consortium’s Shellfish Aquaculture Extension Specialist, in consultation with key stakeholders and constituencies, extends science-based information to coastal communities, resource managers, and interest groups in South Carolina and the region and works with researchers to develop outreach extensions for their projects. The specialist contributes to research motivated by community needs and provides hands-on operational and technical support for constituents. The specialist solicits funding as needed to support projects through the development of grant proposals.

Topical areas of work include, but are not limited to, issues and opportunities addressing state-level aquaculture policy and management, sustainable aquaculture development, seafood business planning and marketing, working waterfronts, marine ecology, and aquaculture gear and technology.

• Work with Consortium staff and research faculty to design and conduct interdisciplinary applied aquaculture-related research and extension projects to address needs and opportunities identified by a variety of S.C. coastal constituencies, including local governments, local and state agencies, businesses, community organizations, non-governmental organizations, and individuals
• Conduct field visits and provide consultation to existing shellfish growers to troubleshoot technical problems, such as water quality issues, biofouling, farm design and equipment repair.
• Participate in the development of grant proposals with Consortium staff and others to secure funding for living marine resource-related research and extension projects to benefit end-users in South Carolina.
• Give formal and informal presentations on the Consortium’s aquaculture-related activities at state, regional, and national conferences and workshops.
• Extend aquaculture-related information through print and electronic products and publications, including professional and trade publications, webinars, and social media.
• Prepare performance-based information on program objectives, benchmarks, metrics, program evaluations, and other assessment reports as required by the Consortium and its program sponsors and financial supporters.
• Provide leadership at local and regional levels.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution with a major in marine/environmental science, natural resource management, fisheries biology/management or related field OR Bachelor’s degree in similar fields with a minimum of three (3) years experience in applied shellfish research, private aquaculture industry work, or providing technical assistance to shellfish growers.
• Experience in and knowledge of living marine resource-related issues in South Carolina and the southeastern United States.
• Demonstrated experience in extension or outreach work related to coastal living marine resource issues.
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships and communicate, collaborate, and work effectively with diverse groups of internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to interpret scientific research for non-technical audiences.
• High level of analytical, organizational, and planning skills.
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Fluency in computer and communications technology.

Preferred Qualifications

• More than five years shellfish aquaculture-related applied research, aquaculture industry work, or technical outreach/extension training on aquaculture topics.
• Experience in developing multi-dimensional programs and managing project teams.
• Proven record of success in securing extramural funding.

Position Type

Regular, full-time appointment. Position is contingent upon continued federal funding and on successful performance of duties. Agency hiring range: $56,210 to $80,105. The finalist for this position must successfully complete an e-verify and driver’s license background check.

Work Location and Hours

This position is based in Charleston or Beaufort, South Carolina. Normal Consortium business hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. However, work beyond regular business hours, including evenings and weekends, may be necessary in order to complete the requirements of the position. Travel throughout the state and region is necessary; a valid driver’s license is required.

How to Apply

A complete application will include a letter of interest, curriculum vita, and three professional references in digital format to: applications@scseagrant.org with the position title and your name in the subject line.

This position is available immediately. No phone calls please.

The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. South Carolina is making our veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions. The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium participates in E-Verify.