Science and Restoration Manager

The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program is hiring a Science and Restoration Manager to oversee scientific and coastal restoration activities. This remote position involves project management, developing work plans, and coordinating with stakeholders to enhance Sarasota Bay's health. The role requires a Master's degree in a relevant field, project management experience, and knowledge in estuarine science. Key responsibilities include managing contracts, facilitating data synthesis, and engaging the community in scientific initiatives.
About the position

The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP), a National Estuary Program located in Sarasota, Florida, is seeking a Science and Restoration Manager to oversee and coordinate its scientific and coastal restoration activities. This role is pivotal in ensuring that SBEP's work is informed by the latest scientific research and effectively communicated to stakeholders and the public. The Science and Restoration Manager will work under the guidance of the Executive Director and will be responsible for developing and managing various projects and programs that enhance the health of Sarasota Bay. This position requires a high level of technical knowledge related to natural resources and the ability to manage multiple priorities while collaborating with a diverse team of scientists and partner organizations. The Science and Restoration Manager will play a leading role in coordinating SBEP's technical projects and contracts, which includes developing scopes of work, preparing Request for Proposals (RFP) language, and managing contractor selection processes. The successful candidate will also be responsible for developing work plans, project timelines, and budgets, as well as overseeing the day-to-day activities of contractors to ensure project goals are met. In addition to project management, the role involves staying informed on current scientific research related to estuarine ecology, facilitating data synthesis, and developing reports on the health of Sarasota Bay. The manager will also coordinate community-engaged science initiatives and implement the SBEP Habitat Restoration Plan. Communication is a key aspect of this role, as the Science and Restoration Manager will be responsible for coordinating the SBEP's Technical Advisory Committee, engaging with scientists and stakeholders, and translating scientific information for public understanding. The position also includes administrative tasks such as compiling progress reports and contributing to annual work plans and reports. The ideal candidate will have a Master's degree or higher in a relevant field, along with project management experience and a strong background in estuarine science and management.

Responsibilities
• Serve as coordinator and project manager for SBEP's technical projects and contracts.
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• Develop scopes of work, prepare Request for Proposals (RFP) language, and coordinate the contractor selection process.
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• Develop work plans, project timelines, vendor contracts, and purchase orders.
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• Develop and closely monitor project budgets, review invoices, and ensure timely submission of invoices.
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• Oversee day-to-day activities of contractors and facilitate final reviews to ensure project goals are met.
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• Stay informed on current science and research related to estuarine ecology, specifically issues affecting Sarasota Bay.
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• Facilitate synthesis and interpretation of existing data to provide guidance on estuary environmental issues.
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• Develop reports on indicators of Sarasota Bay health.
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• Track progress on the Water Quality Protection Plan for Sarasota Bay and provide annual updates to the Water Quality Report Card.
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• Work with SBEP staff, partners, and local communities to set science priorities and participate in research on Sarasota Bay.
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• Coordinate community-engaged science such as the Eyes on Seagrass monitoring program.
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• Implement the SBEP Habitat Restoration Plan by evaluating ecological conditions and data to make project recommendations.
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• Track Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan (CCMP) implementation.
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• Coordinate and facilitate the SBEP's Technical Advisory Committee.
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• Provide consistent communication to members, develop meeting agendas, recruit guest speakers, and engage new members.
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• Communicate with scientists and stakeholders about issues related to Sarasota Bay.
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• Ensure partners and policymakers have necessary information regarding SBEP policies, programs, and data.
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• Translate scientific information on Sarasota Bay for the public and work with Public Outreach staff to provide technical input for SBEP's website and social media.
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• Make presentations to community groups about SBEP goals, projects, and ecological issues affecting Bay health.
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• Serve on committees and workgroups addressing complex issues impacting Sarasota Bay and its watershed.
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• Cultivate existing and invite new partnerships with science leaders and organizations to protect and improve Bay health.
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• Compile habitat restoration implementation progress reports.
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• Contribute to the writing and editing of annual work plans and EPA mid-year and annual reports.
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• Provide updates to the Habitat Restoration Master Plan and Water Quality Monitoring Plan, and assist with CCMP updates.

Requirements
• Master's degree or higher in biology, ecology, marine sciences, oceanography, environmental management, environmental science, or a related field.
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• Three (3) or more years of directly related work experience.
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• Project management experience, including creating and overseeing project budgets, directing consultants or contractors, and assessing work products.
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• Knowledge and experience in estuarine science and management, especially in areas of water quality and coastal habitat restoration.
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• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present and discuss complex environmental topics.
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• Experience leading workgroups with a variety of stakeholders (e.g., federal, state, local, non-governmental, the public).
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• Ability to facilitate consensus among scientists and resource managers on complex environmental issues.
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• Familiarity with modern quantitative data analysis techniques and tools, including statistics.
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• Experience using ArcGIS, and/or related software.
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• Ability to provide own transportation and proof of a valid driver's license.

Nice-to-haves
• PhD in marine science, coastal ecology, or related discipline.
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• Previous experience working for a public (federal, state, or local) agency.
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• Professional experience addressing environmental issues affecting Sarasota Bay and its watershed.
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• Experience conducting scientific research, preferably in estuarine science and/or water quality management.
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• Extensive technical understanding of watershed management issues, including water quality monitoring and assessment, non-point source pollution, stormwater management, habitat restoration, and invasive species identification and control.
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• Boating experience and knowledge of local waterways.

Benefits
• 401(k)
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• Cell phone reimbursement
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• Dental insurance
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• Health insurance
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• Life insurance
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• Paid time off
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• Vision insurance