maryland sea grant coastal climate specialist

The Maryland Sea Grant Coastal Climate Specialist position at MPOWIR involves developing and leading extension programs focused on community responses to climate change and sustainable coastal development in Maryland. Responsibilities include conducting needs assessments, designing interdisciplinary research projects, securing funding, and assisting communities with climate adaptation strategies. The role requires a Master's degree in a relevant field and collaboration with various stakeholders to enhance community resilience.
Maryland Sea Grant Coastal Climate Specialist
Agent Associate (Maryland Sea Grant Coastal Climate Specialist)
University of Maryland|College Park, MD|Posted: Feb
Position Number: 113399
Category Status: Faculty, Non-Tenured, Continuing Contract (This is a Non-State Funded Position)
Unit: AGNR-UME-Maryland Sea Grant Extension

Position Summary/Purpose of Position:

The coastal community specialist will develop, lead and participate in extension programming related to community responses to climate change risks and to planning and development of sustainable coastal communities in Maryland. Maryland Sea Grant plays an important role in Maryland to assist with the development of science-based decision making. This position will strengthen the ability for Marylanders to understand and improve their resilience to natural hazards and respond to changing conditions. Programming should emphasize stakeholder education and problem-solving assistance to community decision-makers and planners leading to measurable benefits. The specialist will collaborate and coordinate programming with other extension and research faculty in the University System of Maryland. Further, the specialist will develop partnerships with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Chesapeake and Coastal Service and other appropriate state and federal agencies serving coastal communities.

Position Responsibilities:

Position Objectives:

To inform communities and increase their knowledge and understanding of climate change, expected effects of these changes, solutions, and mitigation, conservation, and adaptation options, to increase coastal community sustainability and resilience.

Responsibilities:
• Conduct periodic needs assessments among various stakeholder groups to determine program priorities.
• Develop, conduct and evaluate Extension programming for climate-related issues in Maryland and the region and develop a plan for engagement in these issues.
• Work with Maryland and regional partners to design and conduct interdisciplinary applied coastal climate research and extension projects.
• Participate in the development of grant proposals, and other funding opportunities, to secure resources for applied climate and sustainability research and extension projects.
• Assist communities in identifying, planning, and implementing climate mitigation and adaptation strategies to increase resilience, take advantage of new opportunities, and avoid impacts to infrastructure, ecosystems, and economies.
• Foster a network of professionals with interest and expertise to contribute toward climate adaptation and mitigation planning.
• Work closely with the existing Sea Grant coastal community network and explore existing programming approaches applicable to Maryland issues.
• Evaluate programs to assess outcomes and impacts: knowledge gain or skills learned in the short term, practices improved, intent to change, and economic, environmental and social changes over time; use information to demonstrate program impacts to relevant agencies and appropriate reporting.

Qualifications:

Required–
• Master's degree in climate, coastal or marine science, community planning, ecology, geography, or related environmental science field.
• At least two years of experience in education or outreach in related field.
• Demonstrated leadership and management abilities with evidence of being able to work well with diverse clientele.
• Capacity to work independently in a dynamic and rapidly changing field.
• Familiarity with coastal environments, climate impacts, and mitigation/adaptation practices.
• Evidence of excellent teaching & oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge and use of computer technology for educational programming, data analysis, survey collection, and management.
• Personal transportation and valid driver's license. Must be willing to travel within the state.
• Flexible work schedule required for delivering evening and weekend educational programs and activities as determined by clientele availability and needs.
• This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check.

Salary & Benefit Information:

Annual base salary of $52,000. The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package.

Application Instructions:

All candidates must apply online at A complete application packet includes a cover letter, resume or CV, unofficial academic transcripts, and three (3) professional references, including name, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address.
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