Coastal Science Project Coordinator

S16016P

Coastal Science Project Coordinator

PSO-Marine Extension Service

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

For more than 50 years, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant has served the state through integrated research, education, and extension programs that promote the responsible use and stewardship of Georgia’s coastal resources.

By serving as a bridge between scientists, local governments, and marine industries, we help communities protect coastal resources through sustainable, science-based solutions. Our extension specialists connect university expertise with local needs to strengthen the economic vitality and resilience of coastal communities. Education staff enhance environmental literacy and inspire stewardship by engaging the public, teachers, and students in programs that highlight the importance of Georgia’s coastal ecosystems. We also prepare the next generation of educators and marine scientists through workforce development opportunities for college students. Meanwhile, our research program supports applied studies across Georgia that expand understanding of coastal and estuarine systems and address pressing environmental challenges.

Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant is managed through a federal-state partnership between the University of Georgia (UGA) and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Sea Grant College Program, a network of 34 Sea Grant programs located in coastal and Great Lakes states and territories.

https://gacoast.uga.edu/

External

TRS or ORP

Employee

Benefits Eligible

Full Time

This position is based on a standard work schedule of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; however, travel is an essential function of the role and may require work outside normal business hours, including overnight travel, evenings, and weekends.

$48,894 - $73,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

11/05/2026

Yes

01/04/2027

Applications received by Dec. 1, 2026 will be assured consideration.

Athens Area

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).

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well 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 08.02.18.01.02.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Project Management Pro I

Exempt

1.00

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Coastal Studies, Science Communication, Biology, or a related field.
• Experience: 0–2 years of experience in project coordination, administrative support, or communication roles (internship or university club leadership experience counts).

The Coastal Science Project Coordinator acts as the primary communication hub for a multi-state marsh restoration initiative funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The effort will be working at project locations in four states (FL, GA, SC, and NC) on permitting, design and public outreach on beneficial use of dredged sediment to restore coastal marsh and address eroding shorelines. This role focuses on streamlining collaboration, tracking milestones, coordinating meetings, reporting project accomplishments and translating complex environmental data among research teams across four states. The ideal candidate possesses a foundational background in environmental science paired with exceptional organizational and interpersonal communication skills.

This position may be located at any of our multi-state sites in NC, GA, SC, or FL. Frequent regional travel (up to 40%) between sites will be required

This position has a grant funded appointment which is expected to end 11/30/2029. The position may be extended beyond the initial term, contingent upon continued funding.

• Communication Skills: Outstanding written and verbal communication skills; ability to confidently engage with PhD-level researchers, agency officials, and the public.
• Technical Proficiency: Experience with collaborative tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, and basic project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello).
• Knowledge Base: Familiarity with basic ecological concepts, wetland ecosystems, or coastal restoration practices is highly advantageous.

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk, typing, and viewing a computer monitor.

This position may be located at any of our multi-state sites in NC, GA, SC, or FL. Frequent regional travel (up to 40%) between sites will be required

Yes

No

No

No

No

No

No

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.

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.

Interstate Coordination:
Facilitate routine communication, schedule cross-functional meetings, and maintain shared digital workspaces for scientists distributed across four states.

20

Scientific Communication:
Synthesize research updates, field data, and technical findings from various teams into clear, concise briefs for internal collaborators and external stakeholders.

20

Grant Reporting Assistance:
Help draft, compile, and format quarterly progress reports and performance metrics required for NOAA Grant Compliance.

20

Information Management:
Organize and maintain a centralized repository of project data, meeting minutes, action items, and presentation materials.

20

Public & Partner Outreach:
Assist in creating newsletters, website updates, or presentation slides to share marsh restoration successes with coastal management partners and community groups.

20

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Mark Risse

mrisse@uga.edu