Return ‘Em Right Outreach Coordinator (Project Specialist I)

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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 full-time Return ‘Em Right Outreach Coordinator (Project Specialist I) with extensive saltwater recreational fishing experience and a strong knowledge of sustainable fishing practices, including techniques for addressing barotrauma in reef fish. The ideal candidate is an effective communicator who is comfortable engaging with fishing industry members. This role will be responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating outreach and communication campaigns that increase understanding and adoption of best fishing practices that reduce catch-and-release mortality. This position requires strong public speaking and interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with fishing communities throughout the Gulf Coast. Based in Galveston and covering Texas and Louisiana coastal areas, the coordinator will serve as a regional ambassador for the Return ‘Em Right Program and will collaborate closely with Sea Grant programs as part of the project 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: $65,000 - $70,000/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 Galveston, TX.

• This position may require up to 35% or more travel.

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

• Must be willing to obtain saltwater fishing licenses in Texas and Louisiana.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelors degree or any equivalent combination of training and experience.

• No prior experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in fisheries, marine science, natural resource management, or relevant field.

• Experience coordinating, developing, and/or delivering outreach, education, or stakeholder engagement programs for recreational fishing communities.

• Experience working with fishing communities in Texas and/or Louisiana, or other Gulf of America areas.

• Demonstrated knowledge of Gulf of America recreational saltwater fisheries.

• Extensive recreational saltwater and reef fish angling experience, including knowledge of target fish species, fishing gear, and handling practices.

• Knowledge of barotrauma and best release practices.

• Experience collaborating with state or federal fisheries management agencies, nonprofit organizations, Sea Grant programs, and/or fishing industry partners.

• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including public speaking.

• Experience facilitating or coordinating meetings, workshops, trainings, and/or public events involving various stakeholder groups.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

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

• Ability to occasionally work outside of normal working hours and weekends, may require some domestic travel.

• Knowledge of Gulf of America fisheries management.

• Ability to communicate effectively through presentations, trainings, public speaking, and written communications.

• Ability to build and sustain partnerships.

• Skill in facilitating meetings, resolving conflicts, and engaging constructively with varied audiences.

• Ability to organize and conduct outreach and educational programming across Texas and Louisiana coastal communities.

• Experience using social media and communications tools to support outreach and education.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors and aboard vessels exposed to various weather conditions, including fishing from boats.

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

• Some lifting/carrying of outreach materials or field gear up to 40 lbs (e.g., for outreach or fishing events).

Essential Duties/Tasks

Program Coordination and Implementation

• Plan, coordinate, implement, and evaluate Return ‘Em Right outreach and education programming across Texas and Louisiana in collaboration with Texas Sea Grant, Louisiana Sea Grant, and other project partners.

• Assist in managing project budget and preparing contracts under the direction of the program director.

• Support implementation of strategic outreach and communications plans that advance Return ‘Em Right program objectives in the Western Gulf.

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

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

Outreach, Education, and Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as a regional ambassador for the Return ‘Em Right Program in the Western Gulf of America.

• Develop educational resources, outreach materials, and stakeholder engagement activities related to barotrauma mitigation and fish descending devices (FDDs).

• Develop, conduct, and implement educational workshops, presentations, trainings, and outreach events that promote awareness and adoption of best practices that reduce catch and-release mortality associated with barotrauma and promote the use of FDDs.

• Conduct stakeholder engagement at fishing expos, fishing tournaments, industry meetings, podcasts, and other public engagement opportunities.

• Build and maintain effective working relationships with fisheries stakeholders, coastal communities, and partner organizations.

• Represent Sea Grant and Return ‘Em Right at outreach events, conferences, and meetings.

Communications and Marketing

• Develop outreach and promotional content for social media, newsletters, videos, photography, and digital communications platforms.

• Coordinate messaging and outreach materials with project partners.

• Disseminate Return ‘Em Right marketing and educational campaigns to engage fishing industry members in the Western Gulf.

Reporting and Documentation

• Assist in monitoring progress toward achievement of project goals.

• Assist with reporting, evaluation, budget tracking, and documentation of project activities and impacts.

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.