Stewardship Coordinator

Job Posting Title: Stewardship Coordinator ---- Hiring Department: Marine Science Institute ---- Position Open To: All Applicants ---- Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40 ---- FLSA Status: Exempt ---- Earliest Start Date: Immediately ---- Position Duration: Expected to Continue Until Feb 28, 2026 ---- Location: PORT ARANSAS, TX ---- Job Details: Purpose of Position: The Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve (MAR) at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute (MSI) seeks a qualified and motivated individual to lead the NERR’s Stewardship Sector. The position will coordinate and complete the monitoring of vegetation, natural resources, and land management practices for the NERR, as well as be involved in projects focused on invasive species, habitat restoration, and marine debris. Updating, maintaining, and developing spatial databases and GIS applications for Reserve projects will also be their focus. This position will participate in regional stewardship meeting/groups and assist with visiting researchers, volunteers, and other collaborative efforts. Additional duties include supervising stewardship staff, grant management, and working with local, state, and federal partners. Responsibilities: Direct the Reserve’s Stewardship Program, including developing annual NOAA award work plans and budgets, contributing to semi-annual reports to NOAA, and participating on all core team tasks and responsibilities Participate fully in national NERRS Stewardship Program activities and represent MAR within the NERRS network more generally Conduct field work and data analysis related to vegetation monitoring of emergent marsh, mangrove, and upland habitats Collect geospatial data and provide GIS and mapping support to Reserve staff as needed. Includes data collection for vertical control needs for the MAR Serve as a liaison with the resource management community by promoting data utilization and acting as a contact for resource and land managers Support existing cleanup and recycling programs around the Reserve Coordinate special studies and stewardship activities within or related to the Reserve as needed Work with the Coastal Training Program, Education, and Research Coordinator to integrate stewardship ethics into individual programs. Advising and participating in relevant local and regional workgroups and committees to advance coastal and estuarine science, stewardship, conservation, and restoration Grant writing and management Perform related work as assigned, including supervising employees Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university with a major study in marine science, environmental science, wildlife biology, or related field. Each additional year of approved formal education may be substituted for one year of required work experience. Five years of recent experience in research, resource management, or conservation. Demonstrated knowledge of the principles of ecology and the flora and fauna of the Texas coast. Previous experience monitoring vegetation communities and removal of invasive species. Field work experience is essential. Ability to collect and manage geospatial data using advanced GPS equipment and Geographical Information Systems software Demonstrated ability to collect, analyze, and interrupt spatial data Ability to effectively communicate both written and verbally to diverse audiences. Ability to work independently or as part of a team. Computer literacy in Microsoft Office required. Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree in marine science, environmental science, wildlife biology, or related field. Experience can be used in place of education. Experience with grant development, writing and management. Demonstrated experience in developing, managing and applying GIS tools and products to address natural resource protection, management and restoration issues Demonstrated expertise using modern field sampling equipment and associated data management & analysis software programs Experience operating various sizes of boats. Supervisory experience. Level of familiarity with relevant federal agencies (NOAA, USFWS), state agencies (TGLO, TPWD, TxDOT) and local agencies (ACND, CBBEP, TNC). Experience planning, designing, and carrying out habitat management & restoration projects in coastal ecosystems, and in monitoring the outcomes of such projects; experience working with agency staff, academic researchers, non-governmental organizations and other partners to accomplish restoration & management projects Salary Range $50,000 + Working conditions May work in all weather conditions, including extreme temperatures. May work around standard office conditions. May work around biohazards. May work around chemicals. May work around electrical and mechanical hazards. Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation. Use of manual dexterity. Climbing of stairs. Climbing of ladders. Lifting and moving field equipment.  Work Shift This is a full-time position working 40 hours/week.  This may include work during the standard work week but will require some occasional weekend availability. Required Materials · Resume/CV · 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor · Letter of interest Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes. Important for Current u