Position Summary:
The coastal climate specialist will develop, lead and participate in Extension programming related to coastal resilience and climate adaptation 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 of Marylanders to understand and improve their resilience to natural hazards and respond to changing conditions, with an emphasis on historically underserved communities.

Programming should emphasize stakeholder education and problem-solving assistance to community decision-makers and planners leading to measurable benefits on topics including sea level rise, coastal flooding, climate hazards, and resiliency planning. The Specialist will collaborate and coordinate programming with other faculty and staff within the University System of Maryland. Further, the Specialist will develop partnerships with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Chesapeake and Coastal Service (CSS) and other appropriate state, federal and NGOs organizations serving coastal communities.

Responsibilities:
  • Identify and prioritize pressing coastal climate challenges for various stakeholder groups and develop, conduct, and evaluate Extension programming to address these issues.
  • Develop climate and coastal resilience related educational resources and scholarly materials.
  • 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 and take advantage of new opportunities.
  • Participate in state and regional workgroups and partnerships working to advance climate resilience.
  • Participate in existing national Sea Grant communities of practice efforts to 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:
Education: Bachelor’s degree in climate, coastal or marine science, community planning, ecology, geography, or related environmental or social science field.
Experience: At least two years of experience in education, engagement, or outreach with coastal climate programs
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Demonstrated leadership and management abilities with evidence of being able to work well with diverse clientele.
  • Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
  • 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 is required
  • Flexible work schedule required for delivering evening and weekend educational programs and activities as determined by clientele availability and needs.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master’s degree in climate, coastal or marine science, community planning, ecology, geography, or related environmental or social science field.
  • Three years or more of experience in education, engagement, or outreach with coastal climate programs.

The position is a 1.0 FTE, equivalent to 40 hours per week. The position is a 12-month grant-funded contract that expires September 30, 2025.

For more information and to apply: https://ejobs.umd.edu/postings/111687