INTRODUCTION

The Connecticut National Estuarine Research Reserve (CTNERR) is one of 30 reserves in the country that are focused on research, education, and stewardship of estuarine ecosystems. It consists of approximately 50,000 acres of marsh, upland, and open water in Long Island and Fishers Island Sounds as well as the lower Connecticut and Thames Rivers. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides federal leadership and guidance to the Reserve system.

The Stewardship Coordinator will be the primary interface between any NERR resource-related activities in the Reserve and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CTDEEP) as the property owner for several CTNERR components. The Stewardship Coordinator and counterparts in the Parks, Wildlife, and Coastal Management programs of CTDEEP and UConn Avery Point, will regularly communicate and coordinate to plan and implement activities of mutual interest and benefit. Examples of such activities that are typical at other Reserves include habitat restoration, invasive species control, wildlife monitoring, or helping to train and supervise volunteers to assist with activities such as beach cleanups, plantings, trail maintenance/repair, or similar means to help support and improve these special properties. Depending on the project, responsibility may rest with CTDEEP, the proposed CTNERR, UConn, additional partners, or a combination thereof. When any project falls under the CTNERR for implementation, the Stewardship coordinator will ensure that all activities are appropriate, authorized/licensed/permitted by the proper entities, and coordinated among partners. The Stewardship Coordinator will assist the CTNERR Research Coordinator in developing NOAA-required site inventories. The Stewardship Coordinator may provide GIS expertise for mapping and spatial analysis efforts (if this Coordinator has this skill set). The Stewardship Coordinator will help support efforts of volunteer programs as relevant and will ultimately work with the CTNERR Education Coordinator to jointly oversee such programs. The Stewardship Coordinator will also coordinate and collaborate with other Stewardship Coordinators across the Reserve System to achieve stewardship goals. The Stewardship Coordinator will be an employee of the proposed CT NERR, a UConn Center, and will report to the Center Director. This position will be expected to self-support 25% of the position via grants and contracts by the second annual appointment. 

Founded in 1881, UConn is a Land Grant and Sea Grant institution and member of the Space Grant Consortium. It is the state’s flagship institution of higher education and includes a main campus in Storrs, CT, four regional campuses throughout the state, and 13 Schools and Colleges, including a Law School in Hartford, and Medical and Dental Schools at the UConn Health campus in Farmington. The University has approximately 10,000 faculty and staff and 32,000 students, including nearly 24,000 undergraduates and over 8,000 graduate and professional students. UConn is a Carnegie Foundation R1 (highest research activity) institution, among the top 25 public universities in the nation. Through research, teaching, service, and outreach, UConn embraces diversity and cultivates leadership, integrity, and engaged citizenship in its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. UConn promotes the health and well-being of citizens by enhancing the social, economic, cultural, and natural environments of the state and beyond. The University serves as a beacon of academic and research excellence as well as a center for innovation and social service to communities. UConn is a leader in many scholarly, research, and innovation areas. Today, the path forward includes exciting opportunities and notable challenges. Record numbers of undergraduate applications and support for student success have enabled the University to become extraordinarily selective.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Stewardship Coordinator (SC) supervises and manages stewardship and access programs for the CTNERR. The Stewardship Coordinator will develop and maintain a close working relationship with DEEP units within State Parks, Wildlife Division, and the Coastal Program (at a minimum) in order to ensure the NERR programs can be successfully executed. The Stewardship Coordinator (SC) will also work with CTNERR partners, NOAA National SC, NOAA CDMO, and other SCs throughout the national system to further define specific needs and strategies related to the priority issues identified in the Management Plan and the System-wide priorities—including addressing issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice throughout all Reserve programs. Specifically, the CTNERR stewardship efforts should focus on quantifying baseline conditions within the Reserve and establishing the databases and methods to track habitat change over time. Working with agencies engaged in this activity, such as UConn’s Center for Land Use Education and Research (CLEAR) will move this program along quickly. The resulting strategies, along with NERR system-wide priorities, will be used to inform and guide future CTNERR stewardship activities.

The SC supervises technicians, interns, and volunteers associated with the stewardship program. Initially, the SC will help to establish a volunteer program for the reserve.

25% - Stewardship Program Strategic Planning, Development, and Budget Management

Develop and implement a stewardship strategy aligned with the Reserve management plan and the goals of the National Estuarine Research Reserve system. Generate and maintain partnerships within CTDEEP, UConn, and environmental organizations and agencies to develop programming. Conceptualize, coordinate and manage grant proposals to fund stewardship initiatives. Plan, implement and monitor stewardship program budgets. Report progress to funders and the Reserve’s leads, UConn, CTDEEP, and NOAA.

15% - Supervision and Leadership

Provide leadership, professional development opportunities, support, and supervision for the technicians, interns, and volunteers. Participate in the hiring process, manage performance, and resolve personnel issues. Work with staff to plan for and manage risk in outdoor locations. Occasionally serve on committees or boards that guide stewardship efforts in the region, state, or National Estuarine Research Reserve system.

15% - Cross Program Support and Partnerships

Support Reserve operations including planning and facility development, estuary restoration, monitoring and research, and other projects related to the overall role and function of the Reserve. Ensure stewardship program perspectives and best practices guide decisions and outcomes that fulfill the mission of the Reserve, UConn, and the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. Regularly engage with colleagues to integrate stewardship efforts across research, monitoring, education, and training programs.

45% - Enhance Reserve Geospatial Capacity

The Stewardship Coordinator provides geospatial analytical and technical expertise to core Reserve Programs. Using geospatial tools, they may collect, organize and/or communicate monitoring data for remediation and restoration effectiveness where geospatial data supports the objectives and strategies of the Reserve. This may include creating geospatial layers, editing and managing databases, conducting geospatial analyses, and creating maps. Coordinate the Reserve’s habitat mapping and land-use change analysis effort in alignment with National Estuarine Research Reserve system initiatives.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A Master's degree from an accredited college or university in water resources, marine sciences, natural resource management, conservation, horticulture, or a related field.
• At least five years of experience related to the environment, science, and/or natural resources, especially watersheds or water resources.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills that contribute to positive and productive workplace relationships, effective leadership, and sustained partnerships.
• Evidence of the ability to build effective relationships with people from different cultural backgrounds, including those associated with race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, socioeconomic status, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, and other aspects of human diversity.
• Experience obtaining funding via grants or contracts.
• Valid driver’s license to utilize University fleet vehicles for work-related travel needs.
• Ability to travel within state and region for work.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A Ph.D. from an accredited college or university in environmental science, biology, water resources, marine sciences, natural resource management, conservation, or a related field.
• Knowledge of ecology, history, and resource management issues related to Connecticut or the Northeast USA.
• Experience in using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in environmental mapping, planning, or other field applications.
• Connecticut Boater’s License.
• Demonstrated experience developing effective partnerships or coalitions with community partners and local governments.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This position is a full-time, non-tenure track, 11-month appointment as Extension Instructor or Assistant or Associate Research Professor. . This is an annually renewable position based on performance, budget, and needs of the program. The position is located at the CTNERR Office in Groton, CT. Salary and rank will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online to Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/23189 and submit the following application materials:

• A cover letter,
• Curriculum vitae,
• Contact information for three letters of reference.

At the University of Connecticut, our commitment to excellence is complemented by our commitment to building a culturally diverse community.

This position will be filled subject the budgetary approval.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.