INTRODUCTION 

The Coastal Training Program Coordinator (CTPC) is a non-tenure track position hired at the rank of Extension Instructor or Assistant/Associate Research Professor, depending on experience. The CTPC is the liaison between the Connecticut National Research Reserve (CTNERR) and local decision-makers, private sector organizations, and resource professionals engaged in coastal planning and management of coastal resources. The CTPC strategically plans, coordinates, evaluates, and manages funding for CTNERR-led training that serves local municipalities and other governmental agencies, including Conservation and Wetland Commissions, Planning Boards, as well as community groups, private and public sector entities, or others whose activities impact coastal resources. As the direct supervisor of the CTP support staff and in collaboration with other program leadership at the Reserve, the CTPC develops and leads training programs and other public information material related to coastal environmental issues such as climate change, sea level rise, coastal protection, etc. The CTPC will collaborate with other coastal training organizations and individuals, members of the local management community from the local to state levels, other Coordinators of the CTNERR, and CTP Coordinators across the Reserve System to fulfill coastal training objectives and to connect science and stewardship information in a user-friendly manner to local communities. The CTPC demonstrates advanced communication skills and models best practices in program planning, promotion, and delivery while coordinating nationally and regionally with other National Estuarine Research Reserve System training programs and NOAA staff. They work collaboratively to include diverse perspectives in programs and to serve diverse audiences. Through this work, the CTPC increases public understanding of, connection to, and support for Long Island Sound, Fishers Island Sound, and their watersheds.

The CTNERR is one of 30 Research 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 and works collaboratively with state partners to implement estuarine research, education, stewardship, and training programs.

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 Coastal Training Program Coordinator develops and oversees outreach efforts at the Reserve including the conceptualization, development, funding, and instruction of programs aimed at professionals whose responsibilities or activities impact coastal ecosystems. The CTPC supervises the staff, interns, and volunteers associated with the CTP.

35% Coastal Training Program Strategic Planning, Development, and Budget Management

Develop and implement a strategy aligned with the Reserve management plan and the goals of the National Estuarine Research Reserve system, including operating policies and procedures for the Coastal Training Program. Generate and maintain partnerships with local municipalities, the private sector, underserved communities, and environmental organizations and agencies to develop responsive programming. Conceptualize, coordinate, and manage grant proposals to fund CTP initiatives. Plan, implement and monitor program budgets. Report progress to funders and the Reserve’s lead agencies and contribute to other training efforts within UConn and NOAA.

15% Supervision and Leadership

Provide leadership, professional development opportunities, support and supervision for the CTP staff, interns, and volunteers. Lead 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 coastal training 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 and research, and other projects related to the overall role and function of the Reserve. Ensure that CTP 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 training efforts across research, monitoring, stewardship, and education programs.

35% Implementation of Coastal Training

Lead the development and implementation of the CTNERR Coastal Training Program.  This includes leadership and participation in meetings, seminars, public lectures, and other venues where principles of coastal training can be conveyed to private and public stakeholders, including disadvantaged communities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

1. A Master's degree from an accredited college or university in planning, environmental education, water resources, marine sciences, natural resource management, conservation, or a related field.
2. At least three years of experience conducting programming related to the environment, science and/or natural resources, especially watersheds or water resources.
3. Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills that contribute to positive and productive workplace relationships, effective leadership, and sustained partnerships.
4. 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.
5. Valid driver’s license to utilize University fleet vehicles for work-related travel needs.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

1. Ph.D. from an accredited college or university in planning, water resources, marine sciences, natural resource management, conservation, or a related field.
2. Knowledge of ecology, history, and resource management issues related to Connecticut or the Northeast USA.
3. Experience developing outreach programs targeting planners, governmental officials, or other coastal managers.
4. Demonstrated success in developing, delivering, and evaluating programs for diverse audiences.
5. Demonstrated experience developing effective partnerships or coalitions with community partners and local governments.
6. Demonstrated skills in organization and facilitation of meetings and events.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This position is a full-time, non-tenure track, 11-month appointment.  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.

This position requires the incumbent to move or work with others to move educational equipment and navigate over uneven terrain outdoors or on boats, occasionally in cold, hot, or wet conditions. 

In addition, weekly local travel and occasional travel within the state and to regional and national events relating to the job responsibilities, with some overnight travel expected.

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/22600 and submit the following application materials:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Research and scholarship statement (innovative concepts that will form the basis of academic career, experience in proposal development, mentorship of graduate students, etc.)
• Commitment to diversity statement (including broadening participation, integrating multicultural experiences in instruction and research and pedagogical techniques to meet the needs of diverse learning styles, etc.)
• Names and contact information for three references

For more information regarding the National Estuarine Research Reserve System please visit https://coast.noaa.gov/nerrs/.

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.