This position directly supports the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) in efforts to successfully implement bivalve-centered seagrass restoration projects. The overall goal of the project, led by this Florida Sea Grant coordinator position, aims to provide quantitative, site specific information regarding restoration activities potential to improve the extent and function of Florida’s seagrass beds. This coordinator will manage a large consortium of scientific experts, resource managers, and restoration practitioners toward consensus on research priorities, establishment of research projects to test and measure outcomes, and development of a restoration guide. The coordinator will lead the development of a report on research outcomes, including a summary of the best available science on the topic, and identified best management practices when incorporating bivalves into water quality improvement initiatives. While the ideal candidate will have both expertise in bivalve-seagrass science restoration, this position is primarily tasked with managing the consortium (e.g., facilitated meetings, logistics, and communications), research projects, and development of interim and final reports.

Develop a Research Plan and Restoration Guide:

• Work with an established Consortium to finalize an initial research plan that includes consensus-based objectives and a description of projects needed to generate data suitable to address the objectives.
• Research project selection will need to consider both the scope and scale of data needs in addition to the costs and timeline available for the project. Both long and short run visions should be developed.
• Regularly collect, synthesize and report on the progress of funded activities, which may require site visits.
• Draft and finalize a restoration guide with research findings and best management practices for future bivalve-seagrass bed restoration in Florida.
• Work closely with a subset of the consortium (the core development team) throughout development of the plan, guide, and interim tasks.

 Implement and manage restoration projects:

• Working with the consortium, develop research plan to include data collection and analyses.
• Manage the identification/selection of research projects; prepare and execute agreements; and regularly monitor sub-contractor progress.
• Keep track of project budget and spending.

Communications and record keeping:

• Schedule, organize, facilitate and keep records on quarterly meetings (agendas, minutes, recordings and supporting documents).
• Maintain an organized and up to date Teams site for managing deliverables and project activities.
• Maintain a webpage with materials showing project updates and milestones.
• Produce and provide information and/or updates to consortium members and FDEP as requested. Information and updates may be in the form of presentations, one-pagers, written or verbal updates, or other products. Develop and submit required deliverables to the State of Florida on time – see contract scope of work and to Florida Sea Grant.

         Other duties as assigned

• Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in an appropriate area of specialization and two years of experience.
• Experience planning, organizing, and facilitating large multi-stakeholder group consensus-building workshops.
• Reviewing and editing technical research proposals and creating management summaries.
• Experience in public outreach/extension.
• Knowledge of the terminology, principles, procedures, and techniques used in environmental restoration, specifically bivalves and/or seagrasses.
• Familiarity of developing and managing a research competition.
• Knowledge of developing and executing contracts for services.
• Ability to facilitate large teams, synthesize information to produce both technical and outreach products.
• Ability to work independently and with a team.
• Ability to communicate effectively (oral and written); establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; and utilize problem-solving techniques.
• Skills in project management and facilitation.