Development of a Florida Coral Rescue Propagation Strategy:

• Lead the completion and implementation of Florida’s Coral Propagation Strategy (establishing the structure and supporting standards, guidelines and/or processes to ensure a functional nursery to reef pipeline, which includes land-based and in-water propagation and transfer logistics strategies) with input and guidance from the Florida’s Coral Reef Resilience Program’s (FCRRP) Coordinator, the Coral Rescue and Propagation Team, and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Adapt the strategy structure and processes as needed to address the highest priority conservation and restoration needs, including programmatic goal development, facilitating processes and projects to achieve the goals, and evaluating progress.
• Collaborate with those developing genetic management and breeding plans specifically FWRI’s Coral Rescue Project Coordinator and Coral Genetics Team, to effectively plan, schedule, facilitate, and track the transfer of gamete, larval, and/or offspring from propagation facilities to grow out or restoration practitioners as needed. Maintain an organized and up to date Propagation Google Drive folder for propagation activities.

Collaboration and Support:

• Serve as the FCRRP Coral Propagation Team’s facilitator. In this role, the Coordinator works closely with the team’s co-leads to identify meeting topics as well as schedule, plan for, and facilitate the meetings. The Coordinator should build on the outcomes, action items, and priorities identified during previous technical workshops.
• Leads the planning, execution, and follow up to Rescue & Propagation-focused and/or state-wide propagation-focused workshops. The Coordinator also supports the planning, execution, and follow-up to topic specific or thematic workshops as needed.

• Actively participates in the DEP/FWC Florida’s Coral Reef Restoration and Recovery (FCR3) Working Group, providing support to DEP’s propagation-related FCR3 efforts (e.g., reviewing FCR3 grant documents, assisting with development of FCR3 guidance documents, etc.). As appropriate, collaborate with NOAA’s Mission: Iconic Reefs, the Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative, Nursery Survival Subgroup, Land-based Assisted Sexual Reproduction, FCRRP Disturbance Advisory Committee, AZA coral holders calls, and any other FCRRP coral propagation-related working groups/teams as appropriate.

Communications and Record keeping:

• Facilitate the exchange of propagation information across the FCRRP. This may include packaging and disseminating information, opening and maintaining lines of communication, and developing new processes for information sharing.
• Produce and provide information and/or updates to partners, agency representatives, and the FCRRP leadership (Executive Coordination Team and the Steering Committee), as requested. Information and updates may be in the form of presentations, one-pagers, written or verbal updates, or other products as requested. Information should include any identified needs (e.g., personnel, funding, etc.) related to coral propagation. Priority is given to lead agencies: DEP, FWC, NOAA, NPS.
• Document and maintain the activities of current coral propagation facilities as well as the coral restoration funding needs of current and future coral propagation facilities (infrastructure, operations, etc.). Work with FWRI’s Coral Rescue Project Coordinator to maintain propagation and offspring data in Coral Rescue & Propagation designated data platforms (e.g. Tracks)
• Maintain regular communication with the FWC Contract Manager (quarterly) and both the FWC and Florida Department of Environmental Protection coral program points of contact (at least weekly), relaying progress via email, phone/Teams call, or in-person.
• Assist with identifying propagation and out-planting data needs (i.e., what information is needed from the propagation facilities to support the Propagation Team’s facilitation of the pipeline) and determining where to store this data.
• Develop and submit required deliverables to the State of Florida FWC Contract Manager on time – see current contract scope of work for invoice/deliverable schedule.

This is a time-limited exempt (TEAMS) position with the Florida Sea Grant College Program, University of Florida. Current funding is recurring. Pending state legislative allocations, this position is expected to be renewed annually.

To meet FWC’s minimum qualifications for a biological scientist IV, the ideal candidate will have at least one additional year of experience or a Master's degree in an appropriate area of specialization.

Experience planning, organizing, and facilitating large multi-stakeholder group consensus-building workshops.

Reviewing and editing technical research proposals and creating management summaries.

Knowledge of the terminology, principles, procedures, and techniques used in coral conservation, specifically coral propagation and restoration.

Knowledge of SCTLD and the multi-partner response, especially the activities of the Coral Rescue and Propagation Team.

Ability to facilitate large teams, manage datasets, and synthesize information to produce both technical and outreach products.

Ability to work independently and with a team; plan, organize and coordinate work assignments; communicate effectively (oral and written); establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; and utilize problem-solving techniques.

Skills in project management and facilitation.