Research Project Coordinator - Sea Grant - Mobile and Baldwin counties - 525535

Pay Grade/Pay Range: Minimum: $44,200 - Midpoint: $55,300 (Salaried E6)

Department/Organization: 750501 - Alabama Water Institute (AWI)

Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:45pm

Note to Applicants: Position is eligible for remote work subject to University policy

Job Summary: The Research Project Coordinator supports the overall development of research project (s). Assists with project design, management, and implementation. Promotes the project and serves as liaison between the project and contacts internal and external to the University. May supervise students, provide general office assistance, create promotional materials, and assist in the development of other potential projects.

Additional Department Summary: The Alabama Water Institute (AWI) and the CONSERVE research group are seeking applications to join the CONSERVE team.

This position is expected to work from the Alabama Gulf Coast (Mobile and Baldwin counties) in order to facilitate direct engagement with coastal communities, industry partners, and non-profits in support of the NOAA Sea Grant Marine Debris Removal project, which focuses on microplastics.

This position will be primarily responsible for executing the interdisciplinary engagement and extension activities associated with a newly funded, 3-year NOAA Sea Grant Microplastics Identification and Removal project beginning in September 2024, including: Support all research, extension, and partnering activities associated with the outreach components of the project. Lead the design, interpretation, and writing of relevant outreach materials and publications. Engage directly with audiences that have interest in water quality topics while maintaining a non-advocacy approach.
Independently design, conduct, and report on all outreach and project activities. Must be able to understand and translate technical water quality-related research and technology for various audiences; develop outreach products, engage with people with different perspectives; and lead and facilitate public meetings, seminars and workshops.

The incumbent will also be responsible for developing future research and outreach initiatives for CONSERVE through Sea Grant and others, and collaborating with stakeholders, including local communities and national agencies.

Exceptional applicants are sought that have interests and experience in developing and conducting outreach programming that supports research in the following water-related areas: water quality, microplastic detection and removal, contaminates, and related fields.

This position works within AWI, under the leadership and supervision of the CONSERVE Research Program Director. AWI is one of the five research institutes at The University of Alabama and acts as a catalyst for interdisciplinary collaboration across the University. This collaboration unites engineers, computer scientists, biologists, social scientists, economists, and other experts to address the pressing water challenges facing Alabama and the world.

AWI-affiliated researchers focus on key areas such as water security and quality, remote sensing, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, watershed management, and the intersection of human health and water resources. These efforts are synergized through AWI's research programs, including CIROH, the Global Water Security Center, and the CONSERVE Research Group.

This position will also be part of the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium's Engagement and Education team, which is a university-based science service organization comprised of extension, outreach, education, legal, and communication professionals located at multiple institutions across the bi-state region.

Continuation in this position is contingent upon availability of external funding derived from research and outreach programs or specific projects.

Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree or higher and some experience coordinating projects.

Additional Required Department Minimum Qualifications: Master's Degree (MA/MS) in natural or social sciences with at least three (3) years of relevant working experience in one of the following areas: Land use planning, behavioral science, socioeconomics, environmental risk assessment, closely aligned field, biology, including ecology, marine biology, biological oceanography, or closely aligned field. Social Science, including any closely related social science field such as anthropology, sociology, economics, communication, adult education, extension, geography, or closely aligned field. Watershed management, water quality studies, or closely aligned field.

Must have valid U.S. driver's license. Must be at least 19 years of age at time of hire and have an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report that is in compliance with University policies. Applicants under the age of 21 will have some driving restrictions.

Skills and Knowledge: Experience working in an academic, private sector, and/or government setting. Experience coordinating, supporting and/or leading research and outreach projects relevant to AWI's and/or CONSERVE's research portfolio. Strong science interpretation skills and excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal. Detail oriented; organized; and able to meet deadlines, multitask, and exercise critical thinking skills. Skills in convening and facilitating groups. Anticipates and plans proactively for annual cycles. Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate research products for end-user needs. Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite software, and project planning and management tools, e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Smartsheet, and Zoom, to efficiently create, analyze, and present information.

Preferred Qualifications: Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following is preferred: community facilitation and outreach, research program development, project management and maritime industry experience. Demonstrated track record of developing and evaluating impactful outreach and extension products and services.

Ability to lead and participate in interdisciplinary teams to write proposals that lead to extramural funding.

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, genetic or family medical history information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. Follow the link below to find out more. "EEO is the Law" Poster