Extension Program Assistant, Florida Sea Grant

Planning Program Support & Public Engagement:

Support and participate in the delivery of science-based educational and volunteer programs focused on coastal and marine resource conservation. Responsibilities include scheduling preparing materials managing registration and communicating with participants. The assistant will attend and support program activities in the field and classroom contributing to hands-on efforts such as participatory science (formerly citizen science) monitoring and marine education for a wide range of stakeholder groups. Current programs include (but are not limited to) Florida Master Naturalist Program classes Eyes on Seagrass Florida Horseshoe Crab Watch and school-age youth outreach. The incumbent will also assist in the formatting of educational materials such as presentations fact sheets and newsletters that support program goals and enhance public understanding of marine science. May include driving a state vehicle or assisting with fieldwork.

Data Maintenance & Administrative Support:

Maintain accurate records of program participation volunteer hours and evaluation data. Assist with compiling reports tracking program outcomes and managing databases related to volunteer and educational programming. Responsibilities also include supporting financial processes such as depositing checks tracking expenditures and maintaining records using university-approved systems and procedures. The assistant will follow UF/IFAS financial frameworks to ensure proper documentation and reconciliation of program-related transactions and may assist with preparing budget reports purchase documentation and other administrative tasks that support program operations.

Public Inquiries & Digital Communications:

Serve as a point of contact for community members seeking information on a wide range of local marine/coastal topics or information on Florida Sea Grant and UF/IFAS Extension programs. Respond to inquiries via phone and email providing accurate information or directing individuals to appropriate resources. Maintain the programs digital presence by updating social media platforms and websites with relevant content ensuring timely communication and consistent visibility. These tasks support broader outreach efforts and help connect different audiences to marine science and coastal stewardship opportunities.

Training & Professional Development:

Participate in training to improve knowledge of marine and coastal resource conservation volunteer coordination data tracking and other relevant topics.

This position involves a combination of indoor office work teaching and outdoor field activities. Tasks may require physical effort such as lifting and transporting outreach materials setting up event spaces and working in marine and coastal environments. Depending on assignment the position may involve bending walking sitting pulling lifting grasping hearing seeing up close and at a distance kneeling reaching pushing talking standing repetitive motions and depth perception. Fieldwork may include frequent lifting of 1030 pounds kayaking snorkeling swimming wading or hiking in natural areas with variable and sometimes adverse conditions. SCUBA diving may be an option if the incumbent holds appropriate certification. The ability to adapt to a variety of physical settings and tasks is essential.

The incumbent will be directly supervised by Charlotte Countys Florida Sea Grant Extension Agent with overall program oversight by the County Extension Director.

This position does not supervise others but may oversee volunteers & program participants.

NORMAL WORK SCHEDULE:

Program Assistant will be expected to follow university policy & procedures to track and use program funds which may include managing They may be tasked with purchase responsibilities.

The Program Assistant may be required to submit a signed statement of confidentiality based on information to which they have access.

CREATIVITY STRATEGY AND LEADERSHIP:

Bachelors degree in ecological conservation or education fields; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Strong written and oral communication skills to include accuracy; attention to detail; creative writing and ability to write correspondence and publications as required.

Experience with marine fieldwork

Skills in communicating technical and scientific information in a relatable way.

Web design and other IT skills including proficiency in Canvas and ArcGIS.

Ability to access coordinate and utilize University county municipal and community resources in the assigned area of discipline.

Ability to develop and independently maintain accurate monitoring systems tracking systems records and reports.

Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting department rules regulations policies and procedures.

Ability to make recommendations and to use resourcefulness and tact in solving new problems.

Skill in the use of standard office computer equipment and software applications.

Demonstrated organizational time-management skills and ability to handle multiple projects at the same time.

Ability to interact with personnel and the public in a positive and effective manner and to establish and maintain effective working relationships and deliver excellent customer service.

Ability to operate a range of motor vehicle sizes including 15-person vans boats and towing trailers.