OPS Aquaculture Program Specialist

OPS - Sponsored Projects Clerical

Experience with and interest in organizing and communicating with groups of people including preparing for and running efficient meetings.
Experience in the development and implementation of communication materials writing (articles blogs story maps etc.) editing and social media.
Critical and analytical capabilities for quantifying and evaluating program impacts and success.
The ability to plan organize and coordinate work assignments independently.
Demonstrated ability to coordinate lead and work collaboratively as part of a team.
Experience in developing and monitoring contracts with multiple deliverables and deadlines including in a University setting.
Experience with or interest in grantsmanship conference organization and communicating with faculty in an academic setting.
Experience and knowledge specific to Floridas aquaculture industries aquaculture technologies and challenges. Knowledge and interest of aquaculture markets and production.

Florida Sea Grant (FSG; is seeking a motivated individual to lead the expansion of an aquaculture apprenticeship program that is designed to promote workforce development and enhance Floridas aquaculture industry.

This new position Aquaculture Program Specialist (APS) will lead the expansion of the HARVEST program ( which places interns/apprentices with industry partners (aquaculture businesses associations or partner organizations). We are expanding the HARVEST program which focuses on workforce development through direct hands-on experiences by increasing capacity for partnerships with active aquaculture businesses in Florida. Our goal is to increase capacity in the aquaculture workforce and enhance existing aquaculture initiatives. Working in conjunction with several key industry associations aquaculture businesses and apprentices will be recruited onboarded and managed by the APS in collaboration with an advisory board designed to support the APS. The APS position is guaranteed for one year with the potential for extension based on performance program needs and renewal of funding.

DUTIES:

• Assemble organize and manage an Advisory Board comprised primarily of participating industry associations by facilitating regular meetings (online and/or in-person) tracking project progress and synthesizing information to provide regular updates to the project team. The APS will also serve as a liaison who can represent the HARVEST program and/or FSG and TAL at outreach and industry events.
• Assist in the recruitment selection and onboarding of host entities and apprentices. Develop and manage agreements with participating associations. Track progress of interns/apprentices through regular communication and meetings that include hosts apprentices and Advisory Board members (i.e. extensive email/text communication as well as scheduled online meetings site visits and both in-person group and one-on-one meetings).
• Synthesize and evaluate program successes and challenges including overall impact (e.g. economic benefit to industry increased production capacity workforce development and enhanced entry to aquaculture jobs). Develop methods to highlight HARVEST and Floridas aquaculture industry at workshops/job fairs designed to reach target audiences including working with media to produce and publish success stories. Evaluate and report on the impact of the program.
• Support research and Extension programming for Floridas aquaculture industry to include development of educational and research materials participation in on-farm research production and demonstration activities and other duties as assigned by supervisor.

LOCATION & WORK SCHEDULE

This is not a remote work position. This position is based at the UF/IFAS Tropical Aquaculture Lab in Ruskin FL ( and will report directly to Florida Sea Grant Specialist/Extension Scientist (Dr. Angela Collins). The APS must be able to work independently and proactively from general guidance provided by supervisor (and project team). The APS will work closely with FSGs Project Team and an Advisory Board as described above who will evaluate activities and performance over the course of the project.

$30.00 an hour

Florida Drivers License

• Experience with and interest in organizing and communicating with groups of people including preparing for and running efficient meetings.
• Experience in the development and implementation of communication materials writing (articles blogs story maps etc.) editing and social media.
• Critical and analytical capabilities for quantifying and evaluating program impacts and success.
• The ability to plan organize and coordinate work assignments independently.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate lead and work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Experience in developing and monitoring contracts with multiple deliverables and deadlines including in a University setting.
• Experience with or interest in grantsmanship conference organization and communicating with faculty in an academic setting.
• Experience and knowledge specific to Floridas aquaculture industries aquaculture technologies and challenges. Knowledge and interest of aquaculture markets and production.

In order to be considered you must upload your cover letter and resume including the names and contact information for three (3) professional references.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

This is a time-limited position.