Stewardship Coordinator

The University of Texas at Austin; Port Aransas (TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Port Aransas is seeking a Stewardship Coordinator to lead initiatives at the Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve. Responsibilities include overseeing vegetation monitoring, managing grants, and collaborating with researchers and volunteers. Candidates should possess a bachelor’s degree in a related field and five years of relevant experience, with skills in GIS and fieldwork. This full-time role may require weekend availability and offers a salary starting at $50,000.

Qualifications

• Five years of recent experience in research, resource management, or conservation.
• Ability to collect and manage geospatial data using advanced GPS equipment and GIS software.
• Demonstrated ability to collect, analyze, and interpret spatial data.

Responsibilities

• Direct the Reserve’s Stewardship Program and contribute to reports.
• Conduct field work and data analysis related to vegetation monitoring.
• Serve as a liaison with the resource management community.

Skills

Knowledge of ecological principles

Ability to communicate effectively

Field work experience

Computer literacy in Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in marine science, environmental science, wildlife biology, or a related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

GIS software

GPS equipment

Job description

Stewardship Coordinator

Position at the Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve (MAR) at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute (MSI). The role leads the NERR’s Stewardship Sector, coordinating monitoring of vegetation, natural resources, land management practices, and projects focused on invasive species, habitat restoration, and marine debris. Updating, maintaining, and developing spatial databases and GIS applications for Reserve projects is also a core responsibility. The coordinator participates in regional stewardship meetings, supports visiting researchers, volunteers, and collaborative efforts, supervises stewardship staff, manages grants, and works with local, state, and federal partners.

Location: Port Aransas, TX

Responsibilities

• Direct the Reserve’s Stewardship Program, including developing annual NOAA award work plans and budgets, contributing to semi‑annual reports to NOAA, and participating on all core team tasks and responsibilities
• Participate fully in national NERRS Stewardship Program activities and represent MAR within the NERRS network more generally
• Conduct field work and data analysis related to vegetation monitoring of emergent marsh, mangrove, and upland habitats
• Collect geospatial data and provide GIS and mapping support to Reserve staff as needed, including data collection for vertical control needs for the MAR
• Serve as a liaison with the resource management community by promoting data utilization and acting as a contact for resource and land managers
• Support existing cleanup and recycling programs around the Reserve
• Coordinate special studies and stewardship activities within or related to the Reserve as needed
• Work with the Coastal Training Program, Education, and Research Coordinator to integrate stewardship ethics into individual programs
• Advising and participating in relevant local and regional workgroups and committees to advance coastal and estuarine science, stewardship, conservation, and restoration
• Grant writing and management
• Perform related work as assigned, including supervising employees

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marine science, environmental science, wildlife biology, or a related field. Each additional year of approved formal education may be substituted for one year of required work experience
• Five years of recent experience in research, resource management, or conservation
• Demonstrated knowledge of ecological principles and the flora and fauna of the Texas coast
• Previous experience monitoring vegetation communities and removing invasive species
• Field work experience is essential
• Ability to collect and manage geospatial data using advanced GPS equipment and GIS software
• Demonstrated ability to collect, analyze, and interpret spatial data
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and verbally, to diverse audiences
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Office

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in marine science, environmental science, wildlife biology, or a related field (experience can substitute for education)
• Experience with grant development, writing, and management
• Experience developing, managing, and applying GIS tools and products for natural resource protection, management, and restoration
• Expertise using modern field sampling equipment and associated data management & analysis software
• Experience operating various sizes of boats
• Supervisory experience
• Familiarity with relevant federal, state, and local agencies
• Experience planning, designing, and carrying out habitat management & restoration projects in coastal ecosystems, and monitoring outcomes of such projects

Salary Range

$50,000 +

Working Conditions

May work in all weather conditions, including extreme temperatures; standard office conditions; biohazards; chemicals; electrical and mechanical hazards. Repetitive keyboard use, manual dexterity, climbing stairs and ladders, lifting and moving field equipment.

Work Shift

Full‑time 40 hours per week, occasional weekend availability may be required.

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• Three work references (at least one supervisor)
• Letter of interest

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin is an equal‑opportunity/affirmative action employer and complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.