Stewardship Coordinator

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

Job summary

The University of Texas Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas, TX seeks a Stewardship Coordinator to lead MAR's Stewardship Sector, coordinate vegetation monitoring, invasive species control, and land-management projects, and contribute to habitat restoration initiatives.

The role includes updating GIS databases, managing field work, supervising staff, and collaborating with local, state, and federal partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in marine science, environmental science, wildlife biology, or related field.
• Five years of recent research, resource management, or conservation experience.
• Knowledge of ecology and the flora/fauna of the Texas coast.
• Experience monitoring vegetation and removing invasive species.
• Field work experience is essential.
• Ability to collect and manage geospatial data with GPS and GIS software.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret spatial data.
• Ability to communicate clearly to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work independently or in a team.
• Microsoft Office proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Direct the Stewardship Program, including NOAA work plans and budgets, and contribute to semi-annual reports.
• Participate in national NERRS Stewardship activities and represent MAR in the network.
• Conduct field work and vegetation monitoring of marsh, mangrove, and upland habitats.
• Collect geospatial data and provide GIS/mapping support to Reserve staff.
• Serve as liaison with resource managers and promote data utilization.
• Support cleanup and recycling programs around the Reserve.
• Coordinate special studies and stewardship activities.
• Collaborate with Coastal Training, Education, and Research Coordinators to integrate stewardship ethics.
• Participate in local/regional workgroups and grant writing.
• Supervise staff as needed.

Skills

Field work experience

Geospatial data collection

GIS software

Data analysis

Written/verbal communication

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in marine science/environmental science/wildlife biology or related field

Tools

Advanced GPS equipment

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) software

Job description

Job Posting Title

Stewardship Coordinator

Hiring Department

Marine Science Institute

Position Open To

All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours

40

FLSA Status

Exempt

Earliest Start Date

Immediately

Position Duration

Expected to Continue Until Feb 28, 2026

Location

PORT ARANSAS, TX

Purpose of Position

The Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve (MAR) at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute (MSI) seeks a qualified and motivated individual to lead the NERR's Stewardship Sector. The position will coordinate and complete the monitoring of vegetation, natural resources, and land management practices for the NERR, as well as be involved in projects focused on invasive species, habitat restoration, and marine debris. Updating, maintaining, and developing spatial databases and GIS applications for Reserve projects will also be their focus. This position will participate in regional stewardship meeting/groups and assist with visiting researchers, volunteers, and other collaborative efforts. Additional duties include supervising stewardship staff, grant management, and working with local, state, and federal partners.

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. Includes 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 from a recognized college or university with a major study in marine science, environmental science, wildlife biology, or 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 the principles of ecology and the flora and fauna of the Texas coast.

• Previous experience monitoring vegetation communities and removal of invasive species.

• Field work experience is essential.

• Ability to collect and manage geospatial data using advanced GPS equipment and Geographical Information Systems software

• Demonstrated ability to collect, analyze, and interrupt spatial data

• Ability to effectively communicate both written and verbally to diverse audiences.

• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.

• Computer literacy in Microsoft Office required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in marine science, environmental science, wildlife biology, or related field. Experience can be used in place of education.

• Experience with grant development, writing and management.

• Demonstrated experience in developing, managing and applying GIS tools and products to address natural resource protection, management and restoration issues

• Demonstrated expertise using modern field sampling equipment and associated data management & analysis software programs

• Experience operating various sizes of boats.

• Supervisory experience.

• Level of familiarity with relevant federal agencies (NOAA, USFWS), state agencies (TGLO, TPWD, TxDOT) and local agencies (ACND, CBBEP, TNC).

• Experience planning, designing, and carrying out habitat management & restoration projects in coastal ecosystems, and in monitoring the outcomes of such projects; experience working with agency staff, academic researchers, non-governmental organizations and other partners to accomplish restoration & management projects

Salary Range

$50,000 +

Working Conditions

May work in all weather conditions, including extreme temperatures. May work around standard office conditions. May work around biohazards. May work around chemicals. May work around electrical and mechanical hazards. Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation. Use of manual dexterity. Climbing of stairs. Climbing of ladders. Lifting and moving field equipment.

Work Shift

This is a full-time position working 40 hours/week.This may include work during the standard work week but will require some occasional weekend availability.

Employment Eligibility

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer,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.

Pay Transparency

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

E-Verify

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university's company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

• E-Verify Poster (English) [PDF]
• E-Verify Poster (Spanish) [PDF]
• Right To Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right To Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

Compliance

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.