Job Posting Title:
Training & Engagement Program Coordinator
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Hiring Department:
Marine Science Institute
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Position Open To:
All Applicants
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Weekly Scheduled Hours:
40
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FLSA Status:
Exempt
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Earliest Start Date:
Sep 30, 2025
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Position Duration:
Expected to Continue Until Sep 30, 2026
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Location:
MARINE SCIENCE INSTITUTE
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Job Details:
General Notes
The Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve (Reserve) is currently accepting applications for a Training & Engagement Program Coordinator. The Training & Engagement Program (formally the Coastal Training Program) provides up-to-date scientific information and skill-building opportunities to individuals who are responsible for making decisions that affect coastal resources. The goal of the Reserve Training & Engagement Program is to support decision-making regarding coastal resource issues that is informed by the most up-to-date science and information, and improved coastal stewardship at local and regional levels.
The Training & Engagement Program audience includes resource managers, land-use planners, elected officials, regulators, land developers, community groups, environmental non-profits and coastal businesses, among others. Programming targeted to these audiences will be conducted through a variety of formats including seminars, hands-on skill training, participatory workshops, lectures and technology demonstrations. This position is directly responsible for the coordination and implementation of the Training & Engagement Program; development of planning documents (i.e., needs assessment surveys and market analyses); planning and facilitating meetings and workshops; the development of web-based materials; providing in-person and virtual training events; leveraging training and engagement expertise in collaborative science initiatives implemented by Reserve staff, and representing the Reserve at regional and national meetings.
Responsibilities
- Developing and coordinating coastal decision maker workshops, and providing or facilitating technical assistance for coastal decision-maker audiences.
- Conducting periodic market analysis and needs assessment with a final report of the findings for NOAA. Develop and implement periodic program evaluations and utilize this data to direct T&E program strategy.
- Develops and maintains effective working relationships with members of the scientific, management, non-profit, communities to ensure accurate, easily understandable translation and transfer of information and data to decision makers.
- Serves on relevant local, regional, or state-wide coordinating bodies and provides regular program updates to committee members, Reserve partners, and other stakeholders.
- Prepare required semi-annual and annual reports, performance metrics, and work plans for the Reserve manager.
- Initiate, develop and submit grants and related reports to augment T&E Program implementation, growth, and reach.
- Participates in NERR System-wide activities, assisting in setting national priorities and participates in national meetings, liaisons with other T&E Program coordinators and programs at other NERR sites.
- Manage and create content for social media to extend outreach efforts, and update/maintain T&E Program Reserve website and online calendar.
- Remain current on relevant scientific and social science research.
- Performing additional duties as required
Required Qualifications
- B.S. degree in an environmental science or natural resources planning, management, policy or development, or another closely related field
- Two years of experience in natural resources planning or applied environmental science
- General knowledge of regional natural resource conservation/resilient community issues
- Strong communication, organizational skills, and computer skills are essential
- Experience in workshop development
- Group facilitation training and experience
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Preferred Qualifications
- M.S. degree
- Experience in coastal planning
- Experience in environmental policy
- Working knowledge of conservation and climate resilience practices
- Ability to effectively understand, translate, and communicate complex scientific information
- Experience preparing grant applications
- Ability to work with varied interests in settings with multiple outcome goals
- Level of familiarity with relevant federal agencies (NOAA, USFWS)
- Familiarity with state agencies (TGLO, TPWD, TxDOT) and local agencies (ACND, CBBEP, TNC)
Salary Range
$48,000+ depending on qualifications
Working Conditions
- Primarily office-based with frequent interaction with staff, volunteers, and community partners. Occasional off-site work at training locations, partner facilities, or community events.
- Generally, a standard Monday–Friday schedule with flexibility for occasional evenings or weekends to support events, workshops, or outreach activities.
- Physical Demands: Regularly requires sitting at a desk and working on a computer; occasional standing, walking, or lifting of materials (up to ~25 lbs) for event setup.
- Travel: Local or regional travel may be required to deliver training, attend meetings, or coordinate community engagement activities.
- Technology Use: Frequent use of computers, presentation equipment, online training platforms, and audio/visual tools.
Required Materials
- Resume/CV
- 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
- Letter of interest
Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.
Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.
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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.
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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.
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Background Checks:
A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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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.
Training