Science Communication & Interpretation Specialist

locations:
Posting Location - VIMS Gloucester
* Environmental science knowledge in key areas (e.g., understanding ecosystems and biodiversity, human-environment interactions, ecosystem stressors such as climate change, conservation principles etc.)
* Field and lab skills to support development and implementation of program elements (for example, environmental monitoring and habitat assessment)
* Quantitative literacy to support data analysis required for technical information products/visualizations for communicating results
* Strong skills/abilities in oral, written, and social media communications, including the ability to understand and translate complex scientific information to varying audiences
* Program evaluation skills to assess interpretive program impact and audience learning preferences
* Ability to effectively organize and facilitate diverse stake-holder meetings, developing and maintaining professional networks
* Ability to work across various/multiple digital platforms and presentation tools to deliver content
* Strong audience engagement skills to support various program elements (e.g., field & facility exhibits, interpretative walks) and foster audience participation
* Proficient with Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word and PowerPoint) and survey software.
* Demonstrated work experience in science communication and environmental interpretive programs
* Demonstrated interpretive creativity and product development
* Demonstrated experience/knowledge of digital platforms
* Demonstrated experience with data analysis and technical writing.
* Hold or have ability to hold Virginia driver's license.
* Occasional night and weekend travel as required to meet job responsibilities.
* This is a restricted position, subject to the continued availability of funding.
* Serve as the principal lead for Reserve interpretive community education programming and as such, contribute to strategic planning through annual and multi-year CBNERR-VA management and action plans
* Initiate and collaborate on the development and submission of sponsored grant and contract proposals, and other funding opportunities to secure resources that advance CBNERR-VA community engagement and broader impacts of Reserve programmatic units;
Complete and submit required grant/contract performance reporting and other formal related requirements, including summarizing communication/education reach, engagement and volunteer metrics and outcomes; and Support recruitment, mentorship, and oversight supervision of CBNERR-VA staff, fellows, interns, and students.
* Integrate and translate Reserve programmatic (e.g., water quality, coastal & watershed ecology, habitat conservation & restoration) monitoring data, research findings and resource management actions conducted at the Reserve and/or by Reserve staff into accessible, understandable, engaging and relatable narratives (e.g., storytelling) and information products (including economic impact) for diverse audiences (e.g, public, legislative, governmental agency) that help explain why such work matters
* Engage and collaborate with key partners/partner networks (e.g., VIMS, VDCR, VDEQ, NERRS national program such as the Science Collaborative) and subject matter experts to create content and facilitate innovative and interactive learning tools and in-person/visitor approaches (e.g., hands-on demonstrations, guided tours, public lectures, and educational workshops) that highlight thematic awareness and, where appropriate, align with partner strategies and standards
* Utilize data-driven, enhanced technology/digital tools in science interpretive programming (e.g., access to real-time data and web-based applications; QR-based apps, augmented reality [AR], data-driven storytelling and story map products)
* Create, develop and maintain Reserve, VIMS and partner facilities (e.g., visitor centers) and field-based (e.g., trail/boardwalk/signage) interpretive/interactive stations
* Serve as Reserve lead and support development, implementation, and use of NOAA/NERRS general education program elements (i.e., Teachers on the Estuary) and tools (e.g., Estuaries 101 Curriculum)
* Assist in conducting research…