OPS – Aquaculture Program Specialist

Apply now Job no: 539929
Work type: Temp Full-Time
Location: Hillsborough
Categories: Office/Administrative/Fiscal Support, Agriculture Operations
Department:  - AG-SCHL FOR, FISH, & GEOMATICS

Classification

Title:

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 Florida’s aquaculture industries, aquaculture technologies and challenges. Knowledge and interest of aquaculture markets and production.

• 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 Florida’s 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 Florida’s 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.

This is not a remote work position. This position is based at the UF/IFAS Tropical Aquaculture Lab in Ruskin, FL ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).), 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 FSG’s Project Team, and an Advisory Board as described above, who will evaluate activities and performance over the course of the project.

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.

Advertised: 18 May 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 01 Jun 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.