OPS - Aquaculture Program Specialist

OPS - Aquaculture Program Specialist

Job No: 539929

Work Type: Full Time

Location: Hillsborough

Categories: Office/Administrative/Fiscal Support, Agriculture Operations

Department:  - AG-SCHL FOR, FISH, & GEOMATICS

Job Description

Florida Sea Grant (FSG) is seeking a motivated individual to lead the expansion of an aquaculture apprenticeship program that is designed to promote workforce development and enhance Florida's aquaculture industry.

This new position, Aquaculture Program Specialist (APS), will lead the expansion of the HARVEST program, which places interns/apprentices with industry partners (aquaculture businesses, associations, or partner organizations). We are expanding the HARVEST program, which focuses on workforce development through direct hands‑on experiences, by increasing capacity for partnerships with active aquaculture businesses in Florida.

Our goal is to increase capacity in the aquaculture workforce and enhance existing aquaculture initiatives.

Key responsibilities include:

• Assemble, organize and manage an Advisory Board comprised primarily of participating industry associations, facilitating regular meetings, tracking project progress and synthesizing information to provide regular updates to the project team.
• Assist in recruitment, selection and onboarding of host entities and apprentices; develop and manage agreements with participating associations and track progress through regular communication and 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 and produce success stories.
• Support research and Extension programming, including development of educational and research materials, participation in on‑farm research, production, and demonstration activities, and other duties as assigned.

Location & Work Schedule

This is not a remote work position. The position is based at the UF/IFAS Tropical Aquaculture Lab in Ruskin, FL and will report directly to the Florida Sea Grant Specialist/Extension Scientist.

Expected Salary: $30.00 an hour

Required Qualifications

• Florida Driver's License

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with organizing and communicating with groups and running efficient meetings.
• Experience in developing and implementing communication materials, writing (articles, blogs, story maps, etc.), editing, and social media.
• Critical and analytical capabilities for quantifying and evaluating program impacts and success.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments independently.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate, lead, and work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Experience developing and monitoring contracts with multiple deliverables and deadlines, including in a University setting.
• Experience with 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 in aquaculture markets and production.

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.