Return ‘Em Right Outreach Coordinator; Project Specialist

Return 'Em Right Outreach Coordinator (Project Specialist I)

Texas Sea Grant, headquartered at Texas A&M University, is part of NOAA's National Sea Grant College Program—a network of 34 university-based programs across coastal and Great Lakes states, Puerto Rico, and Guam. Our mission is to improve the understanding, wise use, and stewardship of Texas coastal and marine resources. Through a unique blend of competitive research funding and community-based extension services, we connect top scientists with coastal stakeholders to address real-world challenges.

Our work spans four key focus areas:
Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, Resilient Communities and Economies, Healthy Coastal Ecosystems, and Environmental Literacy and Workforce Development.

Texas Sea Grant is seeking a full-time Return 'Em Right Outreach Coordinator (Project Specialist I) with extensive saltwater recreational fishing experience and a strong knowledge of sustainable fishing practices, including techniques for addressing barotrauma in reef fish. The ideal candidate is an effective communicator who is comfortable engaging with fishing industry members. This role will be responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating outreach and communication campaigns that increase understanding and adoption of best fishing practices that reduce catch-and-release mortality.

This position requires strong public speaking and interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with fishing communities throughout the Gulf Coast. Based in Galveston and covering Texas and Louisiana coastal areas, the coordinator will serve as a regional ambassador for the Return 'Em Right Program and will collaborate closely with Sea Grant programs as part of the project team.

Salary: $65,000 - $70,000/annually (Compensation will be commensurate to the selected hire's experience).

Cover letter and resume are strongly recommended and will help in our review. You may upload them on the application under the CV/Resume section.

This position is located in Galveston, TX. This position may require up to 35% or more travel. This position may require work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends. Must be willing to obtain saltwater fishing licenses in Texas and Louisiana.

Required

Education and Experience:

• Bachelors degree or any equivalent combination of training and experience.
• No prior experience required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in fisheries, marine science, natural resource management, or relevant field.
• Experience coordinating, developing, and/or delivering outreach, education, or stakeholder engagement programs for recreational fishing communities.
• Experience working with fishing communities in Texas and/or Louisiana, or other Gulf of America areas.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Gulf of America recreational saltwater fisheries.
• Extensive recreational saltwater and reef fish angling experience, including knowledge of target fish species, fishing gear, and handling practices.
• Knowledge of barotrauma and best release practices.
• Experience collaborating with state or federal fisheries management agencies, nonprofit organizations, Sea Grant programs, and/or fishing industry partners.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including public speaking.
• Experience facilitating or coordinating meetings, workshops, trainings, and/or public events involving various stakeholder groups.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to occasionally work outside of normal working hours and weekends, may require some domestic travel.
• Knowledge of Gulf of America fisheries management.
• Ability to communicate effectively through presentations, trainings, public speaking, and written communications.
• Ability to build and sustain partnerships.
• Skill in facilitating meetings, resolving conflicts, and engaging constructively with varied audiences.
• Ability to organize and conduct outreach and educational programming across Texas and Louisiana coastal communities.
• Experience using social media and communications tools to support outreach and education.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work outdoors and aboard vessels exposed to various weather conditions, including fishing from boats.
• Ability to move light, medium or heavy objects with assistance.
• Some lifting/carrying of outreach materials or field gear up to 40 lbs (e.g., for outreach or fishing events).

Essential Duties/Tasks:

Program Coordination and…