Assistant​/Associate Extension Agent; Fisheries​/Coastal Issues

The primary area served by this position is Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes. This region supports commercial fishing firms, aquaculture businesses, ecotourism, and more than 2.3 million acres of land and water, most of which is privately owned. The (Assistant/Associate/Full) Area Agent’s office domicile will be located at the Terrebonne Parish Extension Office in Houma, Louisiana.

This is a non-tenure track, agent level position (100% Extension) in the Marine Extension Project (MEP), a joint program of LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Sea Grant College Program. The (Assistant/Associate/Full) Area Agent position will have primary responsibility to plan, execute and evaluate a multidisciplinary educational program for residents, local officials, natural resource users, private landowners and coastal marine-related businesses in the three parish region.

The primary focus will be on strategies for sustainable economic development and management on the region’s commercial and recreational fisheries, wetlands, water, and other natural resources. Additionally, education programming focus will include community resilience related to domestic and international trade, environmental change, wetland loss, and storm surge threats. The educational program will be achieved using resources of the MEP network, collaborating with public and private sector leaders, resource management agencies, non-governmental organizations, and individuals.

Examples of partners, groups and organizations include but are not limited to:
Parish governments, municipal planners and authorities, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service, U.S. Fisheries and Wildlife Service, and commercial and recreational fishing organizations. The (Assistant/Associate/Full) Area Agent will establish an advisory committee(s) that will help formulate and evaluate annual plans of work that aim to help residents and elected officials make more informed decisions regarding the future direction of their parishes, particularly those decisions that affect development in unincorporated areas and smaller municipalities.

The needs of the (Assistant/Associate/Full) Area Agent’s clientele will be met using several methods, including but not limited to: personal contact, workshops and conferences, web-based content and communications, mass media communication, publications and fact sheets, public presentations, membership and local and regional advisory committees and task forces. Professional writing is an expected component of the incumbent’s annual duties.

A baccalaureate degree in a field related to natural resource management, fisheries, wildlife, or biology is required. Examples include natural resource management, marine science, biological science, or environmental science and related fields. Some experience in applied research, data collection, user group participation, and applied resource management is also desired. Must have an undergraduate degree with an overall grade-point average of at least 2.5 (all GPA requirements based on a 4.0 system) and a 3.0 for graduate work attempted.

The applicant must demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills. Knowledge of public relations and the ability to cope with change are highly desirable characteristics. The ability to work with and through others is essential as is the ability to function with minimum supervision. Candidate must demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills. Experience in planning and executing educational programs and working cooperatively with individuals and groups is desired.

Knowledge of public relations and the ability to cope with change are highly desirable…