Ocean Career: SoundWaters Coastal Resiliency Manager

Coastal Resiliency Projects Manager

Sound Waters, a nonprofit environmental education organization based in Stamford, CT, works towards a sustainable environment where people share a passion for Long Island Sound, students succeed, and our community thrives.

Annually, Sound Waters partners with schools to amplify science learning through investigation of Long Island Sound for over 30,000 students, aboard our three-masted Schooner, at our Coastal Education Center, our Harbor Center and on and along the coast. We provide high-level study opportunities, aboard our research vessel, and in our labs, where interns gain expertise through rigorous, hands-on research to give local high school students a path towards college success.

We engage the public to create sustainable practices through outreach and we develop youth by creating life skills and job readiness opportunities in the environment.

Reporting to the Sound Waters Vice-President of Programs, the Coastal Resiliency Projects Manager is responsible for partnering with key staff to implement a range of coastal resiliency projects that include salt marsh restoration, water quality testing, oyster seeding and climate science study. The portfolio of projects is broad, yet the goals of the projects are all focused on:

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with Sound Waters leadership to further develop our four resiliency projects, including:
  1) salt marsh restoration,
  2) oyster seedling,
  3) kelp farm and
  4) Light House Water Quality Network. These four projects are in varying stages – the job will be to engage with staff, regulators and community leaders to move all projects forward to meet the stated goals of resiliency work, including permitting.
• Teach Sound Waters Research Intensive students in semester-long research projects. Support the work of our Asst Director of High School Programs by providing a clear path for SW students to study and learn from the resiliency projects.
• Serve as an Educator and teach Sound Waters curriculum to students of all grade levels and backgrounds, as directed by the Director of Education.
• Coordinate with Sound Waters Director of Education and Director of Stewardship to plan and manage programming and events connected to coastal resources.
• Report regularly on the progress of the existing and planned projects.
• Maintain highest possible standards of safety in all work on land and on the water.

Qualifications:

• Commitment to the Sound Waters mission to create a better world through Joyful Learning on Long Island Sound.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant and progressive experience in mission-based conservation programs or organizations.
• A comprehensive understanding of coastal resiliency and marine conservation issues. Specific experience with issues relating to Long Island Sound is helpful.
• An attitude of creativity, innovation, confidence and entrepreneurship.
• A strong public speaker, able to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and strong interpersonal skills to share Sound Waters projects and vision.
• Excellent field skills to develop and sustain coastal projects.
• Excellent research skills to identify, develop and sustain applied resiliency projects
• Excellent teaching skills to engage students of all ages.
• Internally motivated and capable of working independently.
• Comfortable working in the outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
• A valid driver's license in good standing.

Preferred:

• CT Safe Boating Certificate or equivalent.

Education:

Bachelor's degree, advanced degree preferred, in environmental, marine or climate-related, science.

Work Environment:

Must be willing to use personal vehicle for local travel with reimbursement.

Salary:

Up to $55,000 annually, commensurate with experience. Excellent health care benefits and 403(b) retirement savings plan are available.