Stewardship Coordinator

Job Posting

Title:

Stewardship Coordinator Hiring Department:
Marine Science Institute

Position Open To:
All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled

Hours:

40

FLSA Status:
Exempt

Earliest

Start Date:

Immediately

Position Duration:
Expected to Continue Until Feb 28, 2026

Location:

PORT ARANSAS, TX

The Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve (MAR) at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute (MSI) seeks a qualified and motivated individual to lead the NERR's Stewardship Sector. The position will coordinate and complete the monitoring of vegetation, natural resources, and land management practices for the NERR, as well as be involved in projects focused on invasive species, habitat restoration, and marine debris.

Updating, maintaining, and developing spatial databases and GIS applications for Reserve projects will also be the core focus. This position will participate in regional stewardship meeting/groups and assist with visiting researchers, volunteers, and other collaborative efforts. Additional duties include supervising stewardship staff, grant management, and working with local, state, and federal partners.

• Direct the Reserve's Stewardship Program, including developing annual NOAA award work plans and budgets, contributing to semi‑annual reports to NOAA, and participating on all core team tasks and responsibilities.
• Participate fully in national NERRS Stewardship Program activities and represent MAR within the NERRS network more generally.
• Conduct field work and data analysis related to vegetation monitoring of emergent marsh, mangrove, and upland habitats.
• Collect geospatial data and provide GIS and mapping support to Reserve staff as needed. Includes data collection for vertical control needs for the MAR.
• Serve as a liaison with the resource management community by promoting data utilization and acting as a contact for resource and land managers.
• Support existing cleanup and recycling programs around the Reserve.
• Coordinate special studies and stewardship activities within or related to the Reserve as needed.
• Work with the Coastal Training Program, Education, and Research Coordinator to integrate stewardship ethics into individual programs.
• Advising and participating in relevant local and regional work groups and committees to advance coastal and estuarine science, stewardship, conservation, and restoration.
• Grant writing and management.
• Perform related work as assigned, including supervising employees.

• Bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university with a major study in marine science, environmental science, wildlife biology, or related field. Each additional year of approved formal education may be substituted for one year of required work experience.
• Five years of recent experience in research, resource management, or conservation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles of ecology and the flora and fauna of the Texas coast.
• Previous experience monitoring vegetation communities and removal of invasive species.
• Field work experience is essential.
• Ability to collect and manage geospatial data using advanced GPS equipment and Geographical Information Systems software.
• Demonstrated ability to collect, analyze, and interpret spatial data.
• Ability to effectively communicate both written and verbally to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Office required.

• Master's degree in marine science, environmental science, wildlife biology, or related field.
• Experience with grant development, writing, and management.
• Demonstrated experience in developing, managing and applying GIS tools and products to address natural resource protection, management and restoration issues.
• Demonstrated expertise using modern field sampling equipment and associated data management & analysis software programs.
• Experience operating various sizes of boats.
• Supervisory experience.
• Level of familiarity with relevant federal agencies (NOAA, USFWS), state agencies (TGLO, TPWD, TxDOT) and local agencies (ACND, CBBEP, TNC).
• Experience planning, designing, and carrying out habitat management &…