Research Specialist I

Job Title
Research Specialist I

Agency
Texas A&M University

Department
Sea Grant Administration And Program

Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate

Job Location
Galveston, Texas

Job Type
Staff

Job Description

Our Commitment

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

Who We Are

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.

What We Want

Texas Sea Grant is seeking a Healthy Coastal Ecosystems Fellow (Research Specialist I) to support programmatic development within the Healthy Coastal Ecosystems focus area. This new position will play a vital role in expanding our efforts to maintain and restore the health of Texas's coastal ecosystems-critical for biodiversity, water quality, and regional economic vitality. The Fellow will contribute to identifying emerging environmental issues, supporting research initiatives, and translating scientific findings into practical tools and services that benefit coastal communities.

What You Need To Know

Compensation will be commensurate to the selected hire's experience.

A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelors degree in relevant field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Four years of related experience in a specialized and relevant field of research.

Required 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 state and federal natural resource management practices or policies and Texas marine and coastal ecosystems.
• Ability to effectively utilize a computer and applicable software.
• Ability to conduct structured assessments (e.g. surveys, interviews) with audiences both in person and online.
• Proficient in both written and verbal communication.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in areas relevant to coastal and marine science, natural resource management, environmental science, environmental policy, coastal management, or combination thereof.
• Experience managing or developing projects or programs, or with strategic planning.
• Experience with literature reviews and needs assessments.
• Experience with grant writing and proposal development.
• Experience with survey design and qualitative analysis software.
• Excellent writing and interpersonal communication skills.
• Research or practical experience with relevant coastal ecosystem themes such as but not limited to marine debris, pollution, habitat restoration, water quality, watershed education, freshwater inflows, bays and estuaries, nature-based solutions, natural resource management, environmental policy, coastal management, or combination thereof.

Responsibilities

• Data Analysis and Training- Conduct a literature review of all HCE programs across the National Sea Grant Network to identify development areas and themes. Conduct a needs assessment to identify key interests of Texas Sea Grant's primary audiences within the HCE focus area.
• Research Publication- Draft a HCE strategic plan using results from the literature review and needs assessment. Support development of HCE extension publications relevant to existing HCE work.
• Office Operations, Outreach and Training- Support current HCE programmatic extension activities (e.g., MRRP, iSeaTurtle, water quality projects ). Identify grant opportunities for HCE programming and assist with proposal development.

Other Requirements and Factors

• This position is security sensitive.
• This position requires compliance with state and federal laws/codes and Texas A&M University System/TAMU policies, regulations, rules and procedures.
• All tasks and job responsibilities must be performed safely without injury to self or others in compliance with System and University safety requirements.
• This position may require up to 20% or more travel.
• This position may require work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends.
• This position allows alternate work location per TAMU guidelines.
• This position is funded from grant and/or contract funding, which is renewed through provisions of the grantor of the contract. Therefore, this position is contingent upon continuation of funding from these grants and/or contracts, as well as satisfactory job performance.

Why Texas A&M University?

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration. Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you. Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes.

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
• Automatically enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time
• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more
• Employee Tuition Assistance and Educational Release time for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee

Instructions to Applicants: Applications received by Texas A&M University must either have all job application data entered or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to pre-populate the online application.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.