The San Juan Bay Estuary Partnership, also known as Estuario is looking to hire a Project Coordinator for the Citizen Scientists for Coastal Resilience. The Estuario serves as a catalyst and facilitator and operates as a regional, trustworthy, and science-based non-profit organization registered with the Puerto Rico Department of State. As a National Estuary Program, Estuario focuses on implementing the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) for the San Juan Bay Estuary.
In 2021, the Estuario launched its Citizen Scientists for Socio-Ecological Resilience project, which expanded the Estuario’s Citizen Scientist Certification to develop capacity in the region to implement projects of green infrastructure, and restore the capacity of coastal ecosystems to provide their services and strengthen resilience of our communities. In order to restore these ecosystem services, they should be constantly monitored, particularly once they are impacted by atmospheric events, and conditions evaluated. Accurate information on the condition of the ecosystems will provide the baseline to help our vulnerable communities develop and implement equitable coastal nature-based adaptation solutions. The certified citizen scientists carry out the monitoring and provide the data that help us to achieve resilience in critical ecosystems in the San Juan Bay Estuary, such as coral reefs, seagrass, and mangrove forest, in the face of continuous impact and constant threat of climate change. The Estuario is looking for a Project Leader to ensure these efforts are carried out and manage the project.
The Estuario Project Coordinator- Citizen Scientist Certification Program will be responsible for training citizens in the Coastal Resilience module of the Estuario Citizen Science Certification Program. The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable in the field of marine science and possess excellent research and analytical skills. The role will involve provide workshops, conducting field research, analyzing data, and communicating findings to various stakeholders. This position will be managed by the Citizen Science and Education Manager, and will work closely with the Project Leader, the Green Infrastructure Coordinator to carry out and coordinate the Citizen Science Certification in the Coastal Resilience Module. This position requires great administrative, organizational, and multi-tasking skills to maintain all project documentation, work plan analysis, recruitment inventories, listing certification completion, and meeting and, training scheduling.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Prepares a detailed project work plan, setting and executing deadlines.
- Reports project updates and results to the Coastal Resilience Project Officer and Estuario staff.
- Maintains and manages all project documentation and databases
- Coordinate and carry out virtual or in person workshops, and field trips under the Coastal Resilience module of the Citizen Science Certification Program
- Conduct field data collection on marine ecosystems (coral reef and seagrass habitats) and related environmental factors.
- Provide detailed reports of the field trips and activities performed.
- Collaborate with other researchers and stakeholders to advance the field of coastal resilience.
- Establish ongoing and effective communication with partner organizations.
- Coordinate the team’s collaborations and ensure their timely feedback and approval as necessary.
- Oversee volunteers, and support their progress and completion of the program.
- Collaborate with the Communications team to promote registration in workshops or webinars.
- Support Estuario’s relationship with an organization or university to enhance and improve the monitoring program as part of the Citizen Science Certification.
- Anticipate potential roadblocks and provide concrete recommendations for addressing them.
- Document lessons learned and recommendations for improving the program.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree. Master’s degree preferred.
- Degrees in Marine Science, Coastal Ecology, Oceanography, Ecological and Environmental Sciences, Marine Biology are preferred.
- Three years of professional experience, preferably in coordinating projects and/or events in the above-mentioned or related fields.
- Strong analytical and research skills, with experience in collecting, analyzing and interpreting data.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to a variety audience.
- Exceptional organizational and time-management abilities to handle multiple tasks concurrently.
- Experience working in the field, including in adverse weather conditions.
- Capability to operate independently.
- Demonstrated knowledge in marine biology.
- The ideal candidate is particularly interested in climate change and adaptation, has previous experience managing green areas, and is physically skilled in swimming, snorkeling, diving, and other marine activities.
- Exceptional team player who thrives in facilitating collaboration within multi-disciplinary, fast-paced teams.
- Provide their own personal computer and transportation.
- Passion for marine conservation and commitment to preserving the environment.
LANGUAGE REQUIRED:
- Fully bilingual in English and Spanish.
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested candidates should submit a resume/CV and cover letter by email no later than May 12, 2023 to: [email protected]. The email must be directed to [email protected], and must specify in the subject the title of the position, “Estuario Project Coordinator- Citizen Scientist Certification Program”.
THE SAN JUAN BAY ESTUARY PARTNERSHIP
The San Juan Bay Estuary Partnership, or Estuario, is part of the National Estuary Program (NEP), created under Section 320 of the Clean Water Act (CWA), and managed nationally by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Its mission is to restore and conserve the water quality in the San Juan Bay Estuary ecosystem as a sustainable hub of social and economic development. Per Section 320 of the CWA, each of the 28 entities affiliated to the NEP must submit to EPA Administrator a Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) to guide the restoration efforts of the most important coastal ecosystems for the economy of the Nation. The main responsibility of each organization under the NEP is to coordinate and measure the implementation of the plan in partnership with the community, state, local, and federal governments and the Academia.
Source of funding: Banco Popular & CWA Section 320 Funds
The Corporation for the Conservation of the SJBE provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or genetics.
