Education and Outreach Assistant

Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department:

For more than 50 years, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant has served the state through integrated research, education, and extension programs that promote the responsible use and stewardship of Georgia's coastal resources.

By serving as a bridge between scientists, local governments, and marine industries, we help communities protect coastal resources through sustainable, science-based solutions. Our extension specialists connect university expertise with local needs to strengthen the economic vitality and resilience of coastal communities. Education staff enhance environmental literacy and inspire stewardship by engaging the public, teachers, and students in programs that highlight the importance of Georgia's coastal ecosystems. We also prepare the next generation of educators and marine scientists through workforce development opportunities for college students. Meanwhile, our research program supports applied studies across Georgia that expand understanding of coastal and estuarine systems and address pressing environmental challenges.

Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant is managed through a federal-state partnership between the University of Georgia (UGA) and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Sea Grant College Program, a network of 34 Sea Grant programs located in coastal and Great Lakes states and territories.

College/Unit/Department website: https://gacoast.uga.edu

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan: TRS

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time: Full Time

Additional Schedule Information: Some weekend and evening work will be required

Advertised Salary: Commensurate with experience

Posting Date: 09/17/2026

Open until filled: Yes

Proposed Starting Date: 11/02/2026

Location of Vacancy: Savannah Area

EEO Policy Statement: The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement: The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Classification Title: Program Assistant I

FLSA: Non-Exempt

FTE: 1.0

Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education or Experience working in interpretive-based visitor centers or similar public or educational environments.
• Education or Background managing social media accounts, including developing content, engagement strategies, and analytics reviews.
• Education or Experience supporting federally funded programs and/or events.
• Science, education, outreach or social media background, combination preferred.
• AAUS scientific diver qualification or ability to obtain qualification desired but not required
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability and willingness to speak before a variety of learners and stakeholders.
• Ability to communicate effectively as part of a team.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Education or Experience in executing educational programs.
• Ability to innovate practical solutions to problems as they arise.
• Ability to use computer software programs provided.
• Ability to: occasionally work irregular hours; prepare reports and records; exert up to 50 pounds of force
• Driving government vehicles as needed to perform job duties.
• Successful completion of a background check is required.

Position Summary: This full time Education and Outreach Assistant will be a part of the Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary (GRNMS) Education and Outreach team, supporting programs and activities in Savannah, GA. The primary responsibilities of the Education & Outreach Specialists will include supporting operations of the GRNMS Ocean Discover Center, supporting social media content creation and strategy, assisting with the planning and implementation of large-scale outreach events, facilitating education and interpretive programs at the Ocean Discovery Center, and volunteer coordination.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:

• Knowledge of educational outreach, public engagement, and communication principles.
• Skill in verbal and written communication, including public speaking and presentations to various audiences.
• Skill in planning, organizing, and coordinating multiple projects, programs, and activities.
• Skill in using computer software and technology applications to support outreach and administrative functions.
• Ability to develop and deliver educational and outreach programs.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with team members, partners, and the public.
• Ability to identify problems, exercise sound judgment, and implement effective solutions while adapting to changing needs.

Physical Demands: Ability to lift 50lb, work in inclement weather conditions as well as an office setting. Occasional evening and weekend work and in-state travel.

Is driving a responsibility of this position?: Yes

Is this a Position of Trust?: Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?: No

Does this position require a P-Card? : No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? : No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?: Yes

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications): No

Credit and P-Card policy: Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy: Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities: Support daily operations of the GRNMS Ocean Discovery Center including developing, planning and implementing formal and informal marine education and interpretive programs and activities.

Percentage of time: 40

Duties/Responsibilities: Assist in developing social media strategy, content/digital media development, and implementation as well as individual social media campaigns across multiple social media platforms and content management systems. Assist in developing media outreach and forwarding media inquiries to the correct office.

Percentage of time: 20

Duties/Responsibilities: Recruit, train, schedule and coordinate Gray's Reef volunteer activities. This includes identifying training needs, developing and implementing training, scheduling, and volunteer appreciation.

Percentage of time: 15

Duties/Responsibilities: Assist in planning large-scale sanctuary outreach events, including the Southeast Regional MATE ROV Competition. Support public outreach events. Ensure program objectives and milestones are accomplished and appropriately reported; and support development and implementation of the annual outreach operating plan, volunteer effort, and budget.

Percentage of time: 20

Duties/Responsibilities: Support other GRNMS activities as necessary, including assisting with and supporting external funding opportunities that support the GRNMS education and outreach programs.

Percentage of time: 5

Contact Details: For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name: Elliott Lam

Recruitment Contact Email: elliott.lam@noaa.gov