Marine Educator and Volunteer Coordinator

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:

Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant provides research, education, training and science-based outreach to assist Georgia in solving problems and realizing opportunities for its coastal and marine environments. By advancing research, education and training, and outreach, Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant promote the economic, cultural and environmental health of Georgia's coast and prepare citizens to become good stewards of coastal ecosystems and watershed resources. Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant is a unit of Public Service and Outreach at the University of Georgia. The Marine Education Center and Aquarium on Skidaway Island near Savannah GA serves as the education arm of the unit. The Center provides hands-on, feet-in marine science and coastal ecology education programs year round. Audience includes PK-12 students and teachers, summer campers, undergraduates, and the public. Programs are delivered in field, laboratory, boat-based, and discussion formats.

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

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan: TRS or ORP

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time: Full Time

Additional Schedule Information: The regular work schedule for this position is Tuesday – Saturday, 8-4:30, with occasional Monday, Saturday, and evening hours.

Advertised Salary: $40,409 - $60,613

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: Community Relations Pro I

FLSA: Exempt

FTE: 1.00

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in marine science, biology, environmental science or related environmental education field is required.
• Content knowledge in marine science, biology, coastal ecology and natural history.
• 2 years teaching experience student groups aboard boats and in field settings.
• Volunteer program management experience.
• Effective verbal/written communication skills related to public outreach and education with non-scientists.
• Prior work with volunteer groups and activities.
• Ability to collaborate and work effectively with a small team of educators, researchers, interns, volunteers, and other public stakeholders.

Position Summary:

The Marine Education Specialist is responsible for delivering marine science and coastal ecology education programs for PK-12 students, teachers, and public audiences through field investigations, laboratory activities, aquarium programs, tours, and vessel-based learning experiences. The position ensures participant safety while facilitating engaging educational programs in classroom, field, and marine environments.

The position also coordinates the Marine Education Center and Aquarium's volunteer program, including volunteer recruitment, training, scheduling, and engagement. Additional responsibilities include supporting program development, citizen science initiatives, public outreach activities, and visitor services that advance the educational mission of the Center

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:

• Skill in teaching a wide range of subjects to youth 4-18 years old
• Knowledge of marine science, coastal ecology, and natural history of Georgia's coast
• Broad knowledge of outdoor and environmental education
• Ability to work in an outdoor setting
• Ability to manage adult volunteers
• Ability to lead multi-age groups
• Ability to work with reptiles, marine fish and invertebrates
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting
• Multi-age First Aid and CPR Certification

Physical Demands:

• Working and teaching in all weather conditions (heat, humidity, cold, rain, wind, insects) of the Georgia coast
• Working and teaching in the coastal habitats including saltmarsh, sandy beach, maritime forest and on research vessels
• Walking throughout the day and in field conditions
• Moving and setting up teaching supplies and gear
• Sitting for some time while working at a computer
• Standing for long periods of time
• Driving as needed to perform job tasks
• Lifting 50 lbs

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:

Teaching

• Lead and instruct marine science and coastal ecology labs, field experiences, tours, and introductory discussions for PK-12 students, teachers, undergraduates and the general public.
• Serve as crew and educator aboard university education and research vessels.
• Lead and instruct 5-day summer marine science camp sessions
• Model positive teaching skills education fellows and interns, to include group management of various youth audiences
• Assist education team in the maintenance of teaching spaces and equipment
• Assist in the development of education activities and material.
• Ensure the safety of student/participant groups while on university led programs and boat trips.

Percentage of time: 60

Duties/Responsibilities:

Volunteer Program Coordination

• Develop, manage, and coordinate volunteer program including recruitment, training, data management, organization and planning of volunteer socials and recognition.
• Collaborate with education team and other Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant professionals to provide learning and service opportunities for volunteers
• Lead volunteer orientations, establish and maintain good volunteer relationships, and plan appreciation activities and events
• Lead volunteer orientations, administrative onboarding and regular volunteer meetings
• Communicate with volunteers through monthly emails, individual emails, and reminders.
• Use UGA platforms to document volunteer work and hours

Percentage of time: 30

Duties/Responsibilities:

Additional Duties

• Provide excellent customer service while attending the aquarium admission desk.
• Represent Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant at Special events, public festivals, school outreach events with other organizations in the field of marine science/ environmental education.
• Assist education faculty, professional staff, and aquarium curators as needed

Percentage of time: 10

Contact Details:

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

Recruitment Contact Name: Lisa Kovalanchik

Recruitment Contact Email: lisao@uga.edu