Commercial Fisheries and Seafood Specialist

Job Details

Texas Sea Grant is seeking a full-time Commercial Fisheries and Seafood Extension Specialist to support and strengthen Texas' commercial fisheries and seafood industries through stakeholder engagement, education, outreach, and partnership development. Based in Galveston, Texas, this position serves on the Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture team and leads extension programming that supports the commercial fisheries and seafood sectors. The ideal candidate is knowledgeable about Texas seafood industries and fisheries; has strong communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills; and is comfortable engaging with seafood communities and varied stakeholder groups.

Essential Duties/Tasks
 

• Program Planning, Coordination, and Implementation - Develops, implements, and evaluates extension programs that support Texas' commercial fishing and seafood industries. Collaborates with extension staff, commercial fishermen, seafood businesses, natural resource managers, policy makers, researchers, and other partners to develop new educational programs and resources. Provides technical assistance to commercial fisheries (e.g., conducting Turtle Excluder Device and Bycatch Reduction Device checks in shrimp nets) and the seafood industry (e.g., supporting Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point [HACCP] requirements). Plans and delivers workshops, technical and safety trainings (e.g., U.S. Coast Guard Drill Conductor training), and other educational and stakeholder engagement events. Coordinates the Gulf Commercial Fisherman Program to train commercial fishing deckhands and captains. Supports seafood marketing, promotion, and education through the Texas Seafood Trail and related initiatives. Develops educational materials including fact sheets, training guides, presentations, and digital resources. Identifies funding opportunities and assists with grant proposal development.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Development - Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with commercial fishermen, seafood businesses, government agencies, coastal communities, and other partners. Represents Texas Sea Grant at meetings, conferences, working groups, and outreach events. Conducts stakeholder engagement through meetings and visits to docks, seafood businesses, and related field activities to identify industry needs and opportunities.
• Fiscal Management and Budget Oversight - Assists with development and monitoring of program and grant budgets. Oversees purchasing and other fiscal activities associated with assigned programs and events.
• Staff Supervision and Training - May supervise interns and student workers. Develops and delivers training on commercial fisheries and seafood topics to extension personnel, interns, and student workers.
• Reporting and Program Evaluation - Evaluates program effectiveness using appropriate evaluation methods. Prepares reports for internal and external use. Monitors progress toward program goals and documents impacts.

Requirements

Required Education and Experience:
 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Four years of related experience.
  
   

Preferred Qualifications:
 

• Master’s degree in fisheries, marine science, natural resource management, or relevant field.
• Demonstrated experience developing and delivering extension, outreach, or educational programs pertaining to fisheries or related coastal or marine topics.
• Experience working with commercial fisheries, seafood businesses, or coastal communities in Texas or the Gulf of America.
• Experience collaborating with fishing industry partners, natural resource management agencies, nonprofit organizations, Sea Grant programs, or other stakeholder groups.
• Experience facilitating stakeholder meetings, workshops, or other collaborative events.
• Experience identifying funding opportunities and developing grant proposals.
• Knowledge of Texas or Gulf of America commercial fisheries and seafood industries.
• Certifications in U.S. Coast Guard Drill Conductor training or Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) training.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and either Spanish or Vietnamese is preferred to enhance outreach and communication with fishery stakeholders.
  
   

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
 

• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong meeting facilitation, collaboration, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to build and maintain productive working relationships with internal team members and various stakeholders.
• Ability to communicate technical or scientific information to varied audiences.
• Ability to develop and deliver educational and stakeholder engagement programs.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple projects simultaneously, and shift priorities as needed.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Skilled in utilizing various learning and active listening strategies.
• Ability to orally comprehend and express information and use inductive and deductive reasoning.

Contact Information

916