Agency

Department

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 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.

What You Need to Know

Salary: $65,000-$75,000/annually.

Cover Letter/Resume: A cover letter and resume are required. You may upload them on the application under the CV/Resume section. 

Other Requirements and Factors:

• This position is located in Galveston, TX.

• This position may require up to 25% or more travel.

• This position may require work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends.

• 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.

Qualifications

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.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work outdoors and aboard vessels exposed to various weather conditions.

• Ability to move light, medium or heavy objects with assistance.

• Some lifting/carrying of outreach materials or field gear up to 40 lbs.  

• Ability to travel independently to other and/or remote locations by driving and/or flying on commercial airlines

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.

Why Texas A&M University?

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.

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration. 

• 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.

• Automatic 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.

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.