Education and Outreach Assistant

Posting Details

• Posting Number: S15751P.
• Working Title: Education and Outreach Assistant.
• Department: PSO-Marine Extension Service.
• Classification Title: Program Assistant I. FLSA: Non-Exempt. FTE: 1.0.
• Location of Vacancy: Savannah Area.
• Proposed Starting Date: 11/02/2026.

About the University of Georgia

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university. The proof is in more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and a continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of 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 the 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, Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant helps communities protect coastal resources through sustainable, science-based solutions. Its 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. The unit also prepares the next generation of educators and marine scientists through workforce development opportunities for college students. Meanwhile, its 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

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 Discovery 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.

Duties/Responsibilities

• (40% of time) Support daily operations of the GRNMS Ocean Discovery Center including developing, planning and implementing formal and informal marine education and interpretive programs and activities.
• (20% of time) 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.
• (15% of time) Recruit, train, schedule and coordinate Gray’s Reef volunteer activities. This includes identifying training needs, developing and implementing training, scheduling, and volunteer appreciation.
• (20% of time) 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.
• (5% of time) Support other GRNMS activities as necessary, including assisting with and supporting external funding opportunities that support the GRNMS education and outreach programs.

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.

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.

Position Requirements and Conditions

• Full/Part time: Full Time. Benefits eligible. Retirement plan: TRS. Some weekend and evening work will be required.
• Advertised salary: commensurate with experience.
• Posting date: 09/17/2026. Open until filled.
• 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.
• 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? No.
• Posting specific question: do you have a valid driver’s license?

Credit and P-Card policy: be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities.

Background Investigation Policy: offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in the 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. Applicants may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable.

Applicant Documents

Required documents: Resume/CV; Cover Letter; List of References with Contact Information.

Recruitment Contact

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please contact Elliott Lam: elliott.lam@noaa.gov.

Equal Opportunity and Core Values

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 University HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

The University System of Georgia is comprised of 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Its statement of core values is Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that USG does as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. USG also supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

How to Apply

More information and application: https://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/506403