Science and Restoration Manager

The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP), a National Estuary Program located in Sarasota, Florida, is hiring a Science and Restoration Manager to coordinate SBEP’s scientific and coastal restoration activities. Under the guidance of the Executive Director, the incumbent will be responsible for developing and managing projects and programs, will ensure the work of SBEP is informed by current science, and will communicate Bay-related scientific information. The Science and Restoration Manager will play a leading and integrating role among the many scientists and partner organizations at work in the Sarasota Bay watershed. The successful candidate will have a high level of technical knowledge related to natural resources, the ability to independently manage multiple priorities, and work effectively alongside a team. Their work will strengthen SBEP’s reputation as a source of reliable information on Sarasota Bay.

Project Management (50%)

• Serve as coordinator and project manager for SBEP’s technical projects and contracts.
• Develop scopes of work, prepare Request for Proposals (RFP) language, and coordinate the contractor selection process including advertisement and review of proposals.
• Develop work plans, project timelines, vendor contracts, and purchase orders.
• Develop and closely monitor project budgets, review invoices, and ensure invoices are submitted in a timely manner.
• Oversee day-to-day activities of contractors and facilitate the final review to ensure all project goals are met.

Scientific Activities (25%)

• Stay informed on current science and research related to estuarine ecology, specifically issues affecting Sarasota Bay.
• Facilitate needed synthesis and interpretation of existing data to provide guidance on estuary environmental issues.
• Develop reports on indicators of Sarasota Bay health.
• Track progress on the Water Quality Protection Plan for Sarasota Bay and provide annual updates to the Water Quality Report Card.
• Work with SBEP staff, partners, and local communities to set science priorities and participate in research on Sarasota Bay.
• Coordinate community-engaged science such as the Eyes on Seagrass monitoring program.
• Implement the SBEP Habitat Restoration Plan by evaluating ecological conditions and data to make appropriate project recommendations.
• Track Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan (CCMP) implementation.

Science Communication (20%)

• Coordinate and facilitate the SBEP’s Technical Advisory Committee. Provide consistent communication to members, develop meeting agendas, recruit guest speakers, and engage new members.
• Communicate with other scientists and stakeholders at academic organizations, and local, state, and federal agencies about issues related to Sarasota Bay.
• Ensure partners and policy makers have necessary information regarding SBEP policies, programs, and data to assist in implementation of the CCMP.
• Translate scientific information on Sarasota Bay for the public and work alongside the Public Outreach staff to provide technical input for SBEP’s website, e-newsletters, and social media.
• Make presentations to community groups about SBEP goals, projects, programs, and ecological issues that affect Bay health.
• Serve on committees and workgroups concerned with addressing the complex issues impacting Sarasota Bay and its watershed.
• Cultivate existing, and invite new, partnerships with science leaders and organizations to protect and improve Bay health.

Administrative Tasks (5%)

• Compile habitat restoration implementation progress reports (e.g., NEPORT).
• Contribute to the writing and editing of annual work plans and EPA mid-year and annual reports.
• On a five-to-ten-year cycle, provide updates to the Habitat Restoration Master Plan and Water Quality Monitoring Plan, and assist with CCMP updates.
• Additional duties as reasonably assigned.

Requirements:

Master’s degree or higher in biology, ecology, marine sciences, oceanography, environmental management, environmental science, or a related field, plus three (3) or more years of directly related work experience.

• Project management experience, including creating and overseeing project budgets, directing consultants or contractors, and assessing work products.
• Knowledge and experience in estuarine science and management, especially in areas of water quality and coastal habitat restoration.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present and discuss complex environmental topics with fellow scientists, resource managers, the SBEP Management and Policy Boards, and the community.
• Experience leading workgroups with a variety of stakeholders (e.g., federal, state, local, non-governmental, the public, etc.).
• Ability to facilitate consensus among scientists and resource managers on complex environmental issues.
• Familiarity with modern quantitative data analysis techniques and tools, including statistics.
• Experience using ArcGIS, and/or related software.
• Can provide own transportation, proof of a valid driver’s license, and compliance with Florida law regarding vehicle insurance.
• Fieldwork, both on water and on land, is an essential requirement of this position. Candidates must be able to climb in and out of watercraft, swim, snorkel, walk more than one mile, and lift 50 lbs. Work may involve exposure to natural hazards such as uneven terrain, dense vegetation, high temperatures, sun exposure, and irritating plants and animals.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in marine science, coastal ecology, or related discipline.
• Previous experience working for a public (federal, state, or local) agency.
• Professional experience addressing environmental issues affecting Sarasota Bay and its watershed.
• Experience conducting scientific research, preferably in estuarine science and/or water quality management.
• Extensive technical understanding of broad range of issues related to watershed management, including water quality monitoring and assessment, non-point source pollution, stormwater management, habitat restoration, and invasive species identification and control.
• Boating experience and knowledge of local waterways and/or completion of an approved boating safety course.

Weekends and Travel:  Occasional evening and weekend work will be required for presentations and events. Day travel throughout Sarasota and Manatee County will occur regularly, and personal auto miles will be compensated. There will be occasional overnight travel to attend conferences, trainings, and meetings.

Pre-Screen of Applicants for Eligibility:  SBEP participates in E-Verify, a screening system that allows employers to determine the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. The selected applicant will also be subject to a criminal background check.

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary:  The successful candidate will be hired at a salary within the range of $70,000 to $80,000 annually, commensurate with education and work experience.

Retirement:  SBEP participates in the Florida Retirement System (www.myfrs.com).

Deferred Compensation:  Nationwide 457 Plan available.

Health, Dental and Vision:  Employer paid for the employee.

Life Insurance:  Employer paid for the employee.

Paid Leave:  Competitive leave package, including annual, sick, personal days, and holidays.

Location and Hours:  A flexible, hybrid work environment. Office location in downtown Sarasota with free parking.