Summer Field Program Specialist

Job Summary
The Summer Field Program Specialist supports the development, implementation, and expansion of the University of Southern Mississippi’s Summer Field Program at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory. This position manages program scheduling, student registration, and course coordination in alignment with university requirements. The Specialist also oversees program logistics, including research vessel trips, laboratory space, sampling equipment, and transportation, while conducting recruitment, marketing, and outreach efforts. By coordinating operations and collaborating with faculty, staff, and partners, this role ensures the effective delivery and continued growth of the Summer Field Program.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinates Summer Field Program by managing course information and schedules in SOAR, ensuring compliance with university guidelines and maintaining accurate program records.
• Conducts student admissions, application review, and registration. Maintains student files and ensures accurate recordkeeping in both electronic and hard-copy formats.
• Implements recruitment and marketing strategies. Develops and disseminates promotional materials, conducts in-person and virtual recruitment activities at local, regional, and national levels, and represents the program through outreach requiring periodic overnight travel.
• Manages program logistics and field operations. Coordinates day-to-day activities including vessel trips, laboratory assignments, sampling equipment, transportation arrangements, and student transport to instructional and field sites, as needed.
• Supports financial and administrative operations. Assists with budget preparation, monitors expenditures, reconciles accounts, obtains scientific collection permits, and purchases required supplies and equipment.
• Collaborates with faculty, staff, and external partners. Works productively with USM personnel and affiliate contacts to support program operations and ensure alignment with institutional goals. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to the sciences and one to two years related experience and/or training working on administrative tasks and/or record keeping.  A valid Driver’s License is required. Have CPR and First Aid Certification or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of beginning employment.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Adept in office systems and technology
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate with all groups of individuals
• Excellent organization and time management skills
• Resourceful and determined to provide a positive experience for others
• Detail oriented
• Ability to anticipate needs
• Ability to give presentations to all audiences
• Ability to travel and complete overnight stays

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience and/or training in an academic setting or working with student records
• Familiar with procurement policies for the State of Mississippi
• Familiar with state and federal scientific collection permitting processes
• Ability to travel locally and/or regionally for program promotion