Extension Program Assistant, Florida Sea Grant

University of Florida•Charlotte, NC

5d•$17 - $17

About The Position

Planning, Program Support & Public Engagement: Support and participate in the delivery of science-based educational and volunteer programs focused on coastal and marine resource conservation. Responsibilities include scheduling, preparing materials, managing registration, and communicating with participants. The assistant will attend and support program activities in the field and classroom, contributing to hands-on efforts such as participatory science (formerly citizen science) monitoring and marine education for a wide range of stakeholder groups. Current programs include (but are not limited to) Florida Master Naturalist Program classes, Eyes on Seagrass, Florida Horseshoe Crab Watch, and school-age youth outreach. The incumbent will also assist in the formatting of educational materials such as presentations, fact sheets, and newsletters that support program goals and enhance public understanding of marine science. May include driving a state vehicle or assisting with fieldwork. Data Maintenance & Administrative Support: Maintain accurate records of program participation, volunteer hours, and evaluation data. Assist with compiling reports, tracking program outcomes, and managing databases related to volunteer and educational programming. Responsibilities also include supporting financial processes such as depositing checks, tracking expenditures, and maintaining records using university-approved systems and procedures. The assistant will follow UF/IFAS financial frameworks to ensure proper documentation and reconciliation of program-related transactions and may assist with preparing budget reports, purchase documentation, and other administrative tasks that support program operations. Public Inquiries & Digital Communications: Serve as a point of contact for community members seeking information on a wide range of local marine/coastal topics or information on Florida Sea Grant and UF/IFAS Extension programs. Respond to inquiries via phone and email, providing accurate information or directing individuals to appropriate resources. Maintain the program’s digital presence by updating social media platforms and websites with relevant content, ensuring timely communication and consistent visibility. These tasks support broader outreach efforts and help connect different audiences to marine science and coastal stewardship opportunities. Training & Professional Development: Participate in training to improve knowledge of marine and coastal resource conservation, volunteer coordination, data tracking, and other relevant topics. Other Duties as Assigned, as directed by the supervisor or County Extension Director. OTHER CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POSITION: This position involves a combination of indoor office work, teaching, and outdoor field activities. Tasks may require physical effort such as lifting and transporting outreach materials, setting up event spaces, and working in marine and coastal environments. Depending on assignment, the position may involve bending, walking, sitting, pulling, lifting, grasping, hearing, seeing up close and at a distance, kneeling, reaching, pushing, talking, standing, repetitive motions, and depth perception. Fieldwork may include frequent lifting of 10–30 pounds, kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, wading, or hiking in natural areas with variable and sometimes adverse conditions. SCUBA diving may be an option if the incumbent holds appropriate certification. The ability to adapt to a variety of physical settings and tasks is essential. SUPERVISION: The incumbent will be directly supervised by Charlotte County’s Florida Sea Grant Extension Agent, with overall program oversight by the County Extension Director. This position does not supervise others but may oversee volunteers & program participants. NORMAL WORK SCHEDULE: This is a full-time position (40 hours per week). The typical work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a one-hour lunch break. Flexibility in scheduling is required, as occasional evening or weekend hours may be necessary to support outreach events, volunteer activities, or field-based programs. Adjustments to the typical schedule will be made to accommodate these needs. REQUIRED LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS OF LAW: Possession and maintenance of a valid State of Florida driver’s license. PROGRAM DIRECTION AND DEVELOPMENT: The Program Assistant will be responsible for executing specific tasks that support the delivery of established Florida Sea Grant programs designed to meet community needs and university reporting standards. COMMUNICATION: This position requires regular communication with both internal and external stakeholders to support the delivery of Florida Sea Grant programs. Internally, the Program Assistant will collaborate closely with UF/IFAS faculty, Extension staff, and supervisors to coordinate program activities and ensure alignment with organizational goals. Externally, the assistant will engage with a wide range of audiences including county government departments, natural resource managers and agencies, non-profit organizations, educators, and local businesses that depend on coastal resources—such as commercial fishermen, charter operators, and ecotourism providers. The assistant will respond to inquiries via phone, email, and in person, providing accurate information and connecting stakeholders with relevant resources. UF/IFAS Extension is committed to serving a wide range of stakeholder groups, and this position plays a key role in maintaining those connections in Charlotte County. MONETARY RESPONSIBILITY: Program Assistant will be expected to follow university policy & procedures to track and use program funds, which may include managing They may be tasked with purchase responsibilities. STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONFIDENTIAL DATA: The Program Assistant may be required to submit a signed statement of confidentiality based on information to which they have access. CREATIVITY, STRATEGY AND LEADERSHIP: The Program Assistant supports the Sea Grant Agent in the outreach and implementation of Florida Sea Grant programs on behalf of UF/IFAS Extension and Charlotte County. These programs are designed to meet identified community needs and fulfill university reporting requirements. UF/IFAS Extension, Florida Sea Grant and its representatives are recognized as leaders in natural resource education and engagement, and the Program Assistant will serve as a visible representative of both the Agent and their programs in the community.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Possession and maintenance of a valid State of Florida driver’s license.
The Program Assistant will be responsible for executing specific tasks that support the delivery of established Florida Sea Grant programs designed to meet community needs and university reporting standards.
This position requires regular communication with both internal and external stakeholders to support the delivery of Florida Sea Grant programs.
Program Assistant will be expected to follow university policy & procedures to track and use program funds, which may include managing They may be tasked with purchase responsibilities.
The Program Assistant may be required to submit a signed statement of confidentiality based on information to which they have access.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in ecological, conservation or education fields; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Strong written and oral communication skills, to include accuracy; attention to detail; creative writing and ability to write correspondence and publications as required.
Experience with marine fieldwork
Skills in communicating technical and scientific information in a relatable way.
Web design and other IT skills including proficiency in Canvas and ArcGIS.
Ability to access, coordinate, and utilize University, county, municipal, and community resources in the assigned area of discipline.
Ability to develop and independently maintain accurate monitoring systems, tracking systems, records and reports.
Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting department rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Ability to make recommendations and to use resourcefulness and tact in solving new problems.
Skill in the use of standard office computer equipment and software applications.
Demonstrated organizational, time-management skills and ability to handle multiple projects at the same time.
Ability to interact with personnel and the public in a positive and effective manner, and to establish and maintain effective working relationships and deliver excellent customer service.
Ability to operate a range of motor vehicle sizes, including 15-person vans, boats and towing trailers.

Responsibilities

Support and participate in the delivery of science-based educational and volunteer programs focused on coastal and marine resource conservation.
Responsibilities include scheduling, preparing materials, managing registration, and communicating with participants.
Attend and support program activities in the field and classroom, contributing to hands-on efforts such as participatory science (formerly citizen science) monitoring and marine education for a wide range of stakeholder groups.
Assist in the formatting of educational materials such as presentations, fact sheets, and newsletters that support program goals and enhance public understanding of marine science.
Maintain accurate records of program participation, volunteer hours, and evaluation data.
Assist with compiling reports, tracking program outcomes, and managing databases related to volunteer and educational programming.
Supporting financial processes such as depositing checks, tracking expenditures, and maintaining records using university-approved systems and procedures.
Follow UF/IFAS financial frameworks to ensure proper documentation and reconciliation of program-related transactions and may assist with preparing budget reports, purchase documentation, and other administrative tasks that support program operations.
Serve as a point of contact for community members seeking information on a wide range of local marine/coastal topics or information on Florida Sea Grant and UF/IFAS Extension programs.
Respond to inquiries via phone and email, providing accurate information or directing individuals to appropriate resources.
Maintain the program’s digital presence by updating social media platforms and websites with relevant content, ensuring timely communication and consistent visibility.
Participate in training to improve knowledge of marine and coastal resource conservation, volunteer coordination, data tracking, and other relevant topics.