Washington Sea Grant (WSG) has an outstanding opportunity for a self-motivated and enthusiastic Coastal Management Specialist to support shoreline and coastal planners, resource managers, and individuals interested in coastal management in navigating complex coastal issues through outreach, education, and research in Washington State.

The Coastal Management Specialist will provide expertise on coastal development and management issues related to shoreline management, living shorelines, and coastal resilience. They will work with local governments, ports, state agencies, and tribes throughout the region to advance resilient coastal development. Reporting to the Team Lead for Coastal Resilience, the position requires a professional who will assume responsibility for several ongoing projects and work with other UW, state, federal, tribal and private entities to initiate and lead programs that enhance the vitality and sustainability of coastal communities in the Puget Sound and Pacific coast regions.

Position Complexities: The Coastal Management Specialist initiates, supports, coordinates, and leads educational, informational and technology transfer programs responsive to the management and planning needs of coastal communities. The position contributes substantially to WSG’s capacity to assist those communities in understanding and addressing the relationships among social, economic and ecological sustainability and resilience. The Coastal Management Specialist will have significant interaction with partners and stakeholders across coastal Washington.

Position Dimensions and Impact to the University: WSG is housed within the UW College of the Environment and is a unique unit with federally designated responsibilities for all of Washington to support ocean-related research, education, outreach, and communications. WSG serves the state and the region by providing technical assistance to coastal users and managers, engaging the public in activities that promote ecosystem health, educating students of all ages, and encouraging science-based solutions to marine issues. The Coastal Management Specialist will serve as a conduit between the university and multitude of Washington community members as well as tribal, governmental and non-governmental partners - to connect them with WSG and UW expertise and resources. WSG maintains a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, by pursuing diverse perspectives, and enhancing cultural understanding. WSG works to create equitable access to resources and opportunities for Washington’s diverse communities and seeks to incorporate their voices and priorities. WSG’s values are informed by environmental justice and are based in a culture of inclusion, respect, long-term engagement and accountability.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Coastal Management Specialist will develop and maintain a program of work that focuses on coastal management priorities, relies on advanced knowledge of coastal issues and requires independent decisions on technical problems and approaches. The position will serve as a key member of multidisciplinary projects and activities, acting as project manager, instructor and mentor as appropriate and supervising student participation, when relevant. Specific duties include:

• Coordinate the Shoreline and Coastal Planners Group to facilitate networking and development for professionals at local, state, federal and tribal agencies, conservation districts, non-governmental organizations and consulting firms to support implementation of the state’s Shoreline Management Act, Growth Management Act and other similar programs.
• Partner with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Estuary and Salmon Restoration Program to coordinate the Shore Friendly Advisory Committee to encourage sustainable coastal development including implementation of voluntary incentives to promote homebuilding that preserves coastal ecosystem services.
• Collaborate with the Washington State Department of Ecology Coastal Training Program to develop and deliver training to support sustainable coastal development and restoration.
• Support development of the Coastal Storms Monitoring System (CoSMoS) for Washington as a tool for use in coastal planning.
• Develop and facilitate workshops, conferences, webinars, etc. regarding current coastal management issues. Develop and contribute to other programs and activities that connect coastal planners and communities with the best available science, tools and resources to support assessment, planning and adaptation in the face of today’s most pressing coastal management challenges, including climate change, sea level rise, shoreline restoration, etc.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with relevant local, state, federal and tribal personnel and non-governmental organizations.
• Explore opportunities for Washington Sea Grant to support working waterways and waterfronts.

Other duties include:

• Contributes to maintaining a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, by valuing diverse perspectives, enhancing cultural understanding, and supporting equal access to programming that facilitates sound, place-based decision-making based on relevant traditional and local knowledge.
• Participate in relevant Sea Grant, local, regional and national networks.
• Participate in the development of grant proposals to support related project implementation, research and extension efforts.
• Contribute to WSG program reporting and evaluations.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Master's degree or above in Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, Marine Affairs or Public Policy with a major emphasis in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, landscape architecture, geography, land use or environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or closely related field.
• A minimum of three years of work experience in a related field which demonstrates applicable experience for the position.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Successful community/public engagement, outreach, and facilitation experience, including work translating and applying research products for use of and benefit to various partners and resource user groups.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills that demonstrate the ability to interpret technical information and explain it accurately in non-technical language.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Work experience in a planning department in a local, state or tribal jurisdiction.
• Work experience that demonstrates success in developing outreach partnerships and initiatives with academic, government, technical, tribal and nongovernmental organizations on coastal management issues.
• Work experience with public speaking, presentation and meeting facilitation.
• Commitment to principles of diversity, equity and inclusion shared by Washington Sea Grant and the UW College of the Environment.
• Understanding of Washington planning structure; Growth Management Act, Shoreline Management Act.
• Capacity to manage demanding workflow; initiate, manage and complete tasks with minimal supervision; work effectively with diverse constituencies in-person and remotely via email and phone; and maintain attention to detail and process.
• Understanding of coastal hazards and sea level rise issues related to Washington State.
• Experience with Microsoft Office and Google suite products. This position will use an Apple laptop.

This position is posted Open until Filled, however, to ensure consideration, please apply by Nov. 20, 2022.

Location: Seattle Campus

Learn more about this opportunity and how to apply.