Search #: 497191
Work type: Full-time
Location: Avery Point Campus
Categories: Faculty Temporary
INTRODUCTION
The Connecticut National Estuarine Research Reserve (CT NERR) is one of 30 Research Reserves in the country that are focused on research, education, and stewardship of estuarine ecosystems. It consists of more than 50,000 acres of marsh, upland and open water in Long Island and Fishers Island Sounds as well as the lower Connecticut and Thames Rivers. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides federal leadership and guidance to the Reserve system and works collaboratively with state partners to implement estuarine research, education, stewardship, and training programs.
The Reserve Manager is a non-tenure track faculty position hired at the rank of Extension Instructor or Asst./Assoc. Research Professor, depending on experience and level of education. The Manager is the public face of the Reserve and is expected to perform duties in a manner that promotes positive relationships with the community, increases public awareness of the site and the National Estuarine Research Reserve system, and builds support among the public, legislators, and other government officials of Connecticut. This includes treating all persons respectfully, engaging in effective working relationships with all staff, demonstrating openness to constructive feedback, and contributing to a positive and productive work environment both within the Reserve and among community partners.
Founded in 1881, UConn is a Land Grant and Sea Grant institution and member of the Space Grant Consortium. It is the state’s flagship institution of higher education and includes a main campus in Storrs, CT, four regional campuses throughout the state, and 13 Schools and Colleges, including a Law School in Hartford, and Medical and Dental Schools at the UConn Health campus in Farmington. The University has approximately 10,000 faculty and staff and 32,000 students, including nearly 24,000 undergraduates and over 8,000 graduate and professional students. UConn is a Carnegie Foundation R1 (highest research activity) institution, among the top 25 public universities in the nation. Through research, teaching, service, and outreach, UConn embraces diversity and cultivates leadership, integrity, and engaged citizenship in its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. UConn promotes the health and well-being of citizens by enhancing the social, economic, cultural, and natural environments of the state and beyond. The University serves as a beacon of academic and research excellence as well as a center for innovation and social service to communities. UConn is a leader in many scholarly, research, and innovation areas. Today, the path forward includes exciting opportunities and notable challenges. Record numbers of undergraduate applications and support for student success have enabled the University to become extraordinarily selective.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Reserve Manager provides overall leadership for the day-to-day operations of the Reserve, supervising the fiscal officer and the Stewardship, Research, Coastal Training Program, and Education Coordinators. He or she reports directly to the Reserve Center Director and engages with the Director in planning, budgetary matters, grant writing, and program evaluation.
- Convening and engaging with an Advisory Board and the Reserve’s Friends Group to create and sustain a shared vision of restoration and long-term management and support for the reserve.
- Planning, securing funding for, and coordinating all projects outlined in the 5-year reserve management plan, and updating that plan each cycle.
- Creating annual budgets, completing all required reporting, applying for needed permits, and managing the CT NERR staff.
- Administration, oversight, and facilitation of any research or monitoring projects undertaken by local researchers collaborating with the CT NERR, site partners, and visiting scientists interested in engaging with the CT NERR.
- Coordinating with University leadership, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CTDEEP), NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management (OCM), and the national NERR system to ensure that both system-wide requirements and local site priorities are achieved.
- Representing the Reserve on the NERRA board, and participating in annual System meetings and Reserve Manager visits to Capitol Hill.
- Other duties typically include integrating research, education, and outreach activities and participating in such activities, active integration of local ecological knowledge into ecosystem restoration science and management, evaluation and oversight of annual work plans and budget estimates produced by Stewardship, Coastal Training Program, Research and Education Coordinators, ensuring appropriate training and safety requirements for all staff, annual employee evaluations, organization of Reserve staff meetings, and participation in NERRS training sessions.
65% Oversight and management of operations
- Develop and implement a strategy aligned with the Reserve management plan and the goals of the National Estuarine Research Reserve system, including operating policies and procedures of the Connecticut Reserve.
- Generate and maintain partnerships with local municipalities, the private sector, underserved communities, and environmental organizations and agencies to develop responsive programming.
- Work with the Research, Stewardship, Education, and Coastal Training Program Coordinators to conceptualize, coordinate and manage grant proposals to fund Reserve initiatives.
- Plan, implement and monitor program budgets.
- Report progress to funders and the Reserve’s lead agencies and contribute to other training efforts within UConn and NOAA.
- Engage with the Reserve Friends Group on outreach, communications, and other opportunities for collaboration.
15% Professional development and training
- Provide leadership, professional development opportunities, support, and supervision for the Reserve staff, interns, and volunteers. Work to ensure good staff morale.
- Lead the hiring process, manage performance and resolve personnel issues.
- Work with staff to plan for and manage risk in outdoor locations.
- Occasionally serve on committees or boards related to the Reserve in the region, state, or National Estuarine Research Reserve system.
- Attend the National Estuarine Research Reserve Annual meeting, system-wide Managers’ meetings, and cross-sector regional meetings held throughout the year.
20% Direct support of and engagement with Reserve research, education, stewardship, and training programs
- Support Reserve operations including planning and facility development, estuary restoration and research, and other projects related to the overall role and function of the Reserve.
- Ensure that NERR system perspectives and best practices guide decisions and outcomes that fulfill the mission of the Reserve, UConn, and the NERR System.
- Regularly engage with colleagues to integrate training efforts across research, monitoring, stewardship, and education programs.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- A Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in planning, environmental education, water resources, marine sciences, natural resource management, conservation, or a related field.
- At least five years of experience in a leadership role, providing oversight, supervision, and strategic planning for programs related to the environment, science, and/or natural resources, especially watersheds or water resources.
- At least five years of experience and a successful record of obtaining competitive funding, grant management, contract management, tracking of metrics, and report writing.
- Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills that contribute to positive and productive workplace relationships, effective leadership, and sustained partnerships.
- Evidence of the ability to build effective relationships with people from different cultural backgrounds, including those associated with race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, socioeconomic status, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, and other aspects of human diversity.
- Valid driver’s license to utilize University fleet vehicles for work-related travel needs.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Ph.D. from an accredited college or university in planning, water resources, marine sciences, natural resource management, conservation, or a related field.
- Experience working within the National Estuarine Research Reserve system.
- Experience interacting with governmental officials or other coastal managers.
- Demonstrated success in developing, delivering, and evaluating programs for diverse audiences.
- Demonstrated experience developing effective partnerships or coalitions with community partners and local governments.
- Demonstrated skills in organization and facilitation of meetings and events.
- Knowledge of ecology, history, and resource management issues related to Connecticut or the Northeast USA.
APPOINTMENT TERMS
This position is a full-time, non-tenure track appointment. It is funded through the core CT NERR operating budget and is annually renewable based on performance, budget, and program needs. The position is located at the CT NERR Office in Groton, CT. Salary and rank will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Occasional regional travel is expected, as well as travel (some overnight) to national events relating to the position responsibilities.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.
TO APPLY
Please apply online to Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/24344 and submit the following application materials:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae
- Research and leadership statement (including experience in proposal development, mentorship of staff, etc.)
- Commitment to diversity statement (including broadening participation, integrating multicultural experiences in instruction and research and pedagogical techniques to meet the needs of diverse learning styles, etc.)
- Names and contact information for three references
For more information regarding the National Estuarine Research Reserve System please visit https://coast.noaa.gov/nerrs/.
At the University of Connecticut, our commitment to excellence is complemented by our commitment to building a culturally diverse community.
This position will be filled subject the budgetary approval.
All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.
The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.
Advertised: Feb 16 2023 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: Mar 16 2023 Eastern Daylight Time
