Marine Debris Extension Specialist

The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is located in the heart of downtown L.A. and is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles. As an employee of USC, you will be a part of a world-class research university and a member of the “Trojan Family,” which is comprised of the faculty, students and staff that make the university a great place to work.  

As a community of Dornsife College “we are committed to the creation, preservation, and communication of fundamental knowledge in all its forms…as well as a lifelong passion for learning and a commitment to the betterment of society.”  The academic mission of Dornsife College can only be realized to its fullest potential when we build and protect a representative, equitable, inclusive culture of scholarship for students, faculty, and staff.  This is not done through initiatives but by embedding these values into the everyday interactions, relationships, policies, and practices of the College.  What is required is a seamless integration of the tenets of equity and inclusivity into every facet of academic life.  If we want our scholars, staff, and students to be able to give their very best, we must create an academic environment that portends success.  

Success is possible when every member of the Dornsife community owns their role as a steward of the culture in which we learn, research, and work; when we believe that it is because of who we are that we are able to do what we do: achieve excellence, together. 

Achieving a robust and inclusive academic culture requires more than just the completion of a task, but includes that person’s capacity to contribute positively to the relationships and culture of their office or department.  Therefore, any applicant seeking to advance the mission of Dornsife College should also be assessed on their capacities beyond the technical elements of their work, and demonstrate an understanding of their impact on others, and to articulate how they contribute positively to those around them.

The USC Sea Grant Program (USC SG) and the USC Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability (WIES) are seeking an experienced Marine Debris Extension Specialist to work with communities in Southern California to develop improved technologies as well as impactful outreach and education programming to decrease the amount of marine debris and microplastics that enter into coastal systems. The incumbent will help lead research and policy development on marine microplastics, contribute to program management, and develop extension work that connects program outcomes to public stakeholders. The position aligns with USC Sea Grant’s Healthy Coastal Ecosystems priority area and the National NOAA Sea Grant Marine Debris Program; it will also align with one or more of the USC Wrigley Institute’s three Research Centers : the Center for Earth and Environmental Systems, the Center for Social Transformation, or the Center for Applied Environmental Solutions. The Marine Debris Extension Specialist position is renewable after the initial two years, contingent upon additional funding sources.

1. Anticipated Duties (80% time)

The extension specialist will work collaboratively with watershed and coastal communities to develop and implement strategies for understanding how multiple challenges associated with marine debris and microplastic pollution can be addressed through planning, policy, and project approaches. Anticipated duties include:

• Conduct engagement and facilitation of meetings with interested parties including decision makers, practitioners, NGOs and the public and develop programming to meet the information needs of local, state and federal agencies and interest groups that are engaged in marine debris issues
• Assemble a Technical Advisory Committee of Southern California water quality managers, scientists, and public works community members related to marine debris
• Co-create an “Education and Engagement” working group with educators and community-based organizations in Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and San Francisco Counties to promote the development of K-12 educational resources.  
• Interpret and disseminate findings related to marine debris research across the National Sea Grant College Program Marine Debris working group and within networks at USC SG and WIES.
• Co-develop programs with USC faculty to engage undergraduate-level student learning to address marine debris management issues, including around the application of GIS tools.
• Grow and develop programmatic partnership initiatives that lead to the development of new grant proposals related to marine debris.
• Lead and/or co-lead in the development of journal articles or other public-facing documents;
• Participate in the periodic research solicitation and review program for USC Sea Grant, which includes working with interested parties as they develop proposals for submission and periodic evaluation of awarded grant project reports.

2. General Scholarship Duties (15%)

• Participate in meetings with interested parties throughout Southern California.
• Share and/or present results at regional or national professional meetings and venues.
• Participate in professional development opportunities.
• Travel overnight occasionally, as required.

3. Core Administrative Duties (5%)

• Attend USC SG and WIES staff meetings and other events as appropriate.
• Maintain shared, flex, and all office spaces in a professional manner; update computer security and virus protection software, and ensure computer files and records are backed-up on a timely basis.
• Maintain a current calendar of events, travel, and program activity viewable to staff through shared calendar programs (e.g. Outlook or Gmail)

Minimum qualifications:

• Minimum Education: BA or BS or equivalent experience in a field related to coastal policy, health or water quality from an accredited institution or equivalent in a relevant field (e.g., environmental science; environmental and/or natural resource management, planning or policy; environmental systems analysis, environmental risk analysis, etc.).
• Minimum Experience: 2 years with project management or administrative experience.
• Demonstrated experience in effectively communicating complex scientific information to lay audiences and non-specialists

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in a field related to coastal policy, health or water quality (e.g., environmental science; environmental and/or natural resource management, planning or policy; environmental systems analysis, environmental risk analysis, etc.)
• General planning experience including city comprehensive/general plans.
• Demonstrated experience working with community members to address coastal and/or marine resource vulnerabilities and adaptation strategies.
• Strong understanding of issues related to the marine environment, coastal processes, sand replenishment; extensive knowledge of sea level rise adaptation strategies, coastal economics, or city planning is highly desirable.
• Broad knowledge of coastal/land use management policy and practices, including the California Coastal Act and Local Coastal Programs.
• Proficiency in developing workshops and presentations, facilitating groups, and coordinating councils, boards, commissions, agencies and interested parties.
• Experience in grant writing and managing grants and grant-funded projects and studies.
• Excellent project management skills and demonstrated ability to work successfully within a team setting as well as independently on projects, grants and outreach across a wide range of settings and groups.
• Excellent written, interpersonal, and group presentation communication skills.

About the USC Sea Grant Program:

The University of Southern California (USC) Sea Grant Program  is part of a National Sea Grant network of 34 university-based programs located throughout the nation, and administered and supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). USC Sea Grant’s mission is to contribute to solving the problems of the Urban Ocean; foster the public’s understanding of coastal, ocean, and social science; recognize opportunities for the blue economy, coastal commerce, and recreation; solicit and fund relevant, innovative science to inform better decision-making, and improve the quality of life in coastal regions across Southern California. USC Sea Grant is part of the Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability  at the University of Southern California.

About the USC Wrigley Institute: The Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability  at the University of Southern California is one of the nation’s premier research universities. Based in Los Angeles at the USC campus, the institute also has its own dedicated campus on California’s beautiful Santa Catalina Island. The Wrigley Institute’s mission is to inspire global environmental solutions through frontier research and education, and it plays a key role in USC’s high-profile sustainability initiatives.

Through education, research, and engagement, the Wrigley Institute trains the next generation of environmental leaders, develops original solutions to the world’s most pressing environmental problems, and encourages nonpartisan action for sustainability and environmental justice. The Wrigley Institute is home to:

• The Environmental Studies academic program, which grants both undergraduate and graduate degrees;
• The Wrigley Marine Science Center, our Catalina Island campus and field research base;
• USC Sea Grant, which leads research, education, and outreach activities with a specific focus on policy and management of the ‘urban ocean’;
• Research centers on Earth & Environmental Systems, Applied Environmental Solutions, and Social Transformation;
• The USC Hyperbaric Chamber, which serves the Southern California dive community; and
• Signature public events that bring together business leaders, policymakers, activists, and scholars for conversations of consequence on the environment and sustainability. 

Diversity: USC recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission and are committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

USC provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  

POSITION TYPE: Full Time, 2 yrs grant funded – but extendable pending funding.

LOCATION: In-person/hybrid at University of Southern California’s University Park Campus. The position will be hosted in the office complex of the Sea Grant Program and the USC Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability.

JOB OPEN DATE: Immediately

JOB CLOSE DATE: Open until filled 

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional development training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts (HSA) with University contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee well-being program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website  for more information regarding benefits.

Hourly range: The hourly rate range for this position is $30.27 - $33.85. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Required Documents and Additional Information:

• Resume and cover letter required (may be uploaded as one file).
• Job openings are posted for a minimum of (5) five business days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended, so please apply on the same business day if interested.
• USC has excellent benefits, including health benefits for staff and their family with access to the renowned university medical network; eligibility for retirement plans with employer contributions after six months of employment; tuition benefits for staff and their family; free Professional Development classes; central Los Angeles location with easy access to commuter trains, buses and free tram pick up services; discounts to sporting and other campus events.

Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

The University of Southern California is an Equal Opportunity Employer that Values Diversity.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 2 years Minimum Field of Expertise: Directly related professional experience in program specialization, e.g., counseling or teaching.