Science and Outreach Specialist

SCIENCE AND OUTREACH SPECIALIST                                                                                                                      

position Announcement

The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP) is currently hiring a Science and Outreach Specialist to support SBEP’s public engagement, volunteer coordination, and community-based science initiatives. This is a hybrid, full-time role requiring a minimum of 40 hours per week, with periodic evening and weekend work. Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in the natural or social sciences with at least three (3) years of directly related experience, or a Master’s degree in the natural or social sciences with a minimum of one (1) year of directly related experience. The annual salary for this position ranges from $45,000 to $55,000 and includes benefits such as paid leave and health insurance. Final compensation will be determined based on the candidate’s education, experience, and qualifications.

Position Details
SBEP is a National Estuary Program based in Sarasota, Florida, working to protect and restore the health of Sarasota Bay. The Science and Outreach Specialist will play a key role in helping the public understand and connect with the Bay through community events, volunteer programs, citizen science, and educational outreach. Working closely with the Public Outreach Manager and Science and Restoration Manager, the Science and Outreach Specialist will plan and lead events, support volunteer programs, communicate Bay science to diverse audiences, and help build strong community partnerships. This is a hands-on, highly collaborative role that blends science, education, and public engagement.

Outreach and Event Coordination (~40%)

• Assist in the planning, execution, and evaluation of major SBEP campaigns and events.
• Coordinate logistics, marketing, and volunteer participation for outreach events such as cleanups, workdays, invasive species removals, kayak paddling trips, and educational programs.
• Support volunteer appreciation initiatives and help create new events to reach diverse audiences.
• Track and report volunteer engagement and event metrics.

Citizen Science and Program Support (~30%)

• Coordinate volunteer logistics, gear, and data collection for programs such as Eyes on Seagrass.
• Serve as liaison for partner programs or committees that advance citizen science.
• Organize, archive, and prepare data collected from citizen science programs for analysis.
• Assist with scientific and outreach program implementation aligned with the SBEP Comprehensive jobshiringnearme.org Management Plan.

Communications and Public Engagement (~20%)

• Produce content for SBEP’s website, newsletters, and social media, including graphics, posts, and science or community focused articles.
• Represent SBEP at community and professional events, delivering presentations to a variety of audiences.
• Maintain and update outreach materials and internal archives, as needed.
• Support grant-based outreach initiatives and partnerships, as needed.
• Assist in planning and implementing communication strategies to reach new and underserved audiences.

Administrative Support (~10%)

• Provide logistical support for SBEP-hosted meetings and workshops.
• Support internal special projects, outreach materials management, and scientific equipment as needed.
• Assist with reporting, grant documentation, and other operational tasks as assigned.
• Travel locally and occasionally overnight to attend off-site events, conferences, and partner meetings.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, marine science, ecology, biology, communications, or a related field, and three (3) or more years of relevant experience in community engagement, environmental education, or citizen science programs.
  OR
• Master’s degree in a related field and one (1) or more years of directly related experience.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Demonstrated experience coordinating events, volunteer programs, or community engagement initiatives.
• Strong written, verbal, and visual communication skills, with experience creating materials for diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with citizen science programs, environmental monitoring, or community-based science.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects independently.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and experience with social media, website content management, or graphic design preferred.
• Ability to provide own transportation, possess a valid driver’s license, and comply with Florida vehicle insurance laws.
• Ability to perform outdoor fieldwork, including walking over uneven terrain, lifting up to 30lbs., and working in hot, sunny, or wet conditions

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with estuarine or coastal science topics.
• Prior work with local government, schools, or non-profit environmental organizations.
• Experience presenting to community groups or professional audiences.
• Experience with grant-supported outreach initiatives or event planning.
• Boating or paddling experience and knowledge of local waterways.

Weekends and Travel: Periodic evening and weekend work will be required for presentations and events as part of the employee’s regular 40-hour work week.

Day travel throughout Sarasota and Manatee County will occur regularly, and personal auto miles will be compensated. There will be occasional overnight travel to attend conferences, trainings, presentations, and meetings.

Screen of Candidate for Eligibility: SBEP participates in E-Verify, a screening system that allows employers to determine the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. The selected applicant will also be subject to a criminal background check.