Coastal Resilience Specialist, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) Sea Grant partnership with Barnstable County
Summary
Municipal technical assistance, public outreach and educational work related to resilience of coastal communities; all other related work, as required. Primary focus on resilient communities including floodplain management, building codes, wetlands regulations, and the science and impacts of coastal processes, storms, and sea level rise.. The position is employed by Barnstable County through Cape Cod Cooperative Extension and, through the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) Sea Grant partnership with Barnstable County, serves as a Sea Grant extension agent advancing coastal resilience in Massachusetts communities.
Supervision
Works under the administrative and programmatic direction and supervision of the Cape Cod Cooperative Extension Deputy Director/Floodplain Specialist and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Sea Grant Director.
Essential Functions
- Translates science into public information and actionable tools for improving the coastal resilience of communities, economies, and people. Helps municipal staff and the public understand and develop policies and programs related to coastal resilience.
- Under the supervision of the Floodplain Specialist/Deputy Director, works independently or collaboratively with the Floodplain Specialist and Coastal Processes and Hazards Specialist on a variety of shoreline/floodplain management and coastal resilience projects, including developing and supporting community resilience policies and practices, public outreach and education, and other related projects.
- Provides information and technical assistance to the public, private industry, and public officials regarding coastal hazards and resilience issues; advises and/or participates in town, county and state working groups and committees. Travels to regional and national meetings when necessary.
- Produces and delivers outreach materials, presentations, and other products to advance public understanding of coastal resilience issues.
- Participates in organizing and conducting workshops, trainings, conferences, and other programs for public officials and private industry professionals; coordinates efforts with town departments and state and federal agencies, as appropriate.
- Helps write and manage grant projects.
- Performs similar or related work and administrative work as required, directed or as situation dictates.
Job Environment
- Work is performed in a variety of marine/coastal field settings with exposure to inclement weather conditions as well as in a typical office setting. Office time is split between Cooperative Extension offices in Yarmouth and Sea Grant offices in Woods Hole.
- Makes frequent contact with the public, town officials and state departments; contact may be in person, in virtual meetings, on the telephone, or in writing. Occasional evening and weekend work.
- Work may be performed in a combination of in-person and virtual settings.
- Posted: November 7, 2025
- Job Type: Staff
- Organization: Barnstable County Cape Cod Regional Government
- Qualifications: Master’s degree with major course work in coastal resilience, physical or natural science, planning, coastal geology, emergency management, engineering or related field and 3 years of professional level experience in coastal resilience or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience. A valid U.S. Driver’s License required. Certified Floodplain Manager certification desired. Knowledge: Knowledge of coastal resilience issues, floodplain and coastal management practices and policy approaches, and related federal and/or state programs and regulations. Knowledge of program development and evaluation. Grant writing experience and policy/legal knowledge desirable. Ability: Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, and interact well with elected officials and the general public. Ability to teach programs to target audiences. Ability to establish and maintain relationships with town, county, state, and federal officials. Ability to work independently on complex tasks and develop new programs in line with the position, as well as work collaboratively with a team. Skill: Excellent written and verbal communication (reports, trainings, public presentations); advanced proficiency with computer-based office and collaboration tools. Proficiency with Geographic Information Systems.
- How to apply: Apply on website: https://www.capecod.gov/job/costal-resilience-specialist/. Application open until filled.
- Web address: https://www.capecod.gov/job/costal-resilience-specialist/
Contact Information
Poonam Narotam
poonam.narotam@whoi.edu