Marine Fisheries Extension Specialist, South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium

Responsibilities

The Consortium’s Marine Fisheries Extension Specialist, in consultation with key stakeholders and constituencies, extends science-based information to coastal communities, resource managers, and interest groups in South Carolina and the region, and works with researchers to develop needs-based and applied projects. The specialist contributes to research and workforce initiatives motivated by community needs and provides hands-on operational and technical support for constituents. The specialist solicits funding as needed to support projects through the development of grant proposals.

Topical areas of work include but are not limited to:

issues and opportunities addressing local, state, regional, and federal fisheries policy and management;
sustainable economic development;
commercial seafood workforce development;
seafood business planning and marketing;
working waterfronts;
fisheries ecology; and
fisheries gear and technology.

Specific Duties

Work with Consortium staff and research faculty and staff at Consortium member institutions to design and conduct interdisciplinary applied marine fisheries-related research and extension projects to address needs and opportunities identified by a variety of S.C. coastal constituencies, including local governments, local and state agencies, businesses, community organizations, non-governmental organizations, and individuals.
Identify information and service needs of constituents through targeted interactions with stakeholder groups, and work with them in co-producing solutions to marine fisheries-related issues, including those related to commercial and recreational fishing.
Lead commercial seafood workforce development programs in collaboration with Consortium and industry partners.
Participate in the development of grant proposals with Consortium staff and others to secure funding for user-based and applied marine fisheries-related research and extension projects.
Provide program area leadership at local, regional, and national levels, and provide formal and informal presentations on the Consortium’s fisheries-related activities at state, regional, and national conferences and workshops.
Extend marine fisheries-related information through print and electronic products and publications, including professional and trade publications, presentations, webinars, fact sheets, and social media.
Prepare performance-based information on program objectives, benchmarks, metrics, program evaluations, and other assessment reports as required by the Consortium and its program sponsors and financial supporters.
Analyze and provide up-to-date information and appropriate contextualization about fisheries science, marketing of seafood products, gear technology, best management practices, and business planning strategies to a variety of audiences through diverse means.
Supervise student assistants and interns as needed, and serve on graduate student committees when appropriate.

Position Type

Regular, full-time position. Agency hiring range: $52,100-$70,300. The finalist for this position must successfully complete an E-Verify and driver’s license background check.

Work Location and Hours

This position is based in Charleston, South Carolina, but other coastal locations in South Carolina can be considered. Normal Consortium business hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. However, work beyond regular business hours, including evenings and weekends, may be necessary in order to complete the requirements of the position. Telecommuting options are available to employees following a year of employment and a review of performance. Travel throughout the state and region is necessary. A valid driver’s license is required.

Posted: November 13, 2025
Job Type: Staff
Organization: South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium
Qualifications: Required Qualifications Master’s degree or Ph.D. in marine/environmental science, fisheries biology, fisheries ecology, natural resource management, fisheries economics, or related field. Demonstrated experience in extension or outreach work related to coastal and/or marine fisheries issues. Experience in and knowledge of fisheries-related issues in South Carolina and the southeastern United States. Experience in developing multi-dimensional programs and managing project teams. Demonstrated ability to build partnerships and communicate, collaborate, and work effectively with diverse groups of internal and external stakeholders. Demonstrated proficiency in grant writing and management. Ability to interpret scientific research for non-technical audiences. Ability to develop applied, stakeholder-driven informational products. Experience with conflict negotiation and facilitation. High level of analytical, organizational, and planning skills. Ability to work independently and as a part of a team. Effective oral and written communication skills. Fluency in computer and communications technology. Experience with local government systems.
How to apply: This position is available immediately. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. How to Apply: Submit an application on the South Carolina Careers website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sc/jobs/5138733/marine-fisheries-extension-specialist/apply with your cover letter and resume attached. You will need to create an account to apply with the State of South Carolina.
Location: Charleston, SC
Web address: https://www.scseagrant.org/marine-fisheries-extension-specialist/

Contact Information

South Carolina Sea Grant Applications Email
applications@scseagrant.org