Offshore Wind Energy Research Associate, College of Earth, Ocean & Environment

Review of applications will begin on August 1^st

PAY GRADE: 29E

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

The Offshore Wind Energy Research Associate reports to the Director of the Delaware Sea Grant Marine Advisory Service, and will perform field work to applied research, including extension, education, and outreach; proposal writing; and budget management. Under the direction of the Director of the Marine Advisory Service, is responsible for planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating programs focused on issues and concerns associated with offshore wind energy development.

The Research Associate works with Marine Advisory Specialists and other members of the Delaware Sea Grant program to collaboratively help communities, state agencies, regional organizations, and federal entities navigate the offshore wind energy planning and decision-making processes. They will produce, integrate, and communicate high-quality information that helps effect changes in behavior, solve technical problems, create awareness, and transfer scientific information related to offshore wind energy. In this capacity, the Research Associate serves as a vital liaison between the University and various environment-related businesses and industries, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, formal and informal education audiences, the general public, and other interest groups working on issues associated with offshore wind energy development.

The Research Associate will be based at Delaware Sea Grant’s office on UD’s Lewes campus or main campus in Newark. Occasional weekend and evening hours will be required. This position will require local travel across Delaware, and potentially overnight travel to meetings and conferences around the mid-Atlantic region and throughout the U.S. This position is fully funded for two-years only.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work with the Delaware Sea Grant Marine Advisory Service, other members of Delaware Sea Grant, and coastal residents, communities, elected officials, businesses, and organizations that have an interest in offshore wind energy development to collaboratively identify issues and problems meriting Sea Grant assistance.


• Establish and maintain working relationships with community organizations and the general public.


• Help plan, conduct, and evaluate extension, education, and outreach programs at the local or statewide level to stimulate change, and provide science-based information to groups and individuals regarding various aspects of offshore wind energy.


• Help implement Delaware Sea Grant’s current strategic plan, to ensure accomplishment of identified goals and outcomes. Support long-range program outcomes in areas related to subject matter specialty. Complete all reporting requirements in a timely manner.


• Develop a professional network and initiate collaborations with individuals in various colleges, departments, and centers at Delaware institutions of higher learning to share the needs of Delaware’s coastal communities as they relate to offshore wind energy.


• Assist in the identification and initiation of new sources of program funds, to support extension, education, and outreach programming by responding to RFP solicitations from government agencies, non-government organizations, and other potential funding partners. Work with fiscal and management staff to oversee development and management of grants, budgets, and reporting.


• With assistance from communications staff, prepare publications, audio/visual presentations, web-based programs, and other educational materials to convey appropriate information to targeted clientele.


• With researchers (UD, DSU, DNREC, National Estuary Programs, etc.) develop extension, education, and outreach materials to facilitate research-to-application, to benefit stakeholders.


• Represent Delaware Sea Grant at workshops, conferences, and seminars including developing abstracts and delivering professional presentations.


• Maintain and improve professional competence in marine science and/or policy through formal and non-formal courses and conferences. Maintain a high standard of knowledge within this specialty.


• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the overall Sea Grant College Program mission.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in a natural resource or environmental sciences, natural resource management, environmental policy, community development, planning, geography or related field, plus at least two years of experience working in hands-on community engagement. Master’s degree preferred.


• First-hand experience working in offshore wind energy: development, policy, engineering, or other related areas preferred.


• Understanding of the issues important to Delaware’s coastal communities.


• Ability to work with a diverse team, with clear communication and empathy.


• Ability to work independently, possess strong organizational and multi-tasking skills, and exercise good judgment in decision making.


• Effective oral and written communication skills.


• Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.


• Effective interpersonal skills and ability to maintain professional rapport with diverse public and private sector groups nationally.


• Intermediate computer skills including experience with word processing and presentation software programs.


• Demonstrates an understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures and backgrounds.


• Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated, and equity is a core value.


• Knowledge of outreach/extension education methods preferred.


• Working knowledge of meeting organization, facilitation, and public participation processes preferred.


• Experience in grant development and management preferred.


• Experience in measuring and documenting programmatic outcomes and impacts preferred.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Occasional weekend and evening hours will be required.


• Must have reliable transportation and valid driver’s license.


• This position will require local travel in and across Delaware and potentially overnight travel to meetings and conferences around the mid-Atlantic region and throughout the U.S.