Job Summary 
This position supports the Marine Education Center with the Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute through coordination of a multidisciplinary group of undergraduate students at Tuskegee University, the Ocean Explorers.  The successful applicant will help recruit student interns, coordinate logistical arrangements, manage telepresence and virtual capabilities, maintain records, assist in report-writing, mentor undergraduate students, and travel locally, regionally and nationally.  The position includes significant interaction with project partners from a broad spectrum of audiences, including several institutions of higher education.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities 

  1. Develop, manage and implement one or more of the Center’s programs or facilities, including interaction with project partners, recordkeeping and report preparation.

  2. Create virtual and face-to-face interactions among a multi-disciplinary group of TU students to cultivate curiosity in project exploration aboard vessels, in laboratories and at computers.

  3. Assist project staff in creating a mentor-intern matching protocol to optimize fulfillment of student interests and project needs.

  4. Identify interns and ensure their success through intern-mentor matching within USM and partner organizations, and intern support during preparation, internship and follow-through.

  5. Assist MEC staff in cultivating interest among research scientists at USM and partner organizations to act as mentors. Develop protocol for intern-mentor matching.

  6. Travel locally, regionally, and nationally to attend meetings, mentor undergraduate interns, and present at appropriate conferences. Create and participate in virtual activities for the same purposes.

  7. Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications 
Bachelor’s degree in science, education or a related field.  Other undergraduate degrees considered with appropriate work experience.  Two years of additional experience in education, teaching, or research.  Ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups. Valid Driver’s License required.  Must be able and willing to travel locally, regionally and nationally.  Ability to complete CPR and First Aid certification (training provided upon hire).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Knowledge and ability to work with Microsoft Office.
  • Ability to travel for frequent day-trips and occasional overnight stays.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups.
  • Ability to present information effectively and respond to questions from various audiences.
  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret scientific information.
  • Ability to use basic equipment for teaching and research in the field (e.g., GPS receivers, water quality tools, kits and instruments) and laboratory (e.g., microscopes, analytical balances).
  • Ability to maintain and store tools, materials and equipment in good, functional condition.
  • Ability to maintain telepresence capabilities at USM and Tuskegee University.

Preferred Qualifications  
Master’s degree preferred, and can substitute for one year of experience.  Experience on vessels at sea is desirable.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
Supervises Marine Educators, Marine Education Project Specialists, and/or volunteers according to project needs.

Apply here: https://usm.csod.com/ats/careersite/JobDetails.aspx?id=1574&site=1&fbclid=IwAR3hXzPFdSv9SEDnkw0ruuEzsL7zGOkIhKlMbPfWw0uGgpZ2ZNw1CdLaT0I#new_tab

About The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is a comprehensive public research institution delivering transformative programs on campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites in central and southern Mississippi, as well as online. Founded in 1910, USM is one of only 130 universities in the nation to earn the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education’s “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity” designation, and its robust research enterprise includes experts in ocean science and engineering, polymer science and engineering, and sport venue safety and security, among others.  USM is also one of only 40 institutions in the nation accredited in theatre, art and design, dance and music. As an economic driver, USM generates an annual economic impact of more than $600 million across the state. USM welcomes a diverse student body of approximately 15,000, representing 71 countries, all 50 states, and every county in Mississippi. USM students have collected four Truman Scholarships and 36 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships, while also leading Mississippi with 24 Goldwater Scholarships, an honor that recognizes the next generation of great research scientists. Home to the Golden Eagles, USM competes in 17 Division I sports sponsored by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.