Seafood Extension Specialist at The University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia

Job Description:

Posting Number:

F1819P

Working Title:

Seafood Extension Specialist

Department:

PSO-Marine Extension Service

About the University of Georgia:

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia's oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (
https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

About the College/Unit/Department:

UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant improves the environmental, social and economic health of the Georgia coast through research, education, training and outreach. We believe an engaged and informed public support thriving coastal ecosystems and resilient and inclusive communities.


UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant provide research, education, training and science-based outreach to assist Georgia in solving problems and realizing opportunities for its coastal and marine environments.


By advancing research, education and training, and outreach, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant promote the economic, cultural and environmental health of Georgia's coast and prepare citizens to become good stewards of coastal ecosystems and watershed resources.


UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant are units of Public Service and Outreach at the University of Georgia, supporting Georgia's short- and long-term prosperity.


UGA Marine Extension serves a diverse coastal constituency and educates citizens about Georgia's marine resources and the importance of being good environmental stewards. It provides assistance to marine industries by finding ways to increase their efficiency and effectiveness and encourages the development of new, environmentally sustainable industries.


The Georgia Sea Grant College Program is part of a national network of 33 Sea Grant programs located in every coastal and Great Lakes state, Puerto Rico, Lake Champlain, and Guam. These programs serve as a core of a dynamic university-based network of over 300 institutions involving more than 3,000 scientists, engineers, educators, students and outreach experts.

College/Unit/Department website:

gacoast.uga.edu

Posting Type:

External

Retirement Plan:

TRS or ORP

Employment Type:

Employee

Benefits Eligibility:

Benefits Eligible

Underutilization:

Minorities & Females

Advertised Salary:

Compensation will be determined by the qualifications and experience of the successful applicant.

Anticipated Start Date:

03/01/2024

Job Posting Date:

11/16/2023

Open until filled:

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants:

All applications received by January 6, 2024 are assured full consideration.

Location of Vacancy:

Outside Athens

EEO Statement:

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

Classification Title:

Public Service Professional AC

Faculty Rank:

Open Rank

Contract Type:

Fiscal (12 mo.)

Tenure Status:

Non-Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications:

A master's degree in a discipline related to food science, nutrition, seafood technology or related field.

Position Summary:

The University of Georgia Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant Seafood Extension Specialist is a public service, non-tenured faculty track position based in coastal Georgia. The Specialist will be responsible for developing, conducting and evaluating a comprehensive outreach and extension program that helps promote and support Georgia's diverse commercial seafood industry including both wild caught and aquacultured products. This will include, but not be limited to providing federally- and state-required seafood HACCP training and serving as a technical resource for the state's seafood industry, local, state, and federal government officials, public health employees, academic professionals, trade organizations, and consumers. The specialist will conduct applied research focused on issues relevant to stakeholder needs in Georgia and as needed, regionally and nationally. The Specialist will also collaboratively support the development of new seafood products, processes, and training opportunities to help advance the state's seafood industry workforce in addition to raising awareness of wild and aquaculture-produced Georgia seafood products among consumers, public health and culinary professionals, restaurateurs, wholesalers and retailers and policy makers.



Headquarters: Brunswick, GA with options for other coastal Georgia locations. This position is based in coastal Georgia, but requires state, regional, national and potentially international travel.

Additional Requirements:

• At least one year of related experience in the seafood or food industry, seafood technology, business planning or marketing, Extension or regulatory activities.


• At least one year of experience with applied research, extending research knowledge to potential users through educational or Extension programs, workshop/meeting facilitation, or program planning, implementation, and evaluation.


• The successful candidate will be appointed at the rank of Public Service Assistant or Public Service Associate. Rank on hire will depend on the candidate's qualifications and experience, according to
  Public Service and Outreach Appointment and Promotion Guidelines.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification:

• A PhD in a discipline related to food science, nutrition, seafood technology or related field


• At least three years of related experience in the seafood or food industry, seafood technology, business planning or marketing, Extension or regulatory activities.


• At least three years of experience with applied research, extending research knowledge to potential users through outreach and Extension programs, workshop/meeting facilitation, or program planning, implementation, and evaluation.


• Completion of the AFDO Seafood HACCP and SCP Train the Trainer Courses and a background that includes organizing and teaching the standard SHA Basic Seafood HACCP Course, Segment Two HACCP Course and related SCP course.


• Expertise in applying for external resources to support applied research and outreach programming, including grants, fee-for-service, third party reimbursement, and other means.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:

• Subject matter expertise related to processing, product development, supply chains, marketing, consumer behavior and/or sustainability issues both for wild caught and aquacultured seafood products.


• Knowledge of seafood regulations and regulatory agencies that impact the seafood sector.


• Familiarity with various seafood industry organizations and other professional, trade, or consumer groups that influence seafood purchasing.


• Aptitude to self-motivate, to work independently and as a member of a team, and to develop annual plans of work which include measurable outcomes.


• Relevant skills applicable to planning, implementing, and assessing education and outreach programs, public speaking, and meeting facilitation,


• Strong ability to analyze data and identify trends as well as communicate both verbally and in writing, particularly as it pertains to interpreting/translating research-based technical information for the understanding and use by decision makers, practitioners, and the public.


• Demonstrated ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment, build professional networks and develop productive collaborations with appropriate partners.


• Established commitment to working with diverse stakeholders and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.

Physical Demands:

Is this a Position of Trust?:

Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?:

No

Does this position require a P-Card? :

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? :

No

Is driving a responsibility of this position?:

Yes

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?:

Yes

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications):

No

Credit and P-Card policy:

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the
UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy:

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the
UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Program Implementation (40%)Develop and conduct extension educational programs related to wild caught and aquacultured seafood product safety, processing, development, quality, handling, nutrition, commerce, sustainability, or marketing to target audiences using a variety of delivery mechanism including written materials, presentations, meetings and workshops, individual consultations, and digital media.Organize and deliver seafood HACCP training programs in Georgia and other locations as needed to enable seafood processing, wholesale, distribution and import or export firms to meet the training requirements of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Georgia Department of Agriculture.Develop new or update existing subject-related extension resources and publications such as, online tools, training guides, and fact sheets.

Percentage Of Time:

40

Duties/Responsibilities:

Applied Research (30%)Identify audience and program informational needs, collaborate with other Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant and UGA Public Service faculty, academic partners within and outside of UGA, and external stakeholders in proposal development and project implementation, and where appropriate contribute to peer review literature.

Percentage Of Time:

30

Duties/Responsibilities:

Project Management (25%)Secure extramural funding through grants and/or contracts to conduct or support applied research and outreach programs that address stakeholder and industry needsDesign, conduct, and analyze evaluations of outreach programs and applied research projects and synthesize and report results for internal and external use.

Percentage Of Time:

25

Duties/Responsibilities:

Leadership/Professional Development (5%)Represent Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant at community events, professional meetings, collaborative working groups and partnerships with other organizations relevant to this position.Participate in professional development activities relevant to subject area expertise and position responsibilities.

Percentage Of Time:

5

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