Coastal Restoration Practitioner

The Monmouth University Urban Coast Institute (UCI) is seeking a Coastal Restoration Practitioner to manage a portfolio of existing coastal resilience restoration research projects and pursue future projects related to coastal restoration and resilience. This position will involve conceptualizing, planning, organizing, and implementing programs such as living shoreline and oyster reef initiatives, along with research and monitoring activities.  This is a three-year grant-funded position anticipated through December 31, 2029, or as determined by the funding agency. 

This is an in-person, on-campus, non-remote position.

For more information about the program and its mission, please visit the Urban Coast Institute's website.

Additional Application Material Required:

Monmouth University requires all applications and supporting documents to be submitted via the university’s career portal. In addition to the application, candidates must upload the following documents. Applications will not be considered complete for review until all required documents are uploaded.

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae


• Cover Letter

Optional Documents:

• Professional References

Key Responsibilities:

Project Management

• Develop, implement and manage oyster reef restoration, coastal resilience, and living shoreline projects.


• Oversee design, installation, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of outcomes.

Partner Development, Coordination and Collaboration:

• Work closely with and maintain current UCI partnerships with the Department of Defense (DoD), Naval Weapons Station Earle (NWSE), NOAA, academic institutions, consultants, community-based organizations and various local, state, and federal agencies and build new partnerships across sectors.


• Coordinate with NWSE on vetting partners for access to installation.

Aquaculture Facility Operations:

• Oversee operations at the aquaculture facility at NWSE including setting tank maintenance, setting of oysters, and daily monitoring of tanks.


• Work with NWSE staff and partners on upgrading and maintaining facility operations.

Monitoring and Reporting:

• Conduct field research at project sites using a variety of methodologies and techniques to monitor biodiversity, oyster growth and survival, water quality and shoreline protection efforts.


• Collect and analyze data and prepare reports on findings.


• Assist in deploying instrumentation for oceanographic data collection and modeling.


• Present results at meetings, workshops, and conferences.

Permitting and Grant Management:

• Assist UCI staff in securing necessary local, state, and federal permits and preparing grant proposals.


• Manage program grants, permits and procurement of project materials.

Advisory and Support:

• Provide scientific advisement, field and monitoring support, and coordination for various UCI projects, including oversight of student research assistants.


• Participate in statewide coastal restoration initiatives.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Attend relevant workshops, meetings, and conferences.


• Collaborate with partners on shellfish policy and regulations and serve on NJ Coastal Resilience Collaborative work groups and Board of Directors.


• Participate in the development of white papers and other guidance documents.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 15+ years of experience in oyster restoration projects, aquaculture, and related marine research


• Bachelor of Science or higher with coursework in biology, ecology, and related disciplines


• Experience maintaining and operating aquaculture facilities


• A valid driver’s license in your state of residence and have had no serious violations (Type A) within the past five (5) years and no more than three (3) moving violations (Type B) in the past three (3) years. University Policy found here: Monmouth University Vehicle Use Policy.


• Ability to manage complex partnerships and coordinate with multiple stakeholders


• Strong project management skills, including grant writing, grant administration and budgeting


• Ability to manage multi-disciplinary research teams, including undergraduate research assistants


• Must be comfortable troubleshooting in the field and using tools, pumps, generators, etc.


• Must be able to pass a background check to obtain Department of Defense clearance


• Must have reliable transportation and be willing to drive to aquaculture facility and project sites, as needed

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift or carry up to 30lbs, in a range of motion from floor to overhead 


• Ability to push or pull continuously


• Must be able to swim


• Must be comfortable working on marine vessels in various weather conditions

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience conducting oyster restoration in impaired water bodies in compliance with New Jersey state and federal restrictions


• Familiarity with NJ Shellfish regulations and permitting processes


• Experience programming, deploying and recovering oceanographic instrumentation


• Strong understanding of nature-based solutions and their role in restoration projects

Questions regarding this search should be directed to:
Barbara Santos at [email protected] or 732-263-5629

Note to Applicants:

Please keep in mind that a job posted as “Open until filled” may close at any time without notice. As such, we encourage you to submit your application and all required documentation as quickly as possible to ensure consideration for the posted position. 

Working at Monmouth University perks – MU offers:

• 403(b) Retirement Plan (8% employer contribution)


• Generous Paid Time Off


• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Benefits


• Tuition Remission for employee upon hire


• Tuition Remission for spouse or civil-union partner and IRS dependent
  after one-year of full-time continuous employment


• Employer paid Short & Long-Term Disability


• Employer sponsored Life Insurance


• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), FSA, Telehealth and more

To view a full list of benefits, visit our benefits page at: Employee Benefits Information | Human Resources | Monmouth University

Department:

Urban Coast Institute

Work Schedule:

Monday through Friday

Total Weeks Per Year

52

Hours Per Week:

36.25

Expected Salary:

$90,000-$97,000

Union:

N/A

Job Posting Close Date:

Open until filled