Sustainable Seafood Program Assistant

The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium (the Consortium) is seeking a Sustainable Seafood Program Assistant to conduct science-based and user-driven fisheries and aquaculture research and outreach projects.

The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium, a state agency established to manage the Sea Grant College program for South Carolina, optimizes the environmental, social, and economic potential of coastal and marine resources of the state and region through the support and dissemination of high-quality research, education, extension, and communications programming.

Learn More About the Consortium

Responsibilities

The Sustainable Seafood Program Assistant will directly support the Marine Fisheries and Shellfish Aquaculture Extension Specialists under the Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture Extension Program. The Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture Extension Program collaborates with a diverse network of stakeholders to identify current industry needs and develop extension programming as well as applied research projects to meet these challenges and opportunities with science-based solutions.

Roles for the Assistant include, but are not limited to, serving as a technician for fisheries/aquaculture research projects and as a coordinator for commercial seafood industry training initiatives. The Assistant will be involved with a wide range of project tasks that require technical proficiency and enthusiasm in the office and in the field. Specific projects that the Assistant will support include a study on effects of net dips on mariculture clam depredation, grow-out performance, and production costs; assessing the feasibility of using softshell crab shedding equipment as an oyster nursery; and the SC Commercial Seafood Apprenticeship Program. The individual in this role will:

• Plan and coordinate field logistics.
• Design and deploy experiments in South Carolina estuaries.
• Experimental sampling to include, but not limited to, measuring, counting, and weighing treatments.
• Enter and QAQC data, maintain data storage structure, and analyze data to determine project outcomes.
• Conduct literature reviews and synthesize research findings to develop project products.
• Developing and disseminating project outcomes for stakeholders.
• Communicating effectively with Sea Grant employees and project participants.
• Provide planning and coordinating support for commercial seafood workforce training program.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in marine/environmental science, fisheries biology, fisheries ecology, natural resource management, fisheries economics, or related field.
• Experience in and knowledge of fisheries and aquaculture topics in South Carolina and the southeastern United States.
• Experience supporting scientific research projects (logistics, field support, data entry and management).
• Demonstrated ability to communicate, collaborate, and work effectively with diverse groups of internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to interpret scientific research for non-technical audiences.
• Ability to develop applied, stakeholder-driven informational products.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three (3) years experience in applied shellfish or fisheries research, private aquaculture industry work, or providing technical assistance to the commercial fisheries or aquaculture industry.
• Demonstrated experience in extension or outreach work related to coastal and/or marine fisheries issues.
• Experience with local government systems.

Position Type

Regular, full-time temporary grant appointment for two (2) years, starting in the fall of 2026. Position is contingent upon continued federal funding and on successful performance of duties. Agency hiring range: $45,000–$55,000. 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. 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 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.

The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. South Carolina is making our veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions. The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium participates in E-Verify.