Marine Technology Extension Associate

About the Job

The Marine Technology Extension Associate is a one-year, potentially renewable full-time position with the Minnesota Sea Grant (MNSG) College Program. The position requires a highly motivated individual capable of integrating marine technology with workforce training and community outreach to address local and regional needs.

The associate will help connect emerging marine and environmental technologies with Minnesota communities, educators, and industries to build workforce capacity, foster public understanding, and enhance community resilience and safety. This position will primarily support a project to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of sonar data systems in Lake Superior using AI and integrated weather, maritime, and environmental data.

The associate will work under the guidance of an MNSG post-doctoral associate who will supervise and direct day-to-day activities.

• Support MNSG's Emerging Marine Technology Extension Program (50%) – Initiate and maintain partnerships with community, educational, and industry groups around new marine technology initiatives; serve as a liaison between project researchers, industry representatives, and local communities to ensure technology development aligns with workforce and community needs; collaborate with partners such as the U.S. Coast Guard, National Weather Service, local governments and NGOs to support safe, effective, and publicly transparent technology implementation;
  
  identify and address potential conflicts, misperceptions, or barriers to the use of emerging marine technologies.
• Develop and Implement Workforce Development Programs for Marine Technology (40%) – Assess workforce development needs and opportunities in the marine and environmental technology sectors; collaborate with schools, community colleges, universities, and industry to create and promote education and training pathways that support new career opportunities; assist in developing curricula, educational resources, and community materials related to marine technology and data literacy;
  
  create and assess the effectiveness of outreach activities and improve technology transfer and data-sharing methods to make marine technology information easier for educators, students, and community partners to access and use.
• Participate in Core MNSG Activities (10%) – Attend required meetings and maintain a current calendar of events and activities; report work activity through MNSG systems and contribute to strategic plans, proposals, and reports; engage in professional development and required University training; serve on MNSG, Great Lakes Sea Grant, University of Minnesota, and National Sea Grant committees as requested; other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications – BA/BS degree plus at least five years of related experience, or master's degree plus at least three years of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications – MA/MS in water, marine, ocean, aquatic science, marine technology, or a related field; demonstrated experience in workforce development, community engagement, or education; self-motivated with the ability to work independently and collaboratively; excellent written, interpersonal, and presentation communication skills; interest in applying science and technology to real-world community and workforce challenges.

Minnesota Sea Grant (MNSG) is a program of the University of Minnesota and one of 34 federal-university Sea Grant partnerships that bring applied water science to communities. MNSG's extension educators, researchers, and communicators work with community members, decision-makers, policy leaders, and personnel from resource agencies, businesses, and industry to protect, enhance, and restore aquatic ecosystems and the services they provide.

Pay Range: $48,600.00 – $70,000.00; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment.

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off; continuous learning opportunities through professional training and…