University of Connecticut Hiring for Director, CT National Estuarine Research Reserve OPEN TO CURRENT UCONN FACULTY MEMBERS ONLY at Avery Point Campus Full Time

Search #: 497807
Work type: Full-time
Location: Avery Point Campus
Categories: Faculty Tenure Track

OPEN TO CURRENT UCONN FACULTY MEMBERS ONLY

JOB SUMMARY

The University of Connecticut seeks a distinguished senior faculty member to serve as the Director for the Connecticut National Estuarine Research Reserve (CT NERR). The CT NERR is one of 30 Research Reserves in the country that are focused on research, education, and stewardship of estuarine ecosystems. It consists of more than 50,000 acres of marsh, upland, and open water in Long Island and Fishers Island Sounds as well as the lower Connecticut and Thames Rivers. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides federal leadership and guidance to the Reserve system and works collaboratively with state partners to implement estuarine research, education, stewardship, and training programs.

The CT NERR Director will provide leadership and oversight for the Reserve. While the Reserve Manager has primary responsibility for the day-to-day supervision of staff, the Director will work with the Manager in preparing reports and budgets related to the NOAA support received by the Reserve and to ensure a productive and supportive working environment.

The Director will be expected to provide leadership in responding to funding opportunities from NOAA and other sources, including the private sector, in order to expand the Reserve’s funding base. They will also interact with the Advisory Committee and the Reserve Friends Group, with the local community, and with municipal officials from towns within the Reserve and its targeted watershed. The Director will also work to facilitate opportunities for UConn and non-UConn scientists to carry out research in the Reserve, contributing to a robust commitment to science-based and policy-driven support for coastal ecosystems.

Candidates should possess a national/international scholarly reputation, a substantial record of recent publications, and success in obtaining competitive grants in related areas of research. Candidates must have a terminal degree in an appropriate discipline and an active research area that could include ecology, resource management, marine sciences, earth sciences, or other related areas. The successful candidate should have credentials to qualify for tenure in an appropriate department.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides leadership, oversight, and programmatic direction for the Connecticut National Estuarine Research Reserve and promotes informed management and sound stewardship of the state’s coastal and estuarine resources.
• Plans, secures funding for, and oversees the coordination of all projects outlined in the reserve management plan. Prepares assessments, updates, and programmatic reports as required.
• Oversees and facilitates research or monitoring projects undertaken by local researchers collaborating with the CT NERR, site partners, and visiting scientists interested in engaging with the CT NERR.
• Coordinates with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CTDEEP), NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management (OCM), and stakeholders in the national NERR system to ensure that both system-wide requirements and local site priorities are achieved.
• Represents the University and CT NERR at regional and national meetings of the NERRs and other organizations concerned with coastal and estuarine research, education, training, and stewardship.
• Engages the Advisory Board and the CT NERR’s Friends Group to create and sustain a shared vision of restoration and long-term management and support for the reserve.
• Builds consensus among partner organizations, community stakeholders, and scientific experts to achieve programmatic results.
• Advises leadership and stakeholders on matters concerning coastal and estuarine conservation and stewardship to inform public policy affecting coastal and estuarine habitats and communities.
• Other related responsibilities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. A current UConn faculty member with a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in an academic discipline relevant to the position, with the ability to apply for tenure at the rank of associate or full professor.
2. At least six years of relevant experience including programmatic oversight in environmental research, education, or management.
3. Demonstrated excellent interpersonal and communication skills and a collaborative approach to leadership.
4. High standard of professional and ethical conduct and personal accountability.
5. History of recent relevant publications.
6. Recent history of successful awards of relevant funding.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Experience interacting with governmental officials or other coastal managers.
2. Demonstrated experience developing effective partnerships or coalitions with community partners and local governments.
3. Leadership experience in a nationally accredited academic-based, public research reserve.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

The Director will hold a 10-month appointment and report to the Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship. While the Director’s primary responsibilities will involve the administration of the Connecticut National Estuarine Research Reserve, they will also be expected to engage in research and/or teaching. The primary work location will be the UConn Avery Point campus in Groton, Connecticut. The target start date for this position will be November 1, 2023.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #497807 to upload a resume and letter of application detailing how the requirements of the position are satisfied, and the names and contact information for three (3) professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on September 10, 2023.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.

Advertised: Aug 22 2023 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Sep 10 2023 Eastern Daylight Time