Job Details

Summer Field Program Specialist, Marine Education Center

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Summer Field Program Specialist, Marine Education Center.

Position Details:

Location: Gulf Coast Research Laboratory

703 East Beach Drive

Ocean Springs, Mississippi, 39564

United States

Division: Marine Education Center

Position Type: Staff

Employment Status: Full Time

Grant Funded: No

Pay Grade: N08

Posting Close Date: Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicants:

A cover letter is requested with the submission of your CV or resume. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Job Summary:

The Summer Field Program Specialist supports the development, implementation, and expansion of the University of Southern Mississippi's Summer Field Program at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory. This position manages program scheduling, student registration, and course coordination in alignment with university requirements. The Specialist also oversees program logistics, including research vessel trips, laboratory space, sampling equipment, and transportation, while conducting recruitment, marketing, and outreach efforts. By coordinating operations and collaborating with faculty, staff, and partners, this role ensures the effective delivery and continued growth of the Summer Field Program.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Coordinates Summer Field Program by managing course information and schedules in SOAR, ensuring compliance with university guidelines and maintaining accurate program records.
2. Conducts student admissions, application review, and registration. Maintains student files and ensures accurate recordkeeping in both electronic and hard-copy formats.
3. Implements recruitment and marketing strategies. Develops and disseminates promotional materials, conducts in-person and virtual recruitment activities at local, regional, and national levels, and represents the program through outreach requiring periodic overnight travel.
4. Manages program logistics and field operations. Coordinates day-to-day activities including vessel trips, laboratory assignments, sampling equipment, transportation arrangements, and student transport to instructional and field sites, as needed.
5. Supports financial and administrative operations. Assists with budget preparation, monitors expenditures, reconciles accounts, obtains scientific collection permits, and purchases required supplies and equipment.
6. Collaborates with faculty, staff, and external partners. Works productively with USM personnel and affiliate contacts to support program operations and ensure alignment with institutional goals. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to the sciences and one to two years related experience and/or training working on administrative tasks and/or record keeping. A valid Driver's License is required. Have CPR and First Aid Certification or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of beginning employment.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Adept in office systems and technology
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate with all groups of individuals
• Excellent organization and time management skills
• Resourceful and determined to provide a positive experience for others
• Detail oriented
• Ability to anticipate needs
• Ability to give presentations to all audiences
• Ability to travel and complete overnight stays

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience and/or training in an academic setting or working with student records

Familiar with procurement policies for the State of Mississippi

Familiar with state and federal scientific collection permitting processes

Ability to travel locally and/or regionally for program promotion

About The University of Southern Mississippi:

Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions. Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others. We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We're developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life.

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.