Science Communication & Interpretation Specialist

## Job Description Summary

The mission of William & Mary’s Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences & Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) is to seek and broadly communicate knowledge in marine and coastal science to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world through research, education, and advisory service. The Batten School & VIMS make seminal advances in understanding coastal and marine systems through research and discovery, translate research findings into practical solutions to complex issues of societal importance, and provide new generations of researchers, educators, problem solvers, and managers with an education of unsurpassed quality.

Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Virginia (CBNERR‑VA) exhibits leadership in integrated coastal zone management through innovative estuarine and coastal watershed science and education programs that promote natural‑resource stewardship and science‑based solutions to complex socioecological challenges.

The Science Communication & Interpretation (SC&I) Specialist supports the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Virginia (CBNERR‑VA) and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS/W&M) by developing, coordinating, and delivering science interpretive programs with emphasis placed on Reserve topical themes of interest, experiential and place‑based learning, including the four Reserve components. Additionally, the position supports development, maintenance, and leveraging of Reserve‑focused communications and target audiences in alignment with the Reserve’s strategic plans and evolving programmatic needs.

The position serves as the Reserve’s lead for interpretive programming and communications while partnering closely with the VIMS Education, Outreach, and Communications team to ensure consistency, coordination, and alignment of public‑facing educational and interpretive initiatives across the Batten School and VIMS.

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## Job Description

### Required Qualifications

**Education**

Bachelor’s degree in environmental, aquatic/marine science, or related field required. Professional certifications and/or a minor in environmental education, science communication, or interpretive media enhance qualifications.

**Competencies**

– Environmental science knowledge in key areas (e.g., ecosystems and biodiversity, human‑environment interactions, ecosystem stressors such as climate change, conservation principles).
– Field and lab skills to support development and implementation of program elements (e.g., environmental monitoring and habitat assessment).
– Quantitative literacy to support data analysis required for technical information products/visualizations.
– Strong oral, written, and social media communication skills, including the ability to translate complex scientific information for varying audiences.
– Program evaluation skills to assess interpretive program impact and audience learning preferences.
– Ability to organize and facilitate diverse stakeholder meetings and maintain professional networks.
– Ability to work across multiple digital platforms and presentation tools.
– Strong audience engagement skills to support program elements (e.g., field & facility exhibits, interpretive walks).
– Proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and survey software.

**Experience**

– Demonstrated work experience in science communication and environmental interpretive programs.
– Demonstrated interpretive creativity and product development.
– Demonstrated experience with digital platforms.
– Demonstrated experience with data analysis and technical writing.

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### Preferred Qualifications

**Education**

Master’s degree in environmental, aquatic/marine science, or related field. Professional certifications and/or a minor in environmental education, science communication, or interpretive media enhance qualifications.

**Competencies**

– GIS mapping, coding (e.g., R, Python).

**Experience**

– Grant writing and performance reporting.

**Salary**

Up to $64,000.00, commensurate with experience.

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## Conditions of Employment

– Hold or have the ability to hold a Virginia driver’s license.
– Occasional night and weekend travel as required.
– This is a restricted position, subject to continued availability of funding.

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## Duties and Responsibilities

### Science Interpretive Program Administration & Leadership (10%)

– Serve as the principal lead for Reserve interpretive community education programming and contribute to strategic planning through annual and multi‑year CBNERR‑VA management and action plans.
– Initiate and collaborate on the development and submission of sponsored grant and contract proposals and other funding opportunities to advance CBNERR‑VA community engagement and broader impacts.
– Complete and submit required grant/contract performance reporting, including communication/education reach, engagement, and volunteer metrics.
– Support recruitment, mentorship, and supervision of CBNERR‑VA staff, fellows, interns, and students.

### Science Interpretive Program Development & Delivery (55%)

– Integrate and translate Reserve programmatic monitoring data, research findings, and resource management actions into accessible, engaging narratives and information products for diverse audiences.
– Engage and collaborate with key partners and subject matter experts to create content and facilitate innovative learning tools and in‑person approaches (e.g., demonstrations, guided tours, public lectures, workshops).
– Utilize data‑driven and enhanced digital tools in science interpretive programming (e.g., real‑time data access, web‑based applications, QR apps, AR tools, story maps).
– Create, develop, and maintain interpretive/interactive stations at Reserve, VIMS, partner facilities, and field‑based locations (e.g., trails, boardwalks, signage).
– Serve as Reserve lead for NOAA/NERRS general education program elements (e.g., Teachers on the Estuary) and tools (e.g., Estuaries 101 Curriculum).
– Assist in research, monitoring, stewardship, and training projects with a focus on integrating them into CBNERR‑VA interpretive programming.
– Participate in training and activities required to acquire certifications and skills needed to deliver interpretive programs (e.g., vessel operation, canoe rigs, safety, CPR, first aid).

### Organizational Communications (25%)

– Support, develop, coordinate, and manage internal communication tools to foster collaboration, information sharing, and team culture (e.g., All‑hands Meetings, Lab Communiques, Show‑&‑Shares, Sector Mindmelds, newsletters).
– Create and update content for public‑facing collateral, briefing materials, media relations, storytelling products (e.g., 1‑pagers, summaries, infographics), websites, data platforms (e.g., VECOS, ArcGIS story maps), and social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube).
– Track and monitor web and social media platforms to assess engagement and translate performance into insights that advance CBNERR‑VA programming.

### Advisory & Professional Service (10%)

– Serve as CBNERR‑VA Education Coordinator liaison to NOAA/NERRS and NERRA and provide service to regional, national, and international entities.
– Serve as liaison with VIMS Education, Outreach, and Communications teams to coordinate collaborative products and initiatives.
– Respond to requests from VIMS Office of Research and Advisory Service (ORAS) and state constituents to provide science‑based information supporting management and strategic decisions.
– Cultivate, maintain, and coordinate internal and external partnerships (e.g., VADCR Division of Parks, VADEQ CZMP) to support and advance the Reserve mission.

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