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.
Application reviews begin January 16, 2026. The position is open until filled.
UMN Job Description. Search for Job ID 371588.
Job Duties
1. 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 that 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.
2. 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.
3. 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
Qualifications
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.
About the Department
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 and Benefits
Pay Range: $48,600.00 - $70,000.00; depending on education/qualifications/experience
Time Appointment: 100% Appointment
Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff
Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.
The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
- Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
- Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
- Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
- University HSA contributions
- Disability and employer-paid life insurance
- Employee wellbeing program
- Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
- Financial counseling services
- Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
How To Apply
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.
Please attach a cover letter indicating how your experience meets the required and preferred qualifications, and a résumé or curriculum vitae to your application.
This position will remain open until filled.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected] or call (612) 624-8647.
Additional Information
Minnesota Sea Grant is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Sea Grant Program, which supports 34 similar programs in coastal states throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. It receives funding through the NOAA - Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and the University of Minnesota. The program partners with local, regional and national organizations and is an integral member of the Great Lakes Sea Grant Network.