Community Outreach Specialist

Michigan State University- Theuerkauf Coastal Processes and Geomorphology Lab

Closing Date: Apr 24, 2026

Web Address: https://careers.msu.edu/jobs/professional-aide-east-lansing-michigan-united-states-c8ffcf82-b852-4541-a6bd-93a684989573

Description

A full-time (40 hours per week) hourly Community Outreach position is available in the MSU Coastal Processes and Geomorphology Lab (www.coastalgeomorphology.com), part of the Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences at Michigan State University. This position would be responsible for fulfilling the Community Science and Engagement deliverables specific to a funded project in collaboration with the Michigan Coastal Management Program (MCMP). Some key aspects of this project include engaging coastal communities in community science data collection, creating a set of educational videos about coastal processes and changes, and presenting sharing research findings at community events throughout Michigan. The person in this position would be the point of contact with coastal communities and would be guided by the project Principal Investigator and lab lead, Dr. Ethan Theuerkauf.

The duties of the Community Outreach specialist include, but are not limited to:

• Networking and connecting with coastal communities to co-create data collection strategies geared toward the needs and interests of the community
• Recruiting, managing, and training volunteers on data collection methods
• Sharing data from this program back to the community in meaningful ways
• Planning and attending meetings with communities regularly
• Creating outreach materials based on both the community science data, as well as research products from nearshore sediment transport research
• Planning, writing, filming, and editing a set of educational videos on coastal processes in Michigan
• Connecting with community groups across Michigan to hold outreach events and designing and executing materials for events.
• Maintaining connections and partnerships with community groups, local governmental leaders, and state partners
• Attending meetings with EGLE and other partner agencies as needed

Desired Qualifications

The minimum educational qualification for this position is a bachelor’s degree in environmental science/studies, geography, science communications, science education, public engagement, communications, science journalism, community sustainability, or another environmental and communication-related discipline.

The ideal candidate would have an educational background in science and communication, with experience working with the public on science outreach events and leading volunteer groups, public speaking, designing outreach events and creating outreach materials, content creation, and video production and editing.

This position is classified as a temporary, hourly Professional Aide. The nature of this position is that the employee can work 40 hours a week for an initial term of 9-months. After that term, one week must be taken off with no pay, and then the employee can be hired for another 9-month term. This second term is contingent upon employee performance and funding availability.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

• CV
• Cover letter that addresses your qualifications for the position with specific examples of your field and research skills, ability to conduct independent work, detail to organization and data quality, and writing and oral communication skills
• Names and contact information for three professional references

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Summary of Health Risks

Field work can be inherently dangerous and the Professional Aide must follow all safety protocols established by the PI to ensure safe operating conditions.

Summary of Physical Demands

Must be able to conduct field work in harsh coastal environments in inclement weather (researcher will never be asked to conduct field work in unsafe environments) and carry at least 50 pounds of field gear short distances. Overnight travel to field sites will be required at times for this position.