South Atlantic Sea Grant Marine Fisheries Extension Fellowship
Deadline
September 25, 2026
5:00 PM ET
Open to
U.S. citizens with at least a 4-year undergraduate degree
Topic
Marine fisheries extension and communication
South Atlantic Sea Grant programs (North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida) and the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) are now accepting applications for the 2026 South Atlantic Sea Grant Marine Fisheries Extension Fellowship. One fellowship is available.
The fellowship provides on-the-job education and training opportunities in fisheries extension and communication. Specifically, this fellowship is intended for an early-career professional who has completed their undergraduate or graduate degree and is currently seeking full-time employment.
The fellow will work under the advisement and supervision of Sea Grant fisheries extension specialists and South Atlantic Fishery Management Council staff. This 12-month opportunity offers a competitive stipend of $52,000, a generous work-related travel expense budget, and the flexibility to pay for health insurance using a portion of those travel funds, if needed.
Specifically, the fellow will focus on recreational and commercial fishing industry engagement with emphasis on activities such as, but not limited to, tackle shop / commercial dock visits, outreach events / seminars, and educational resource development. The fellow also will work closely with SAFMC staff to support activities of the existing Citizen Science Program and Best Fishing Practices.
Minimum Qualifications
- Applicants must have obtained at least a 4-year undergraduate degree from an accredited public or private institution of higher education in the U.S. at the time of application.
- Applicants must have outreach or communications experience, as well as an interest in marine fisheries and natural resource management.
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
- The applicant must live in or around Charleston, South Carolina, to take advantage of peer mentorship, networking opportunities, and office space (100% virtual engagement is not feasible for this fellowship).
Additional/Preferred Qualifications
- Undergraduate or advanced degree in fisheries, biology, communication, or a related field.
- Experience as a science writer and communicator, with proficiency using a variety of traditional and/or web-based communication tools and techniques.
- Public speaking experience.
- Demonstrated understanding of current saltwater fisheries research and management issues in the Southeast United States.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit these materials via the North Carolina eSeaGrant web portal:
- Resume (not to exceed two pages using 12-point font and 1-inch margins).
- Career-Goal Statement emphasizing expectations for the fellowship experience as it relates to future career endeavors (1,000 words or less, 12-point font, 1-inch margins).
- References: Names and contact information for two professional or academic references, including one reference who can attest to the applicant’s skills as a communicator.
- Transcripts: Unofficial copies of all undergraduate and graduate student transcripts.
Review Process
A technical review panel consisting of Sea Grant Extension personnel from North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida as well as staff from the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will assess applications. Additional topical experts will be solicited for the panel if needed. Virtual interviews will be conducted with finalists as part of the selection process.
More Information & Frequently Asked Questions
- Who will supervise the fellow? Day-to-day supervision will be provided by the Outreach Coordinator for the SAFMC, with ongoing guidance from Sea Grant fisheries extension specialists across NC, SC, GA, and FL.
- Where will the fellowship be located? The fellow will work out of the SAFMC headquarters in North Charleston, SC, and must reside in the Charleston area, while conducting programming across the South Atlantic region.
- Compensation & Benefits: Total stipend is $52,000 for 12 months, paid monthly via NC State University as a vendor. No formal university benefits or leave accrue, but health insurance can be covered using program development funds, and work travel is reimbursed.
- Start Date & Schedule: Expected 40 hours per week, starting as early as October 1, 2026.
Deadline
All application materials are due by 5:00 p.m. ET on Friday, September 25, 2026.
Contact
