Coastal Coordinator

Coastal Coordinator

School of Earth and Environmental Sciences – Severn Estuary Partnership Cardiff University

Are you passionate about marine and coastal environments and engaging communities in shaping their future?

The Severn Estuary Partnership (SEP) is seeking an enthusiastic Coastal Coordinator to deliver an exciting new project funded by the Coastal Co-ordinator Challenge Fund.

Through funding from the Welsh Government, three pilot Coastal Coordinator posts will be established across Wales. They will work to strengthen the local delivery of Welsh marine policy, build inclusive capacity within coastal communities, and develop a skilled, diverse workforce alongside effective collaborative networks. They will work towards achieving the goal of clean, healthy, safe, productive, and biologically diverse Welsh coasts and seas.

Coastal Coordinators will be hosted by established local partnerships and organisations. Their primary function is to act as a vital link, connecting local communities and businesses with national marine priorities. Together, the Coordinators will form a Wales Coastal Coordination Community of Practice, providing a structured peer learning, shared evidence, and stronger connections to Coast and Seas Partnership Cymru (CaSP) and the UK Coastal Partnerships Network (CPN).

Working with partners, each Coordinator will focus on place-based engagement:

• Strengthening ocean literacy to enhance understanding of the marine environment using the Y Môr a Ni framework.
• Empowering underrepresented voices in coastal decision-making, such as minority ethnic communities, young people, and residents in areas of socio-economic deprivation.
• Supporting the integration of marine priorities into local recovery, climate adaptation and planning.

In this role, you will:

• Work alongside the SEP Coastal Officer to support the work programme of the SEP team.
• Lead inclusive, place-based engagement across south-east Wales coastal communities.
• Support ocean literacy and deliberative engagement to inform marine and coastal action plans.
• Work collaboratively with local authorities, community groups, and national networks to address climate resilience and nature recovery priorities.

Why This Role Matters

Coastal Coordinators act as a vital link, connecting local communities and businesses with national marine priorities. By aligning local action with strategies such as marine planning, MPA management, climate adaptation, and the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act, this role will help shape resilient coastal futures. You will also contribute to a Wales Coastal Coordination Community of Practice, sharing learning and evidence across Wales and the UK.

You’ll need:

• A relevant degree
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and proactively within defined timeframes.
• Understanding of key policies, legislation and guidance relevant to the Welsh coastline.
• Experience in community engagement.

About SEP

The Severn Estuary Partnership is a collaborative initiative based in Cardiff and hosted by the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Cardiff University. Our mission is to foster cooperation across a broad range of stakeholders, including government bodies, local communities, environmental organisations, and industry representatives, to support the health and sustainability of the Severn Estuary.

This is a full-time post, fixed-term until 31 March 2028.

Salary: £33,951 – £36,636 per annum (Grade 5)

Informal enquiries may be made to Alys Morris, email: [email protected]

For further details about working in Cardiff University please contact John Evans, email: [email protected]

Closing date: Thursday, 10 April 2026

Interview date is provisionally arranged for the 22 April.

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds who have the ambition to create a University which seeks to fulfil our social, cultural and economic obligation to Cardiff, Wales, and the world. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.