Director of the Tenoroc Youth Conservation Center

Our Organization:

The FWC envisions a Florida where fish and wildlife are abundant and thriving in healthy and connected natural landscapes with vital working lands and waterways; where natural resources are valued and safely enjoyed by all; and wherein natural systems support vibrant human communities and a strong economy.

Our Mission: Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.

Every organization has an identity that is forged not only by what it does, but by how it conducts itself. The values embedded in our mission and expressed in the vision of the FWC are to make quality decisions by being dynamic, science-informed, efficient, ethical, collaborative and committed to the vitality of the state and its environment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Six years of professional experience in natural science or education, two of which must have been in management of camp facilities, nature centers, or environmental/conservation education centers with a focus on youth programming.
• Substitution of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and two years of experience in management of camp facilities, nature centers, or environmental/conservation education centers with a focus on youth programming. OR
• Substitution of a masters degree from an accredited college or university and one year of experience in management of camp facilities, nature centers, or environmental/conservation education centers with a focus on youth programming. OR
• A doctorate from an accredited college or university can substitute for the required experience.
• Minimum 1 year of supervisory experience.
• Must be at least 25 years old.

Requirements:

• Possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver License.
• Statewide travel is required to perform the duties of this position (1-25%).
• Full-time, Monday to Friday; 40 hours/week; generally 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (ET), though the start and end time could vary on event days. Schedule changes to 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM (ET) during summer camp (June and July). Some weekends/evenings during travel, events, and program activities may occasionally require hours in excess of 8 hours per day.
• Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal history check (fingerprint-based) in accordance with Chapter 435, Florida Statutes. The criminal history check must be completed prior to or within the first three days of employment.
• Within six months of employment – successful completion and certification in: First Aid/CPR/AED, ACA Level I Kayak and Canoe Instructor, Lifeguard, FWC Trailer Training, Boater Safety Certification, Hunter Safety Certification, USA Archery Level II, and NASP BAIT (this list is subject to change depending on programming offered).
• Residency within Polk County or one hour travel time of office.

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

This full time Career Service position is based in the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Office of Conservation Engagement and Education’s (CEE) Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network (FYCCN). It serves as the Director of the Tenoroc Youth Conservation Center, a year-round education and summer camp facility.

The successful candidate provides leadership to a team of up to five on-site education staff, interacts routinely with other professionals on and offsite, and provides training and education services to numerous youth and conservation partners in the region. They should have experience with the American Camp Association (ACA) certification process, be able to work in a fast-paced environment, possess critical thinking skills, work well as part of a team, and have a positive outlook.

Candidates must be passionate about getting youth outside to create the next generation that cares about fish and wildlife resources and should be familiar with the four FYCCN pillars: shooting sports, fishing, boating, and wildlife exploration. The incumbent will work to ensure consistency in policies and procedures, compliance with ACA Accreditation Standards, and up to date curricula and recreation program offerings. Excellent communication skills (with staff, parents, school officials, and other interested parties) are key to succeeding in this position. An ideal candidate can perform the functions of this position with a strong understanding of the FYCCN’s mission, future goals, and thorough knowledge and application of FYCCN practices. Persons with good listening, writing, and critical thinking skills and the ability to multitask at a high level to convey FYCCN’s vision are encouraged to apply.

• Serves in a leadership capacity both at the Tenoroc Youth Conservation Center and the FYCCN;
• Works with supervisor to independently identify and resolve operational and management matters;
• Supervises up to five local staff;
• Provides regular updates to supervisor and CEE leadership;
• Assists staff with identifying training needs, knowledge, and abilities;
• Develops and updates policies, procedures, training processes;
• Ensures staff compliance with FWC training requirements, policies, and procedures;
• Conducts routine meetings to keep staff informed about important topics and stay connected;
• Designs and implements site specific conservation education programs, displays, and informational items;
• Integrates FYCCN educational curricula, family activities, and conservation programs into site offerings;
• Develops and maintains conservation education programs with a focus on Florida’s ecosystems, including upland habitats and freshwater fisheries;
• Develops and maintains relationships with local school districts to allow for on- and off-site school-based educational activities and programs;
• Provides evaluation and analysis of current educational efforts and makes recommendations to supervisor for future programs – includes both qualitative and quantitative analysis;
• Keeps and maintains accurate records of program attendance and statistics in accordance with state retention requirements;
• Inventories and maintains program supplies and equipment in excellent and safe conditions;
• Ensures compliance, develops procedures, and operates according to ACA standards;
• Completes all required training related to ACA standards, risk management, and child protection policy;
• Ensures compliance with the ACA standards as pertains to educational programs;
• Regularly examines current ACA guidelines for changes in regulation and becomes familiar with additions or alterations;
• Responsible for outreach and recruitment strategies;
• Coordinates with supervisor and other Youth Conservation Center Directors on development and marketing of summer camp and school-year educational programs;
• Assists in strategic planning with primary attention to educational programs;
• Ensures files and documentation are complete, accurate, and confidentially maintained;
• Administrative Duties: attends staff meetings; completes and submits required reports; participates in professional development courses; completes timesheets in a timely and thorough manner;
• Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Experience in managing a camp facility;
• Experience in education program design, development, implementation, and assessment;
• Knowledge of fishing, fishing equipment, paddle craft, and boating;
• Knowledge of archery equipment, hunting, shooting sports, and firearms;
• Experience in volunteer management;
• Skilled in operational planning, delegation, collaborative team building, and public speaking;
• Ability to use abstract reasoning, problem solving, planning, and analytical skills in training, evaluation, and program development;
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments;
• Ability to be a team player and able to work integrally with various stakeholders, partners, and government agencies;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others;
• Work independently;
• Take initiative and work creatively;
• Experience in grant writing;
• Communicate clearly both verbally and in writing;
• Deal professionally and sensitively with varied audiences and a wide range of contacts at different levels;
• Ability to adjust to and use new approaches in the performance of their duties;
• Compile, collect, and organize data;
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and PowerPoint;
• Knowledge of MyFloridaMarketPlace (MFMP), P-card Works, Statewide Travel Management System (STMS), and People First;
• Travel, enter/exit a vehicle and/or vessel without assistance;
• Lift 55 pound and withstand exposure to adverse weather conditions;
• Program activities may require hours more than 40 per week weekends and evenings;
• Other job related duties.