Manatee Management Program Coordinator

Agency information: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (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 is 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. The FWC has six Divisions, including the Division of Habitat and Species Conservation. The Division of Habitat and Species Conservation is comprised of six sections and two offices. This is an opportunity to join the Imperiled Species Management Section.

Minimum qualifications: A high school diploma and seven years of professional experience in a closely related biological field or laboratory program is required. A Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant field can substitute for four of the seven years of experience

Preferred qualifications: Previous experience with Florida manatee, marine wildlife permitting, or regulatory review is highly desired. Experience working with state, federal, or local partners on coastal conservation issues is preferred. Proficiency with ArcPro, MS Office, and MS SharePoint is preferred. Experience supervising staff and managing program budgets or contracts is also preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of manatee biology, ecology, conservation, and management practices.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, and regulations relating to manatee conservation.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of program management, including planning, budgeting, and employee performance evaluation.
• Strong leadership, supervisory, and team management skills.
• Ability to provide strategic direction and oversight for staff and projects.
• Skilled at building relationships and coordinating effectively with internal staff, external stakeholders, and partner organizations.
• Ability to review, evaluate, interpret, and communicate scientific and policy-related information.
• Ability to write and edit technical reports, management plans, agency correspondence and non-technical outreach material.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with a variety of audiences with varied levels of understanding of wildlife conservation, including policymakers, stakeholders, and the public.
• Ability to speak publicly and represent the agency at meetings, conferences, and outreach events.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, government entities, academic institutions, non-governmental organizations, and the public.
• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize multiple projects to meet deadlines with minimal oversight.
• Ability to provide clear, timely, and effective updates to supervisor.
• Ability to supervise multiple personnel remotely as well as in-person and adapt supervisory approach based on the needs of each individual to allow them to work to their highest professional level.
• Ability to communicate and manage high-stress situations in a calm, organized, and professional manner.
• Ability to analyze complex issues and problems and develop innovative and effective solutions.
• Ability to formulate coherent, effective policies and procedures and to incorporate biological, administrative, ethical, social, and political considerations in formulation of those policies and procedures.
• Ability to understand, comply with, and apply rules, policies, and procedures applicable to the conduct of a Commission employee and to the implementation and administration of a sea turtle management program.

Additional requirements: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. A valid driver’s license and the ability to travel statewide, occasionally overnight, are required.

Description of Duties: This leadership position serves as the Manatee Management Program Coordinator within the Imperiled Species Management Section. The Coordinator provides oversight and strategic direction for FWC’s Manatee Management Program activities, ensuring that conservation, management, and regulatory activities are effectively implemented to conserve Florida’s manatees and their habitats.

Key responsibilities include:

• Program Leadership and Administration
  • Provide leadership, strategic direction, and oversight for the Manatee Management Program.
  • Manage program budgets, grants, and contracts to ensure expenditures are appropriate, compliant with state procedures, and within allocated limits.
  • Ensure assignments and projects are completed on schedule, with high attention to detail.
  • Serve as a subject matter expert for agency leadership, teams and interagency working groups.
  • Ensure Section leadership is aware of any emerging or controversial issues in a timely manner.

• Supervision of Staff
  • Provide direct supervision, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for up to six staff members.
  • Hold regular meetings with staff to discuss program priorities, workload management, performance expectations, and emerging issues.
  • Conduct regular performance evaluations, including goal setting and career development planning.
  • Communicate regularly with supervisors and staff on job duties, priorities, and emerging or controversial issues.

• Stakeholder Coordination and Partnership Development
  • Coordinate with federal, state, and local partners, non-governmental organizations, and stakeholders on manatee conservation and management.
  • Coordinate and lead statewide and regional meetings, workshops, and stakeholder forums.
  • Maintain regular communication with research staff to ensure management needs are supported by current science.
  • Respond to stakeholder inquiries promptly and maintain constructive relationships, even on controversial projects.

• Conservation Planning, Policy, and Technical Assistance
  • Oversee program activities related to manatee protection plans, manatee protection rules, manatee warm-water habitat, water-control structure assessments, and other conservation initiatives.
  • Provide expertise in reviewing regulatory proposals, environmental resource permits, coastal construction authorizations, and other activities that may affect manatees or their habitat.
  • Ensure consistent implementation of agency policies, procedures, and conservation objectives across program areas.
  • Evaluate and develop management strategies to support the long-term conservation and recovery of Florida manatees.

• Outreach, Education, and Public Representation
  • Represent FWC and the Manatee Management Program at conferences, public forums, and outreach events.
  • Support training efforts and other educational initiatives that promote manatee conservation.
  • Provide clear communication to the public and stakeholders regarding manatee conservation and regulatory requirements.