OPS Public Information Specialist II – 77909128

OPS Public Information Specialist II – 77909128

Requisition No: 848672 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS Public Information Specialist II – 77909128

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77909128 

Salary:  Salary: $26.55/hr – $28.12/hr dependent on experience 

Posting Closing Date: 03/31/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Working Title: OPS Public Information Specialist II

Salary: $26.55/hr – $28.12/hr dependent on experience

Position number: 77909128

Program Broad Band Code:  27-3031-02

Region: Northwest

County: Leon

Working hours: 40hrs/week

List of any subordinates supervised: None

Residency requirement: None

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Division: Habitat and Species Conservation

Section:  Invasive Plant Management

Sub-section: Aquatic

Address: 3800 Commonwealth Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32399

Supervisor: Mariah McInnis

 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.

In addition to submitting a completed State of Florida electronic application and completing the qualifying questions, applicants must attach a cover letter and up to date resume. The submitted cover letter should at a minimum explain your interest in working in invasive plant management and identify your most relevant skills and experience.  Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Description of position:

The Public Information Specialist II serves as the primary communications lead for the Invasive Plant Management Section, responsible for developing and implementing public-facing strategies that promote transparency, enhance public understanding, and support outreach efforts related to the Section’s programs and initiatives. This position is vital in facilitating communication within the Section and Division, creating informational materials, managing digital content, and supporting various stakeholders.

The successful applicant will be enthusiastic, self-motivated, and creative. They will possess strong communication skills and the ability to independently manage and execute projects with minimal supervision.

Description of responsibilities and duties:

The Public Information Specialist II will manage communications for the Invasive Plant Management Section, creating and maintaining outreach materials, digital content, and internal communications. This includes overseeing the Section’s website, ensuring content is up-to-date, and managing public records requests and AskFWC correspondence. The role also involves developing public outreach tools such as signage, printed materials, SOPs, and ADA-compliant documents. The Specialist will plan and coordinate outreach events, workshops, and training sessions to engage both internal staff and external stakeholders.

The Specialist will work closely with other sections within the Division by coordinating efforts with the Community Relations office. They will also collaborate with external partners to ensure consistent and effective communication strategies. The Specialist will support internal communication efforts, including newsletters and updates, while managing multiple communication-related projects to ensure timely and successful completion. Through these efforts, the Public Information Specialist will help ensure clear, cohesive, and impactful communication both internally and externally.

Knowledge, skills and abilities required for the position: 

• Proven experience in public relations, communications, or a related role, with a focus on environmental or public outreach.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in website management, content creation, and social media tools.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a collaborative, team-oriented mindset.
• Ability to interact courteously and professionally with the public when providing assistance.
• Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures, systems, and best practices.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise correspondence, reports, and other documentation.
• Ability to understand and apply relevant rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to plant management
• Skilled in planning and facilitating public outreach events, workshops, and meetings, with expertise in group facilitation techniques.
• Must possess a valid Florida driver’s license and be available for occasional overnight travel associated with agency mission-critical activities (conferences, trainings, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications include:

• Experience with SharePoint, GovDelivery, or other communication platforms is a plus.
• Experience working with the media to craft press releases, handle inquiries, or manage media outreach, especially in the context of government or environmental sectors.
• Familiarity with ADA compliance and accessibility standards for public communications.
• Familiarity with native and/or invasive plant species.
• Proficiency in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) or Canva for creating visually engaging materials like infographics, posters, and social media content.
• Experience operating drones for capturing visual content related to environmental or outreach projects.
• Minimum Qualifications: 
• Seven years experience in news reporting, editing, public relations, public information advertising, marketing, mass communications, or journalism.
• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field can substitute for four of the seven years required experience.
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

This is an OPS (Other Personal Service) position. It offers limited benefits.

Benefits Applicable to OPS employees: 

• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan – mandatory
• Workers’ Compensation – mandatory
• Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) – mandatory
• Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements. Consult with People First or the servicing Human Resource Office to determine eligibility.)
• Deferred Compensation – voluntary
• Employee Assistance Program – voluntary
• WHAT BENEFITS ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES?
• Any form of paid leave
• Paid holidays
• Participation in the Florida Retirement System
• Reinstatement rights or retention rights

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.