Outreach and Education Coordinator, Bio. IV, OPS

Requisition No: 822800 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS Fish & Wildlife Bio Sci IV – 77909067

Position Number: 77909067 

Posting Closing Date: 02/25/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Employment contingent upon successful completion of a background check

Title: OPS Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist IV

Working Title: OPS Nonnative Species Outreach and Education Coordinator

Salary: $26.04/hour (not to exceed 1,920 hours per fiscal year)

Position number:  77909067

Broadband/Class Code:  19-1023-04

Education:  Prefer a Bachelor’s degree in life or physical sciences.

Region: North Central Region (may be flexible on region)

Working hours: 40hrs/week 8-5, M-F, occasional nights and weekends required; overnight travel required; After 6 months of successful employment this position will have the potential to telework up to 2 days per week upon approval.

List of any subordinates supervised: (3) OPS Fish and Wildlife Biologist III

Residency requirement: None

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Division:  Habitat and Species Conservation

Section:  Wildlife Impact Management

Sub-section:  Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Program

Address:

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Wildlife Impact Management Section

1105 SW Williston Rd

Gainesville, FL 32601 (may be flexible on location)

Supervisor: McKayla Spencer, Wildlife Impact Management Section, Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Program Coordinator

Prefer a  bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the biological sciences and three years of professional biological experience; or

A master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the biological sciences and two years of professional experience.

A valid driver’s license required. In addition to submitting a completed state application via People First, applicants are required to submit a current resume and cover letter highlighting their qualifications and expressing their interest in the position (applications without a cover letter and resume will not be considered).

Description of Position:

The Wildlife Impact Management Section is seeking an energetic and motivated candidate to act as the Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Program (NFWP). Primary responsibilities will be to manage and advance the outreach and education component of the Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Program at the direction of the Supervisor/Section Leader. 

This position is an OPS Fish and Wildlife Biological Scientist IV responsible for developing and implementing all outreach and education events and projects within the WIM Section’s Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Program while developing ways to engage the public and reach new audiences through creative and innovative programs and materials. A major aspect of this position is to organize, schedule and act as project lead on special events including, but not limited to the annual Florida Python Challenge®. This position is responsible for addressing correspondence with the public including outreach at festivals and special events, through email and phone correspondence, trackers, and assisting the supervisor and Communications team with media inquiries, talking points and social media posts. This position will also supervise staff and assist with stakeholder conflict resolution.

Primary duties will include:

• Supervising three OPS staff including a Fish and Wildlife Biologist III that manages the Exotic Pet Amnesty Program (EPAP);
• Leading all aspects of the annual Florida Python Challenge® including, but not limited to, logistics, organization, scheduling, and implementation;
• Engaging with staff, partner agencies, Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas, and other stakeholders on nonnative fish and wildlife control and management issues in south Florida;
• Assisting in preparing and updating outreach materials while maintaining an inventory of all materials;
• Assisting and often leading the development and implementation of new and innovative outreach programs, initiatives and educational materials to engage the public in invasive species control and management;
• Serving on committees and teams as appropriate and attend meetings, workshops, and conferences;
• Responding to tracker requests and other correspondence from the public as well as social (and other) media inquiries;
• Overseeing the continued development and improvement of the EPAP by providing guidance and recommendations to staff and leadership;
• Managing contracts related to outreach and education projects;
• Responding to other wildlife conflict issues as needed.

This position will include extensive driving throughout Florida to attend or host events, festivals, meetings, workshops and to engage with partners. Must be able to work independently, and have an ability to effectively communicate with a variety of audiences.

Additional duties will include:

• Assisting in coordinating and organizing public/stakeholder workshops and Python Patrol trainings;
• Overseeing the preparation and updates of public education information including nonnative species awareness and reporting brochures, flyers, and other educational materials and displays to assist with public education about nonnative wildlife in Florida;
• Assisting in providing educational materials and presentations to the FWC staff including Law Enforcement, partner agencies, the public, and other wildlife professionals;
• When needed, staffing educational booths and presentations at events, festivals, and other appropriate venues and tracking staff and public attendance at these events;
• Conducting other activities and tasks as necessary to support other HSC staff statewide;
• Providing editorial review of documents for WIM staff, when needed;
• Overseeing the maintenance and updating of the FWC’s nonnative fish and wildlife websites;
• Overseeing the purchasing educational materials when necessary, including printing, and maintaining inventory of these items;
• Overseeing the creation of the annual nonnative fish and wildlife program report;
• Managing educational and outreach activities and trainings on nonnative wildlife issues.

The incumbent is also responsible for other miscellaneous duties as assigned by supervisor.

It is expected that all FWC employees courteously assist Commission constituents to resolve questions or problems they may have on matters relating to the Commission, its programs, or fish and wildlife conservation in general; and garner public support for agency objectives and programs by serving Florida’s citizens in a positive and proactive manner.

Knowledge, skills and abilities required for the position: 

• Knowledge of the biological sciences and scientific principles of wildlife biology, ecology, and conservation;
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills;
• Demonstrated ability to organize and coordinate events;
• Computer experience (examples: MS Word, MS PowerPoint, Access, MS Excel, Adobe Pro, ArcGIS);
• Demonstrated skill in excellent customer service; 
• Technical writing experience;
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced work environment and adhere to time constraints and deadlines;
• Experience working with the public or stakeholder representatives;
• Extensive experience with public speaking, meeting coordination, and presentations;
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing;
• Ability to positively and effectively communicate with stakeholders and coworkers;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with others;
• Ability to work independently;
• Ability to properly and safely handle fish and wildlife;
• Experience mentoring and supervising staff.

Desired qualifications include:

• Familiarity with Florida’s nonnative species issues;
• Ability to multi-task as well as work without close supervision, when needed;
• Ability to travel up to 25%. Periods of the year may require more extensive travel.

FWC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/ADA Employer. If you require an accommodation to participate in the application / selection process, please contact the hiring authority in advance.  

LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION OR REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS:

Valid driver’s license

WHAT IS OPS EMPLOYMENT?

OPS employees are at-will employees and are subject to actions such as pay changes, changes to work assignment, and terminations at the pleasure of the agency head or designee.

WHAT BENEFITS ARE 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 (upon meeting eligibility requirements)
• 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.