OPS Educational Specialist - 77903096

Requisition No: 826416 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS Educational Specialist - 77903096

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77903096 

Salary:  $17.00 an hour 

Posting Closing Date: 05/12/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

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

Working Title:  Chinsegut Education Specialist

Broadband/Class Code:  25-3099-0 / 1370

Position Number: 77903096

Hourly rate of pay:  $17.00 per hour / 20 Hours per week

City: Brooksville

Facility: Chinsegut Conservation Center 23212 Lake Lindsey Rd Brooksville, FL 34601

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

Supervisor: Hana Brinkley 

The Division of Habitat & Species Conservation is comprised of six Sections and two offices. This is the position of OPS Education Specialist in the Public Access Services Office (PASO) of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The incumbent is expected to work as an effective member of the Chinsegut Conservation Center team delivering conservation education programs to audiences of all ages and helping maintain to the center.

The major responsibilities of the position include:

• Provide direct instruction of Chinsegut’s conservation education programs which include wildlife and land management practices, archery, birding, sandhill habitat and wildlife conservation
• Implement adult, family, and children’s activities and programs that accomplish the conservation center’s goals and objectives
• Implement effective school-based educational activities that accomplish the conservation center’s goals and objectives
• Modify programs for accessibility on an on-demand basis
• Maintain an engaging learning environment for public entering and utilizing the conservation center
• Assure that conservation center programs are provided in a high quality, hands-on conservation education format
• Communicate to and respond effectively to visitors about the conservation center through in-person, e-mail, telephone, and during program/event interactions
• Use social media, newsletters and other communication methods to promote the conservation center programs
• Assist in maintaining up-to-date information about the Wildlife and Environmental Area and conservation center program opportunities at center kiosks, on websites and other venues
• Attend staff meetings, prepare required forms, participate in professional development courses, complete timesheets in a timely and thorough manner, respond to telephone and mail inquires. 
• Communicate with partners including state and local government; school systems to plan outreach events and educational programs
• Coordinate volunteer efforts in support of educational programs
• Assist in collecting evaluation information and analyzing success of programs.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming conservation center
• Implement wildlife and land management practices on the Conservation Center grounds such as exotic plant removal as needed
• Assist in maintaining the center facilities and grounds
• Other duties as required. 

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of regional ecosystems
• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of effective communication
• Ability to plan and prepare educational materials
• Willingness and aptitude to learn wildlife and land management practices as needed to teach programs
• Experienced in delivering conservation education programs and implementing outdoor and conservation activities with diverse age groups from toddlers to seniors
• Critical thinker
• Skilled in public speaking
• Skilled in using computer software applications particularly Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to lift 30 lbs

Region: Southwest

Title: OPS Education Specialist

County: Hernando

Working hours: Monday-Friday 8-4, Saturdays and evenings as needed, 20 hrs./week

List of any subordinates supervised: None

Residency requirement: None

Level of Education - Minimum high school diploma or its equivalent and five years of relevant experience as described above Preference may be given to candidates with applied experience in teaching conservation education. Preference may be given to candidates with a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Minimum requirements: Skilled at Public Speaking; Excellent organizational skills; Competency using computer software applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Willing to learn and able to follow procedures

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 (must meet eligibility requirements. Consult with People First or the servicing Human Resource Office for details.)

•    Deferred Compensation - voluntary

•    Employee Assistance Program – voluntary  

•    Learn more at https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/health/eligibility_and_enrollment/ops_employees

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.