DIRECTOR OF STATE LANDS-DEP - 37001000

Requisition No: 853249 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: DIRECTOR OF STATE LANDS-DEP - 37001000

 Pay Plan: SMS

Position Number: 37001000 

Salary:  $134,995.68 (Annually) 

Posting Closing Date: 06/27/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

DIRECTOR OF STATE LANDS

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Tallahassee, FL

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (Department) is Florida’s lead agency for environmental management and stewardship. The Department’s Division of State Lands provides real estate and land management services as staff to the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund.

The Division of State Lands role goes far beyond just acquiring lands for protection. It provides oversight for the management of activities on more than 12 million acres of public lands that help ensure all Florida residents and visitors can truly appreciate Florida’s unique landscapes.

Florida Forever is the state’s conservation and recreation lands acquisition program, a blueprint for conserving our natural resources and renewing our commitment to conserve our natural and cultural heritage. Florida Forever is more than an environmental land acquisition program - it is a program shaping the future of Florida.

The Director of State Lands is responsible for leading the stewardship of Florida’s public lands to serve current and future generations. The Director leads the strategic planning and administration of the Division’s Bureaus and program areas, overseeing all staff and operations related to the acquisition, management, administration, and disposition of state-owned lands held or to be held in trust by the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund.

In carrying out the agency’s goal to manage state land for the maximum public benefit, the Director of State Lands will:

• Drive Land Management: Lead efforts in land acquisition and disposition, including reviewing and approving negotiation strategies and finalizing state land purchase prices.
• Oversee Division Operations: Manage day-to-day operations and ensure programs align with Florida Administrative Code and DEP Directives.
• Shape Policy and Lead Teams: Provide strategic guidance to Division Managers, support high-performing teams, and make key personnel decisions to ensure efficient, effective operations.
• Support Outdoor Recreation and Conservation Grants: Oversee land and recreation grant programs that expand access to Florida’s natural spaces and support community and local government partnerships.
• Advise Leadership: Exercise delegated authority on Division actions and ensure accurate, timely reporting to Department leadership and, when requested, the Governor and Cabinet.
• Lead with Purpose: Inspire the Division’s team, foster collaboration, and guide the Division’s continued success through dynamic and responsive leadership.
• Mission-Driven Execution: Represent the Department in public forums and other executive-level initiatives that further the Department’s mission and goals.

The Director of State Lands is subject to confirmation by the Governor and Cabinet sitting as the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund pursuant to section 20.255(3)(g), Florida Statutes.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Strong understanding of fundamental management principles and practices; proficiency in data collection, evaluation, and analysis to support decision-making and operational improvements; ability to set work priorities, assign tasks, and ensure timely and accurate completion of assignments; effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to maintain clear, consistent communication with supervisors, colleagues, and direct reports in alignment with agency standards; proven ability to build and maintain productive working relationships across employees and stakeholders; skilled in developing and implementing policies, procedures, and operational strategies; ability to interpret and apply relevant laws, rules, policies, and procedures effectively; capable of organizing complex data into clear, logical formats for use in reports, presentations, and official documents; competence in problem-solving, decision-making, and working independently to carry out assignments with minimal oversight; experience conducting research, analyzing findings, and producing actionable recommendations; demonstrated teamwork, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate challenges using common sense and professionalism.

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least 10 years of verifiable related experience in in real estate management, land management, asset management, business management, or executive leadership. Post-secondary degrees may be used as an alternative for the required years of experience on a year-for-year basis.  A credential evaluation report from an approved agency must be submitted along with all foreign degrees.
• Valid Driver’s License

Position of Special Trust Requirement:

This position is designated as a Position of Special Trust in accordance with DEP Directive 422, Positions of Special Trust or Responsibility. Successful completion of background screening will be required for this position.

Preferred Qualifications:

State of Florida Real Estate Sales Associate or Real Estate Broker License.

Pay:

$134,995.68 annually.

Our Organization and Mission:

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the state’s lead agency for environmental management and stewardship - protecting our air, water and land. The vision of DEP is to advance Florida’s position as a world leader in protecting natural resources while growing the state’s economy. DEP encourages its leaders to constantly innovate and seek efficiencies. We believe in supporting and encouraging you as you take on important and often complex projects while offering you the opportunity to gain valuable experience quickly.

Where You Will Work:

Tallahassee – Tallahassee, Florida’s Capital City, lined with rolling hills, oak trees, and canopied roads combine old world charm with a modern pace of life. Home to two major universities as well as state government, Tallahassee is a mid-sized city in the heart of Florida’s Big Bend. Tallahassee is a highly desirable location for both those seeking their first job or those ready to enter the next exciting chapter in their career.

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits;
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year;
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options;
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions (For more information, please click www.myfrs.com);
• Tuition waivers;
• Total Compensation Estimator Tool
• And more!

For a complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com

Special Notes:

DEP is committed to successfully recruiting and onboarding talented and skilled individuals into its workforce. We recognize the extensive training, experience, and transferable skills that veterans and individuals with disabilities bring to the workforce. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact our recruiter for guidance and answers to questions through the following email addresses:

HR_VeteransPreference@dep.state.fl.us

HR_Recruitment@FloridaDEP.gov

An individual with a disability is qualified if he or she satisfies the skills, experience, and other job-related requirements for a position and can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must contact the DEP Human Resources (HR) Office at (850) 245-2511. DEP requests applicants notify HR in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

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.