HABITAT & SPECIES CONSERVATION SEC LEAD - 77072741

Requisition No: 866946 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: HABITAT & SPECIES CONSERVATION SEC LEAD - 77072741

 Pay Plan: SES

Position Number: 77072741 

Salary:  $2961.53 to $3461.53 biweekly + benefits 

Posting Closing Date: 01/28/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Anticipated vacancy

Position Number: 77072741

Position Title: Section Leader, Imperiled Species Management Section

Salary Range: $2961.53 to $3461.53 biweekly; $77,000 - $90,000 annually

Supervisor: Jennifer Goff

Broadband Code: 11-9121-03

Class Code: 8595                                 

Address:1875 Orange Ave. E., Russel Park Tallahassee, FL 32311

Region: Northwest

County: Leon

Working hours: Monday – Friday 8 am to 5 pm (may require travel)

List of any subordinates supervised:1 Biological Administrator II, 1 Biological Administrator III, 1 Environmental Administrator; OPS AA II and other OPS as assigned

Residency Requirement: Position incumbent is expected to maintain an office in Tallahassee

Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal history record check.

Agency information

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.

The Division of Habitat & Species Conservation is comprised of six Sections and two offices. This position works within the Division of Habitat & Species Conservation overseeing the Imperiled Species Management Section.

Minimum Qualifications:  A high school diploma and 8 years 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 8 years of required experience.

  Preferred qualifications: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological sciences

Description of Duties:

This position serves as Section Leader for the Imperiled Species Management Section (ISM) in the Division of Habitat and Species Conservation. This is a highly responsible and complex managerial position requiring technical knowledge in administrative and management practices and principles and an understanding of the principles of wildlife management and ecology.  Responsibilities include technical planning, guidance, evaluation, administration, personnel management, and oversight of the operation and implementation of FWC’s conservation programs for the Florida manatee, marine turtles, Florida panthers, and black bears. This position coordinates throughout the Division and across Division lines, in particular with the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, to ensure that management decisions are well informed by the best available science. The incumbent will be expected to work collaboratively with other state agencies, federal partners, local governments, the public, and private sector stakeholders to achieve conservation goals. This position is responsible for Section budget preparation that reflects Section and Division conservation goals. This position prepares information for the Section related to legislative issues, and guides the development of rules, policies, and management plans for presentation and approval by the Commission and works with elected officials as needed to achieve program goals. Serves on HSC’s Division Leadership Team; works with stakeholders and partners to ensure responsiveness to their interests and with State and Federal agencies on areas of mutual concern; provides assistance in coordination of Commission activities with state and federal agencies; coordinates directly with Division and Executive leadership on emerging issues and conservation challenges.   Responsible for the timely and accurate processing and/or approval, as appropriate, of vendor invoices and warrants for payment of goods received or services rendered to avoid automatic interest penalty payments to said vendors. Responsible for adhering to the provisions and requirements for Section 215.422, F.S.; related State Comptroller’s rules and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission invoice processing and warrant distribution procedures.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Courteously assists Commission constituents to resolve questions or problems they may have in matters relating to the Commission, its programs or fish and wildlife conservation generally. Seeks to garner public support for agency objectives and programs by serving Florida's citizens in a positive and proactive manner.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Strong oral and written communication skills; strong organizational and project management skills; supervisory experience and ability to foster a strong team dynamic; ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures; knowledge of conservation biology principles and the ability or experience to apply such, especially as it pertains to Florida’s imperiled species and native wildlife; flexibility to schedule travel when necessary. Knowledge of program species and regulatory framework for each is preferred. A demonstrated ability to secure grants to support conservation work is preferred. A demonstrated ability to develop successful partnerships and strategies to enhance conservation is preferred. Ability to handle controversial issues, problem-solve and negotiate solutions. The successful applicant will be enthusiastic, self-motivated and have a commitment to natural resource conservation and customer service.

In addition to submitting an electronic State of Florida employment application and completing the qualifying questions, you must submit a resume and a cover letter.  Applications without these documents may not be considered. The letter should at minimum explain your interest in the specific organization and position and identify your most relevant skills or experiences.  Answers to qualifying questions must be validated in the application, resume and cover letter.

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.