OPS Public Information Specialist II - 77900590

Requisition No: 839175 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS Public Information Specialist II - 77900590

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77900590 

Salary:  $26.05 an hour 1920 hours a fiscal year 

Posting Closing Date: 11/01/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

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

Position Number: 77900590

Position Title: OPS Public Information Specialist II

OPS-Amount of Hours Worked Per Fiscal Year: 1,920

OPS Hourly Rate/FTE Biweekly Rate of Pay: $26.05

Supervisor: Sharon Tatem

Broadband Code: 27-3031-02

Physical Address & Telephone Number: FWC Office at Russell Complex. 1875 E Orange Ave, Tallahassee, FL 32301. Phone Number, 727-502-4971.

Region: Northwest

County: Leon

Working hours: 8 am – 5 pm

List of any subordinates supervised: None

Residency Requirement: None

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Description of Duties:

The position of Community Outreach Coordinator works within the FWC’s Conservation Stewardship Program to enhance our wildlife conservation efforts, with an emphasis on Hispanic and underrepresented communities. The Conservation Stewardship Program is housed within the Public Access Services Office in the Division of Habitat and Species Conservation. Key responsibilities include managing accessibility and translation of outreach materials, implementing outreach strategies, and contributing to external and internal communications efforts.

This role will consult on program and information accessibility, build partnerships with libraries, maintain contact lists and distribute publications for Florida’s Wildlife Management Areas, and play an integral part in planning and executing outreach events, with an emphasis on visitors to Wildlife Management Areas, wildlife watchers, paddlers, hikers, and other outdoor recreationists.

Ideal candidates will be fluent in Spanish, understand Florida’s natural ecology and wildlife management practices, and have experience in culturally relevant conservation outreach. Skills in partnership development, grant writing and program evaluation are essential to expanding public engagement.

This position offers a fixed pay of $26.04 per hour with health benefits, based on 1,920 hours per fiscal year. It is an exciting opportunity for a self-motivated individual passionate about community outreach and responsible outdoor public access and recreation.

Duties:

• Communications Programming
  • Execute plans to engage and involve communities in conservation efforts.
  • Serve as a liaison and coordinate with outreach staff across the agency to present a unified message.
  • Ensure that all communication materials are accessible and culturally relevant.
  • Create and distribute newsletters and social media content.
  • Work closely with internal and external staff to create engaging and educational materials that align with outreach objectives.
  • Educate the public on wildlife-friendly practices and conservation strategies.
  • Plan and execute Wildlife Management Area promotional events.
  • Collaborate with the Volunteer Program to organize participatory science opportunities.
• Partnership Development
  • Cultivate partnerships with libraries and other community organizations.
  • Develop and maintain up-to-date contact lists for Wildlife Management Area publications and key interested parties.
• Program Evaluation
  • Assist in evaluating public use opportunities on FWC-managed lands, providing recommendations to make programs more accessible.
  • Track and record key metrics regarding communication tools and target audience engagement to measure the effectiveness of outreach initiatives.
• Administrative and Support Tasks
  • Contribute to grant writing to support outreach and conservation programs.
  • Attend relevant meetings, complete necessary documentation, and participate in professional development as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experience in culturally relevant outreach, partnership development, grant writing, and program evaluation.
• Awareness of Florida’s natural ecology and wildlife management practices.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey ideas, collaborate across teams, and communicate concepts to various interest groups.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects, set priorities, and meet deadlines efficiently.
• Results-oriented, with a strong focus on driving measurable outcomes and achieving objectives.
• Ability and willingness to travel on day trips (within a 100-mile radius) and overnight (3 to 5 days). Approximately 20% of this position’s time includes travel, with flexibility to work weekends and evenings, as necessary.

Minimum Qualifications:Prefer a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in communications, education, social sciences, or a related field. Preferred 2-4 years of experience in event planning, partnership development, and/or outreach, preferably within the outdoor recreation or conservation fields. Experience in a related field can substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required college education. Employment contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Must possess a valid Florida driver’s license.

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.