PENDING RECLASSIFICATION TO BIOLOGICAL ADMINISTRATOR II - SES - 77072653

State of Florida

20d•Onsite

About The Position

This leadership position serves as the Sea Turtle Management Program Coordinator within the Imperiled Species Management Section. The Coordinator provides oversight and strategic direction and coordination for FWC’s Sea Turtle Management Program activities, ensuring that conservation, management, and regulatory activities are effectively implemented to conserve Florida’s sea turtles and their habitats.

Requirements

A high school diploma and seven years of 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 seven years of experience.
A Graduate Degree in a relevant field can substitute for two of the seven years of experience.
Knowledge of sea turtle biology, ecology, conservation, and management practices.
Knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, and regulations relating to sea turtle conservation.
Knowledge of principles and practices of program management, including planning, budgeting, and employee performance evaluation.
Strong leadership, supervisory, and team management skills.
Ability to provide strategic direction and oversight for staff and projects.
Skilled at building relationships and coordinating effectively with internal staff, external stakeholders, and partner organizations.
Ability to review, evaluate, interpret, and communicate scientific and policy-related information.
Ability to write and edit technical reports, management plans, agency correspondence and non-technical outreach material.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with a variety of audiences with varied levels of understanding of wildlife conservation, including policymakers, stakeholders, and the public.
Ability to speak publicly and represent the agency at meetings, conferences, and outreach events.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, government entities, academic institutions, NGOs, and the public.
Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize multiple projects to meet deadlines with minimal oversight.
Ability to provide clear, timely, and effective updates to supervisor.
Ability to supervise multiple personnel remotely as well as in-person and adapt supervisory approach based on the needs of each individual to allow them to work to their highest professional level.
Ability to communicate and manage high-stress situations in a calm, organized, and professional manner.
Ability to analyze complex issues and problems and develop innovative and effective solutions.
Ability to formulate coherent, effective policies and procedures and to incorporate biological, administrative, ethical, social, and political considerations in formulation of those policies and procedures.
Ability to understand, comply with, and apply rules, policies, and procedures applicable to the conduct of a Commission employee and to the implementation and administration of a sea turtle management program.
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
A valid driver’s license and the ability to travel statewide, occasionally overnight, are required.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience with Florida sea turtle management and research programs, marine wildlife permitting, or regulatory review is highly desired.
Experience working with state, federal, or local partners on coastal conservation issues is preferred.
Proficiency with ArcPro, MS Office, and MS SharePoint is preferred.
Experience supervising staff and managing program budgets or contracts is also preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversee program budgets, grants, and contracts to ensure expenditures are appropriate, compliant with state procedures, and within allocated limits.
Ensure assignments and projects are completed on schedule, with high attention to detail.
Serve as a subject matter expert for agency leadership, teams and interagency working groups.
Ensure Section leadership is aware of any emerging or controversial issues in a timely manner.
Represents the agency as a sea turtle expert in legal proceedings.
Provide direct supervision, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for staff.
Hold regular meetings with staff to discuss job duties, expectations, and performance.
Conduct regular performance evaluations, including goal setting and career development planning.
Communicate regularly with supervisors and staff on job duties, priorities, and emerging or controversial issues.
Coordinate with federal, state, and local partners, NGOs, and stakeholders on sea turtle conservation and management.
Organize and lead the annual Marine Turtle Permit Holder meeting, regional teleconferences, and other coordination meetings.
Maintain regular communication with research staff to ensure management needs are supported by current science.
Respond to stakeholder inquiries promptly and maintain constructive relationships, even on controversial projects.
Oversee the marine turtle permitting process, ensuring timely and consistent permit issuance and renewals.
Provide expertise in reviewing regulatory proposals, environmental resource permits, and coastal construction authorizations.
Represent FWC and the Sea Turtle Management Program at conferences, public forums, and outreach events.
Support training efforts such as Turtle 101 for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection field inspectors, workshops for Marine Turtle Permit Holders, and other educational initiatives.
Provide clear communication to the public and stakeholders regarding sea turtle conservation and regulatory requirements.