OPS EDUCATION SPECIALIST - 77901034

State of Florida•West Palm Beach, FL

6d•$19•Onsite

About The Position

This full-time Other Personal Services (OPS) position is based in the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Office of Conservation Engagement and Education’s Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network. The FWC is seeking a self-motivated, energetic, outcome-oriented individual to work as part of the education team at the Everglades Youth Conservation Center in West Palm Beach. The successful candidate will work with the EYCC Director, Assistant Director, and Education Specialists to deliver experiential programs designed to engage youth with Florida’s ecosystems through outdoor recreation. The primary duty will be to coordinate the training, development, supervision, and support for EYCC’s youth educational programs and facility operations. As a part of the FYCCN, the Education Specialist will communicate with stakeholders, constituents, and partners. They will also perform functions of this position with a strong understanding of FYCCN’s mission, future goals, and practices. They will convey FYCCN’s vision through effective programming, training, and outreach at the EYCC. Interested individuals must be passionate about getting youth outside to create the next generation that cares about fish and wildlife resources. The incumbent may be assigned to coordinate fishing, aquatic, shooting sports, or wildlife discovery programs based on interest, experience, or need. This position is not eligible for recurring telework. The Education Specialist will assist with design and implementation of EYCC site-specific conservation education programs, displays, and resources relevant to FYCCN’s four pillars: Boating, Wildlife Discovery, Shooting Sports, and Fishing.

Requirements

Six years of professional experience in natural science or education, two of which must have been in the fields of outdoor recreation, wildlife conservation field work or conservation, and/or natural science, OR
Substitution of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, and two years of experience in the education fields of outdoor recreation, and/or natural science, OR
Substitution of a master’s degree from an accredited college or university and one year of experience in the education fields of outdoor recreation, and/or natural science, OR
Substitution of a doctorate from an accredited college or university can substitute for the required experience. Prior experience in the education fields of outdoor recreation, and/or natural science is a plus.
Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal history check (fingerprint-based) in accordance with Chapter 435, Florida Statutes.
Possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver License and a good driving record.
Occasional travel for meetings and events required (1-25%).
Working Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (ET). Weekend and after-hours work are required when there are rental use groups, and special events, and summer camp
Successfully complete a swimming skills evaluation based on the American Red Cross five water competency skills within one month of employment.
Successfully complete the prerequisite swimming skills evaluation required for the American Red Cross Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water) course within two months of employment.
Successfully complete a kayaking skills assessment and canoeing skills assessment within two months of employment.
Successfully complete the following trainings within the first 8 months of employment:
Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED Certification,
Lifeguard Certification,
American Canoe Association Level 2 Kayak Skills Course,
American Canoe Association Level 1 Canoe Skills Course,
Boater Safety Certification,
USA Archery Level 2 Instructor Certification,
Hunter Safety Certification,
Fishing and Boating Camp Training,
Project WILD Facilitator Certification, and
Food Handler Training.

Nice To Haves

Intermediate to advanced fresh water and/or saltwater fishing knowledge and skills is preferred, e.g., fishing equipment, fishing rigs, knots, techniques, and fish identification.
Knowledge of regional ecosystems, wildlife, and sustainable wildlife management practices is preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist with training and support for seasonal staff and volunteers as assigned.
Ensure that programs are taught in accordance with the prescribed outlines in the applicable course manuals and operating under the guidelines established in the applicable policy and procedures manuals.
Lead or participate in hands-on educational programming, including field trips, summer camps, fishing clinics, partner events, outreach, and rental use. Provide input and assist with programming updates as assigned.
Help maintain camp and educational supplies and equipment to keep them stocked, clean, organized, and in working order; performs inventory as assigned by Director or Assistant Director.
Assist with integration of FYCCN educational curricula, family activities, and conservation programs into EYCC offerings.
Assist with the planning, administration, and implementation of all summer camp programs, youth, and family programs as assigned.
Provide species appropriate husbandry to assigned ambassador animals. Immediate report any issues (i.e., replacing supplies, habitat needs). Cover for other animal care staff when they are out of the office. Provide guidance/training in assigned husbandry duties for new staff, staff assigned as coverage, etc.
Ensure education programs are in compliance with an operate according to American Camp Association standards.
Assist Camp Director and Assistant Camp Director with preparations for summer camp, including updating programming, brainstorming ideas, providing feedback from previous year’s camps, inventory, creating materials, etc.
Supervise activities during summer camp as assigned. Address minor program changes, behavioral issues, etc. and level-up to Assistant Camp Director or Director where appropriate. Enforce camp code of conduct.
Evaluate volunteers on scheduled intervals; obtain and consider all relevant information in evaluations and supports volunteers by giving praise and constructive criticism.
Complete required training related to ACA standards and be familiar with/follow all policies in regard to camper safety, risk management, reporting, etc.
Communicate effectively with parents/guardians, stakeholders, constituents, and partners throughout in-person, by telephone, and at program/event interactions.
Promote EYCC programs and facility to the general public, specialty groups, partners, etc.
Respond to email/phone communications for both assigned work email and EYCC inbox in a timely manner.
Provide a welcoming experience, and positive guest service to visitors to EYCC through program interactions.
Participate in meetings, email communications, etc. as needed with FYCCN and FWC staff, FYCCN Partners, etc. to foster collaborative working relationships.
Maintain effective working relationships with others; work independently, take initiative and work creatively to solve problems.
Administrative duties: Attend staff meetings, participates in professional development courses, perform other duties as required.
Assist with program tracking, data entry/management, and analysis using Customer Service Management Systems (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics 365) and Microsoft Excel.
Ensure that files/documentation are complete, accurate, and confidentially maintained.
Attend and occasionally lead staff meetings, complete and submit required reports, and attend professional development as assigned.
Participate in program reporting, including recording visitor counts, demographic info for groups, field trip numbers, etc
Complete and submit timesheets and required reports in a timely and thorough manner.
Assist with facility operations outside of education programs as required.
Assist with all aspects of food service (dish washing, stocking, cooking, serving, etc.).
Assist with janitorial cleaning of the facility as needed (cabins, bathrooms, pavilions, etc.).
Act as campground host for rental groups as needed (checking in groups, monitoring group compliance, addressing group needs, etc.).
Assist with ground keeping as needed (brush pickup, cleaning, etc.).

Benefits

State of Florida employees enjoy top-tier benefits offerings including comprehensive health coverage to meet the needs of you and your family while maintaining low deductibles and low monthly out-of-pocket contributions. State employees also enjoy the option of selecting between the FRS Pension Plan and the FRS Investment Plan for retirement. As an additional benefit, state employment affords you the opportunity to take part in the tuition waiver program within the state university and community college systems.
Health Premiums $25.00- Single / $90.00- Family Biweekly
No Cost $25,000 Life Insurance
Nine Paid State Holidays, One Personal Holiday per year
4 hours Annual Leave and 4 hours Sick Leave accrued Biweekly
Retirement Plan Options
State University and College Tuition Waiver Program
On the Job Trainings
Support for family planning, including paid maternity leave, adoption benefits, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Family Supportive Work Program (FSWP), and paid leave for family and medical responsibilities for eligible employees.
Paid administrative leave for mentoring, volunteering, voting, and other reasons because we understand the importance of giving back to the community.