OPS Public Information Specialist II - 77902476

State of Florida • TALLAHASSEE, FL

19d • Onsite

About The Position

The Public Information Specialist II, serving as the Outreach and Education Specialist, leads development and implementation of public outreach and education initiatives for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Invasive Plant Management Section. The position creates and delivers programs, materials, and partnerships that increase public awareness, understanding, and engagement with the Section’s invasive plant management efforts across Florida. It also develops visually compelling educational and promotional materials, multimedia content, and online resources for diverse audiences.

The successful applicant is expected to be enthusiastic, self-motivated, creative, and able to manage and execute projects independently with limited supervision. The role works within the Invasive Plant Management Section of the Division of Habitat and Species Conservation. It is located at 1875 E. Orange Avenue, Tallahassee, Florida, and requires Florida residency. Employment is contingent on a successful background check.

This is an OPS (Other Personal Service) position paying $27.08 per hour for 1,920 hours per fiscal year. The position is scheduled for 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and may require occasional evening and weekend work, travel, and overnight travel. The position supervises no subordinates and reports to Mariah McInnis.

Requirements

• High school diploma and four years of professional experience in natural science, environmental education, recreation, English, creative writing, journalism, or a related field; a bachelor’s degree may substitute for four years of experience.
• Proven experience in public relations, communications, or related fields, focused on environmental, governmental, or public outreach.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong project management skills and ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Proficiency in media relations, website management, content creation, and social media tools.
• Collaborative mindset and strong problem-solving abilities.
• Professional and courteous interaction with the public, stakeholders, and media.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise correspondence, reports, and official documents.
• Knowledge of administrative procedures, systems, and best practices.
• Ability to understand and apply rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to plant management.
• Skilled in planning and facilitating public communications, media events, and stakeholder meetings.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license.
• Must be able to travel, work some evenings and weekends, and undertake occasional overnight travel.
• Must be able to work independently with limited supervision.
• Applicants must submit a completed State of Florida electronic application, complete qualifying questions, and attach a cover letter and up-to-date resume. The cover letter must explain interest in invasive plant management and identify relevant skills and experience. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom.
• Experience working with web designers and producing content and publications.
• Experience with ArcPro.
• Experience with SharePoint, GovDelivery, or other communication platforms.
• Experience working with media to craft press releases, handle inquiries, or manage media outreach, especially in government or environmental sectors.
• Familiarity with ADA compliance and accessibility standards for public communications.
• Familiarity with native and/or invasive plant species.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) or Canva for creating visual materials such as infographics, posters, and social media content.
• Experience operating drones to capture visual content for environmental or outreach projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop, produce, and maintain educational and informational materials for varied audiences.
• Manage updates to outreach-related web content and partner social media channels in accordance with agency branding and communications standards.
• Support statewide outreach campaigns through materials production and distribution, and evaluate their effectiveness.
• Ensure outreach products remain accurate, timely, and relevant.
• Work with Section biologists, program managers, and communications staff to turn technical and scientific information into clear, accessible content for public and stakeholder audiences.
• Serve as a liaison with local governments, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and community partners to coordinate outreach and collaboration.
• Provide internal communications, including email updates and a Section newsletter, to inform Section and Division staff about outreach activities and accomplishments.
• Represent the Section at meetings, conferences, and outreach events.
• Review outreach materials for clarity and accuracy.
• Track outreach metrics and feedback.
• Coordinate with the FWC Office of Community Relations, Division staff, and the IPMS communications and public affairs specialist to ensure consistent messaging.
• Plan and facilitate public communications, media events, and stakeholder meetings.
• Prepare correspondence, reports, and official documents.

Benefits

• Limited benefits are available to OPS employees.
• Mandatory State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan.
• Mandatory Workers’ Compensation.
• Mandatory Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation).
• Potential eligibility for state group insurance, subject to eligibility requirements.
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation.
• Voluntary Employee Assistance Program.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED