RESEARCH ADMINISTRATOR II-FWC - SES - 77072687

State of Florida•Saint Petersburg, FL

1d•$75,887•Onsite

About The Position

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. Every organization has an identity that is forged not only by what it does, but by how it conducts itself. The values embedded in our mission and expressed in the vision of the FWC are to make quality decisions by being dynamic, science-informed, efficient, ethical, collaborative and committed to the vitality of the state and its environment. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is hiring a 40 hour per week position to lead the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute’s (FWRI) Center for Spatial Analysis (CSA) sub-section. CSA includes research scientists focused on terrestrial, freshwater, estuarine and marine research as well as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technical staff supporting GIS needs for the agency. The successful candidate will possess a foundational understanding of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology/techniques, a basic understanding of fish and wildlife biological science/research, the ability to bridge communication gaps between research science and GIS technical staff, as well as the effective project management and interpersonal skills needed to meet the diverse research information needs of FWRI and other FWC divisions. The successful candidate will have opportunities to work on a wide variety of conservation-related projects in a unique and rewarding collaborative working environment.

Requirements

9 years professional experience in a closely-related biological field or laboratory program, two years of which must have been in a supervisory capacity, is required.
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics and five years of professional experience in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics, two years of which must have been in a supervisory capacity.
A master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics and four years of professional experience as described above, two years of which must have been in a supervisory capacity.
A doctorate from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics and two years of professional supervisory experience as described above can substitute for the required experience.
Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate.
Possess a foundational understanding of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology/techniques.
Possess a basic understanding of fish and wildlife biological science/research.
Ability to bridge communication gaps between research science and GIS technical staff.
Effective project management and interpersonal skills needed to meet the diverse research information needs of FWRI and other FWC divisions.
Knowledge of: Principles and practices of GIS, cartography, and digital remote sensing.
Knowledge of: Scientific research procedures and techniques.
Knowledge of: GIS database and applications design, development, and implementation.
Knowledge of: Information management technologies including database systems and web services.
Knowledge of: Supervisory & management principles and practices.
Skills: Spatial analytics and spatial modeling.
Skills: Implementation of ESRI GIS products for fish & wildlife conservation efforts.
Skills: Project management.
Skills: Excellent written and oral communication.
Skills: Public speaking to scientific and technical professionals.
Skills: Effective leadership.
Ability to: Lead a large team (~25 staff) of technical and research scientists.
Ability to: Understand research problems from the perspective of a biologist or resource manager and identify/communicate appropriate GIS solutions/options.
Ability to: Implement enterprise level GIS projects that adhere to Florida state agency Information Technology requirements.
Ability to: Project management: Plan, direct, present, monitor and evaluate enterprise level GIS projects that range from short (few months) to long (multi-year) term.
Ability to: Establish and maintain effective working relationships with research staff, including personnel stationed at field offices throughout the state of Florida.
Ability to: Write technical reports and communicate effectively graphically, verbally and in writing.
Ability to: Work independently to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
Ability to: Formulate and recommend information management policies and procedures.
Ability to: Understand and communicate applicable rules, regulations and policies.
Ability to: Effectively supervise staff.
Ability to: Maintain a valid driver’s license.
Ability to: Travel as needed.

Nice To Haves

Graduate degree from an accredited college or university in one of the natural sciences or information science.

Responsibilities

Direct and participate in the design, coordination, development and implementation of spatial analysis research including species distribution and abundance modeling, ecological modeling, biogeographic assessment, habitat mapping, grant funded research projects, and GIS related research and development of modern data processing methods such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and remote sensing (RS).
Direct and participate in the design, coordination, development and implementation of GIS technical solutions that support the FWC including GIS data collection tools, web mapping services/applications, and, ESRI management (licensing and arcgis.com) and spatial data management.
Keep abreast of all major technological advances related to GIS and spatial research.
Ensure cost-effectiveness and scientific integrity in FWC GIS projects.
Implement sound management practices as defined by the FWC, so that GIS activities are well thought out and efficiently implemented.
Serve as the manager for multiple simultaneous FWRI spatial analysis or technical GIS projects differing in scope and duration.
Serve as FWRI representative on internal and interagency teams as assigned.
Coordinate with the Office for Information Technology on GIS projects.
Serve as FWRI's GIS Coordinator and lead an agency level GIS team.
Coordinate with the Office of Information Technology with GIS projects.
Ensure coordination of activities as they relate to information management across IS&M and FWRI working units.
Serve as liaison with various commissions, councils and committees for Gulf and South Atlantic marine resource issues.
Maintain a professional working environment that promotes teamwork with other programs at the Institute.
Supervise assigned personnel.
Recruitment, training, work planning, performance assessment and providing work direction, ensuring compliance with FWC and FWRI rules, policies, and procedures.
Assist section and project leaders in resolving technical, research and administrative problems related to spatial analysis and GIS.
Assist in comprehensive planning, project management, and administrative implementation of IS&M policies and procedures.
Develop and manage short and long-range budgets, development of work teams, and development of multi-disciplinary collaborative relationships.
Responsible for developing and monitoring annual working budgets and ensures expenditures do not exceed spending authority.
Represent the Agency, as requested, on FWRI’s information management related issues that may require periodic traveling.
Perform special assignments on information management related matters.
Assist other Institute staff as requested.
Promote and participate in public outreach efforts, as appropriate.
Performs other duties as required.

Benefits

Comprehensive health coverage to meet the needs of you and your family while maintaining low deductibles and low monthly out-of-pocket contributions.
Option of selecting between the FRS Pension Plan and the FRS Investment Plan for retirement.
Tuition waiver program within the state university and community college systems.
Health Premiums $4.17- Single / $15.00- Family Biweekly.
No Cost $25,000 Life Insurance.
Nine Paid State Holidays, One Personal Holiday per year.
176 hours Annual Leave and 104 hours Sick Leave per year.
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.