Coastal Dune Restoration Coordinator – Florida

Full-time position as the Restoration Coordinator for a multi-year coastal dune restoration project with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Class Title: OPS Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist IV

Pay Rate: $46,291 per year

Work Location: Panama City, Bay County

Work Address:  3911 Highway 2321, Panama City, FL 32409

Supervisor & Contact Person:  Terry J. Doonan   Terry.Doonan@MyFWC.com

OPS Employment Description: This is an OPS (Other Personnel Services) position.  Employees in OPS positions have the option to receive health insurance benefits.  OPS employees are paid for the number of hours they work, do not receive any paid leave, paid holidays, or participation in the Florida Retirement System.

To apply: Submit an application for Position Number 77902490 through the State’s People First system (https://jobs.myflorida.com/).  In addition, please attach a resume and a cover letter. This letter should explain your interest in this specific position and describe your most relevant qualifications for the position. The closing date is April 6, 2021.

Description of responsibilities and duties: 

The individual selected for this position will serve as an expert on ecological restoration and will have the opportunity to significantly influence restoration outcomes in the important coastal dune ecosystem of the Florida Panhandle. This position with the Panhandle Dune Ecosystem Project is anticipated to be a 6-year position with a lead role in restoring dune habitats in the Florida Panhandle as part of a multi-agency grant focused on restoring natural vegetation diversity and connectivity in the coastal dune ecosystem to benefit beach mouse and other wildlife populations. This position serves as a key team member who will work closely with the project oversight team to develop and lead dune restoration activities at multiple sites across the Florida Panhandle. This position provides a great opportunity to work creatively with diverse partners and stakeholders to address unique conservation challenges.

Coordinate pre-restoration site evaluations to identify and prioritize restoration sites, develop site-specific restoration plans in collaboration with external coastal ecosystem experts, and help coordinate pre- and post-restoration vegetation monitoring activities. Collaborate with project staff, other FWC staff members, staffs of other agencies, and property owners before, during, and after restoration to ensure conservation work is carried out efficiently and as prescribed.

Coordinate with land managers and conservation specialists as necessary and appropriate to help ensure Project activities are consistent with other planned or ongoing management and conservation activities.

Coordinate effectively with external partners to implement vegetation monitoring protocols to assess habitat conditions of sites pre- and post-restoration. Work effectively with contractors hired to conduct restoration activities to ensure contractors successfully meet all provisions of the restoration contracts and produce quality deliverables.

Assist the Project Coordinator and other project staff with writing of progress reports, and other necessary technical reports, detailing progress and results of the habitat restoration activities conducted for the project. Assist with developing and implementing the Adaptive Management Plan for the project.

As needed, coordinate with other project staff and partners to maintain project budgets, facilitate public outreach to develop and maintain public support, coordinate interagency activities and deliberations, comply with regulatory requirements, use GIS to identify survey sites and track project activities as necessary, provide support for individual projects through the construction phase, develop and implement vegetation and wildlife monitoring plans, assist with coordinating data management and analysis activities, maintain organized and current project digital and paper files, and produce project reports. Provide technical expertise and assistance to project staff, other FWC staff members, and staffs of other agencies.

Education:  Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in the biological sciences is required, preferably in natural resource conservation, ecology, environmental science, or a closely related field. A Master’s degree in one of the listed fields is strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge: Of coastal dune ecosystems, Florida’s wildlife, and the principles of ecology, wildlife biology, and natural resource conservation, as well as applicable federal and state laws, rules, and policies.

Demonstrated interest, knowledge, and experience in natural resource management and protection, with experience in ecological restoration of coastal ecosystems.

Demonstrated knowledge of and experience conducting restoration planning and project site identification through desktop and field survey assessments, and other technical survey techniques. At least one year of professional experience. Florida-based experienced is preferred.

Demonstrated knowledge of and experience working with private, public agencies, non-profit organizations, and municipalities, and engaging effectively with partners to advance restoration projects and promote and develop effective collaborations.

Skills: Well-developed problem solving skills.  Excellent all-around computer skills and proficiency with the suite of Microsoft programs and ArcGIS software. Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communications skills including an ability to write concisely, express thoughts clearly, and an ability to prepare and present information through public speaking activities involving diverse stakeholder participation is preferred. Strong time management and information management skills.

Abilities: Enthusiastic and self-motivated to complete quality work on time. Strong ability to work independently with minimal supervision when appropriate. Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment on multiple tasks with varying deadlines. Ability to communicate consistently and effectively and to efficiently organize information and details. Ability to work effectively with other agency staff members, partners, and stakeholders to achieve desired results. Ability to collect and analyze biological data. Ability to evaluate processes and outcomes and adapt approaches accordingly. Ability to conduct moderately strenuous management and monitoring activities outdoors, to safely operate vehicles; to work at night, if necessary, and to travel overnight as needed. 

Licensure, Certification or Registration Requirements: Valid Florida Driver’s License

Working hours: 8am-5pm, 40 hours per week, work hours may vary.