Ops Education Specialist

Position Overview and Responsibilities

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 Education Specialist will coordinate the training, development, supervision, and support for EYCC’s youth educational programs and facility operations.

• 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 a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university plus two years of experience in the education fields of outdoor recreation and/or natural science.
• Or a master’s degree from an accredited college or university plus one year of experience in the education fields of outdoor recreation and/or natural science.
• Or a doctorate from an accredited college or university can substitute for the required experience.

• Satisfactory criminal history check (fingerprint‑based).
• Valid Florida driver license and good driving record.
• Occasional travel for meetings and events (1‑25%).
• Working hours Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (ET); weekend and after‑hours work required for rental groups, special events, and summer camp.
• Swimming, lifeguard, kayaking, canoeing, archery, hunter safety, fishing, and boating certifications must be completed within 2 months of employment.
• First aid/CPR/AED, lifeguard, canoe, kayak, boater safety, archery, hunter safety, fishing and boating camp training, Project WILD facilitator certification required within 8 months of employment.

• Strong program facilitation and presentation skills for large groups ranging from adults to elementary school.
• Independent problem‑solving and initiative.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Planning, organization, and coordination of self and others’ work assignments.
• Team‑player and collaborative with stakeholders and government agencies.
• Professional and sensitive handling of a diverse audience.
• Evaluation of training and instructional materials, structured learning presentation, report writing, procedure development, and program budget monitoring.
• Advanced swimming, canoeing, kayaking, bow, lifting up to 55 lbs, and exposure to adverse weather.
• Firearm safety and hunter safety curriculum implementation.
• Advanced freshwater and/or saltwater fishing knowledge preferred.
• Knowledge of regional ecosystems, wildlife, and sustainable wildlife management practices preferred.

• Health coverage with low deductibles and out‑of‑pocket contributions.
• Retirement options via FRS Pension Plan or FRS Investment Plan.
• Tuition waiver program for state university and community college systems.
• Paid administrative leave for mentoring, volunteering, and voting.
• Paid leave for family and medical responsibilities, FMLA, and Family Supportive Work Program.
• Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug‑Free Workplace statements included below.

West Palm Beach, FL 33412

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1‑866‑663‑4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug‑Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug‑Free Workplace Act.