Conservation Social Science Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Requisition No: 882628 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST II - 77900171

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 77900171 

Salary:  $19.24 an hour 

Posting Closing Date: 09/20/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FWC Mission Statement: Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.

Position Number: 77900171

Location: To be determined. Possible locations include: Panama City FL, Tallahassee FL, Lakeland FL, Ocala FL, Gainesville FL, St. Petersburg FL, West Palm Beach FL

Salary: $19.24 an hour

Supervisor: Sharon Tatem, for inquiries 727-502-4971

Broadband Code: 27-3031-02

Region: To be determined

Class Title: Public Information Specialist I

County: To be determined

Working Hours:  8:30am - 5:00pm

List of Subordinates Supervised: None

Residency Requirement: None

Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal history record check.

Our Agency:

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.

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.

This Role:

This is the position of Interpretive Writer & Planner in the Public Access Services Office within FWC's Division of Habitat and Species Conservation. The Division of Habitat & Species Conservation is comprised of six Sections and two Offices. The Public Access Services Office is a leader in innovative best practices to provide safe, sustainable, quality wildlife experiences and conservation opportunities to the public. This is an exciting opportunity to join our team!

The Interpretive Writer & Planner conducts interpretive planning and prepares text writing for recreational management plans, websites, social media, publications and kiosk panels focused on Florida's Wildlife Management Area system. This is a full-time OPS position with a pay rate of $19.24 per hour, with health benefits. Includes some travel and occasional evening and weekend duties.

The Work:

This position researches, writes and edits interpretive text for kiosks and publications; proofreads maps, photos and other graphics in coordination with graphic artist or web designer. Supports office projects aimed at connecting target audiences with nature.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Interpretive planning as part of an agency team developing recreation master plans for Wildlife Management Areas in Florida. 
• Developing text for recreation guides, signs, web pages, social media video scripts and other interpretive products. Selecting photographs for products and identifying mapping needs. Working with area biologists, recreation planners, cartographers, graphic designers, web designers and printers to ensure high-quality products that are scientifically accurate, engaging and effective.
• Assist in tracking interpretive product workflow
• Participate in outreach events and conferences, such as presentations and workshops associated with office wide nature-oriented programs.
• Other duties as required.

Cooperation, communication, and teamwork are necessary skills for this position. Candidates must be highly proficient in written and verbal communication. The successful applicant will demonstrate self-direction and self-motivation, sound decision making, and the ability to create and maintain positive and respectful working relationships with colleagues, contractors, and partners.

Minimum Qualifications: A 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 can substitute for four of the years' experience. This position is expected to work independently with limited supervision. Must be able to lift boxes and other items weighing up to 25 pound. This position works 40 hours per week, with a total of 1,920 hours worked per fiscal year. Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License and have the ability to travel and work some evenings and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications:Proficient in use of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel. Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom. Experience working with web designers and producing content and publications. Experience in ArcPro a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of Florida's natural communities and associated wildlife.
• Excellent interpretive writing ability.
• Ability to translate scientific information into popular language.
• Excellent research skills.
• Effective public speaking skills and ability to produce multi-media presentations.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent editorial skills.
• Ability to work both self-directed and as an effective team member.
• Ability to evaluate high-quality photography for use on web, print and sign products.
• Ability to interpret maps and work with cartographers.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize work.
• Ability to utilize problem solving techniques and apply critical thinking skills.
• Ability to collect, organize, evaluate and analyze data.
• Ability to design, edit and produce a variety of program materials.

In addition to submitting an electronic State of Florida employment application and completing the qualifying questions, please attach a cover letter.  This letter should at minimum explain your interest in the specific organization and position and identify your most relevant skills or experiences.

Submit with Application: Two samples of writing, preference is for nature or interpretive writing.

Answers to qualifying questions must be validated in application, resume and cover letter.  

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.