Spatial Data Manager Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Requisition No: 874851 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: RESEARCH ADMINISTRATOR II-FWC - SES - 77072687 1

 Pay Plan: SES

Position Number: 77072687 

Salary:  $70,000, annually 

Posting Closing Date: 06/14/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FWRI IS&M

Research Administrator - SES Position with Benefits

$2,692.31 Bi-weekly, $70,000 Annually

100 8th Ave SE

St. Petersburg, FL  33701

Information Science & Management (IS&M)

Research Administrator II - SES 77072687

St. Petersburg, FL - $70,000 Annually

Our organization:

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.

Minimum Qualifications:

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; or

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; or

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; or

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.

Preferred Qualifications: 

Candidates may be given preference if they have a Graduate degree from an accredited college or university in one of the natural sciences or information science.  

Requirements:

Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate. 
Position Overview and Responsibilities:

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.

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.  Duties include, but are not limited to 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.  Assistance includes developing and managing 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.

 
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of: 

Principles and practices of GIS, cartography, and digital remote sensing  

Scientific research procedures and techniques 

GIS database and applications design, development, and implementation  

Information management technologies including database systems and web services 

Supervisory & management principles and practices 

Skills:

Spatial analytics and spatial modeling

Implementation of ESRI GIS products for fish & wildlife conservation efforts

Project management

Excellent written and oral communication

Public speaking to scientific and technical professionals

Effective leadership 

Ability to: 

Lead a large team (~25 staff) of technical and research scientists

Understand research problems from the perspective of a biologist or resource manager and identify/communicate appropriate GIS solutions/options

Implement enterprise level GIS projects that adhere to Florida state agency Information Technology requirements.

Project management: Plan, direct, present, monitor and evaluate enterprise level GIS projects that range from short (few months) to long (multi-year) term

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with research staff, including personnel stationed at field offices throughout the state of Florida

Write technical reports and communicate effectively graphically, verbally and in writing

Work independently to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments

Formulate and recommend information management policies and procedures

Understand and communicate applicable rules, regulations and policies

Effectively supervise staff

Maintain a valid driver’s license

Travel as needed 

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:
State of Florida employees enjoy top-tier benefits offerings including comprehensive health coverage to meet the needs of you and your family while maintaining low deductibles and low monthly out-of-pocket contributions. State employees also enjoy the option of selecting between the FRS Pension Plan and the FRS Investment Plan for retirement.  As an additional benefit, state employment affords you the opportunity to take part in the 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.

For a more complete list of benefits, visit https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/.

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.