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Director of the Suncoast Youth Conservation Center

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Apollo Beach, Florida

Job Type Permanent
Salary $53,665 per year
Deadline Mar 25, 2025
Experience 2 - 6 years

The successful candidate provides leadership to a team of up to seven on-site education staff, interacts routinely with other professionals on and offsite, and provides training and education services to numerous youth and conservation partners in the region. They should have experience with the American Camp Association (ACA) certification process, be able to work in a fast-paced environment, possess critical thinking skills, work well as part of a team, and have a positive outlook.

Candidates must be passionate about getting youth outside to create the next generation that cares about fish and wildlife resources and should be familiar with the four FYCCN pillars: shooting sports, fishing, boating, and wildlife exploration. The incumbent will work to ensure consistency in policies and procedures, compliance with ACA Accreditation Standards, and up to date curricula and recreation program offerings. Excellent communication skills (with staff, parents, school officials, and other interested parties) are key to succeeding in this position. An ideal candidate can perform the functions of this position with a strong understanding of the FYCCN’s mission, future goals, and thorough knowledge and application of FYCCN practices. Persons with good listening, writing, and critical thinking skills and the ability to multitask at a high level to convey FYCCN’s vision are encouraged to apply.

  • Serves in a leadership capacity both at the Suncoast Youth Conservation Center and the FYCCN;
  • Works with supervisor to independently identify and resolve operational and management matters;
  • Supervises up to 7 local staff;
  • Provides regular updates to supervisor and CEE leadership;
  • Assists staff with identifying training needs, knowledge, and abilities;
  • Develops and updates policies, procedures, training processes;
  • Ensures staff compliance with FWC training requirements, policies, and procedures;
  • Conducts routine meetings to keep staff informed about important topics and stay connected;
  • Designs and implements site specific conservation education programs, displays, and informational items;
  • Integrates FYCCN educational curricula, family activities, and conservation programs into site offerings;
  • Develops and maintains conservation education programs with a focus on marine science (especially Tampa Bay);
  • Develops and maintains relationships with local school districts to allow for on- and off-site school-based educational activities and programs;
  • Provides evaluation and analysis of current educational efforts and makes recommendations to supervisor for future programs - includes both qualitative and quantitative analysis;
  • Keeps and maintains accurate records of program attendance and statistics in accordance with state retention requirements;
  • Inventories and maintains program supplies and equipment in excellent and safe conditions;
  • Ensures compliance, develops procedures, and operates according to ACA standards;
  • Completes all required training related to ACA standards, risk management, and child protection policy;
  • Ensures compliance with the ACA standards as pertains to educational programs;
  • Regularly examines current ACA guidelines for changes in regulation and becomes familiar with additions or alterations;
  • Responsible for outreach and recruitment strategies;
  • Coordinates with supervisor and other Youth Conservation Center Directors on development and marketing of summer camp and school-year educational programs;
  • Assists in strategic planning with primary attention to educational programs;
  • Ensures files and documentation are complete, accurate, and confidentially maintained; 
  • Administrative Duties: attends staff meetings; completes and submits required reports; participates in professional development courses; completes timesheets in a timely and thorough manner;
  • Performs other duties as required. 
HOW TO APPLY

Application packets must be submitted through the State of Florida’s official employment site (https://peoplefirst.myflorida.com/) and must include a resume and cover letter describing the applicant’s experience. Application packets without a cover letter, resume, and state application will not be considered for the position.

When you apply, please indicate that you are responding to the posting on Conservation Job Board.

Category Outdoor Recreation
Tags Nature Center, Outreach