Decription of Duties: This is a leadership position that serves as one of two Assistant Section Leaders for the Imperiled Species Management (ISM) Section. The ISM Section works to implement conservation actions for marine turtles, black bears, panthers, and manatees. This position is responsible for assisting the Section Leader with all aspects of leadership, supervision, and oversight of the Section; addressing policy and operational issues assigned to the Section; serving as Section Human Resources Liaison with all advertising, hiring, pay changes and separation from the agency activities; serving as the Acting Section Leader when so required; and assisting in administering the Section's annual program budgets. Specific duties include, but are not limited to, supervising and mentoring program leads, assisting with the creation or revision of management plans or work plans, and interpretation of applicable statutes and development or modifications of Section rules. This position provides leadership support for the panther and black bear management programs, including approximately 14 staff within the chain of command, with direct supervision of 2-4 staff. Additional responsibilities include coordination of contracts, responding to public records requests, contributing to annual reports, and working with other subsections, Sections, and Divisions/Offices on issues assigned to or of interest to ISM. The position also works closely with partners and stakeholders to address and resolve issues and serves on teams and working groups, both internal and external to the agency.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge and understanding of how to apply applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures for threatened and endangered species as well as non-listed species;
• Skilled in effectively supervising highly-skilled professional staff in a fast-paced environment;
• Ability to efficiently organize information and details and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Skilled in preparing and delivering presentations to small and large audiences with various backgrounds;
• Ability to manage and monitor progress on multiple projects;
• Skilled at leading and facilitating internal and external meetings;
• Skilled at working effectively with other agency staff members, partners, and stakeholders to achieve desired results;
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision;
• Ability to solve problems and handle conflict with professionalism;
• Ability to safely operate vehicles and to travel overnight, sometimes out of state;
• Skilled at assessing employee work performance and providing constructive feedback;
• Ability to prepare correspondence and administrative reports; and
• Skilled at establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and respond effectively to emerging issues;
• Skilled in stakeholder engagement, including navigating sensitive or high-profile issues with diverse audiences;
• Ability to manage program budgets, contracts, and funding agreements;

Additional requirements: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. A valid driver’s license and the ability to participate in limited statewide travel is required.

Minimum qualifications: A high school diploma and eight years of professional experience in a closely related biological field or laboratory program is required. A Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant field can substitute for four of the eight years of experience. 

Preferred qualifications: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological sciences, experience with Microsoft Office software, supervising employees and working with stakeholders is preferred.