The Land Stewardship Section Administrator is a management-level position within the Bureau of Land Resources. This position is responsible for administering the District’s public use and recreation program across all District-acquired properties; implementing land management activities to maximize environmental and resource benefits on conservation lands; providing interim land management functions on lands acquired for the construction of water resource projects; and managing the business functions of the Land Stewardship Section.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Oversee the administration of land management functions and public recreational use activities on District land resources, including conservation lands and water resource project lands.
• Develop and implement the Land Stewardship annual operational budget in accordance with District protocols to support land management and public use programs consistent with statutory and agency directives.  
• Approve purchase requisitions; monitor budgets and expenditures to ensure fiscal resources are used appropriately and in compliance with fund requirements; and coordinate with the budget office to complete budget reconciliation activities as necessary.
• Provide administrative and supervisory leadership to ensure the effective and efficient operation of the Land Stewardship Section, currently consisting of 32 full-time employees and up to 7 contract employees.  
• Oversee Section level incident and accident investigations, address human resource issues, and implement disciplinary or corrective actions as required.
• Supervise field operations and collaborate with the Real Estate Leasing Section to support implementation of the District’s agricultural leasing program.
• Coordinate the operation and maintenance of land management infrastructure including but not limited to roads, drainage systems, culverts and office and maintenance facilities.
• Prepare statutorily required reports and other budgetary or operational accomplishment reports as required by the agency.
• Coordinate with federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as non-governmental organizations, on collaborative efforts related to public recreational use and management of District land assets.
• Recommend process improvements and procedural changes, as appropriate, to effectively implement guidance from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and statutory changes adopted by the Florida Legislature.   
• Represent the Section and/or Bureau on District task forces, at interagency meetings, and in public forums.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders to ensure clear communication and efficient work processes.
• Respond to information requests and provide updates regarding the objectives and ongoing activities of the Land Stewardship Section to agency executive management and Governing Board members.

The incumbent implements fiscally responsible practices for managing capital, financial, and human resources. Business decisions made by the Section Administrator directly impact the agency’s operational and financial performance. The position requires working knowledge of land acquisition programs, infrastructure operation and maintenance and land stewardship practices, including prescribed fire, invasive plant management, wildlife management, habitat restoration, and administration of resource-based public use programs. 

Knowledge and Skills

Demonstrates knowledge of and skills in:

• Land acquisition programs
• Leadership and personnel management
• Process improvement and organizational change
• Negotiations, problem solving and issue resolution
• Diplomacy, relationship building, and customer relations 
• Oral and written communication and strategic thinking
• Consensus and confidence-building
• Effective organizational skills

Education/Experience Guide

Bachelor’s Degree in a related discipline (graduate degree preferred) and 10+ years of progressively responsible experience demonstrating measurable career progression in the field, including at least 6 years in supervisory or leadership roles. Experience should support the District’s strategic goals and objectives. Prior experience with a county, state, or federal natural resource management agency, or a comparable organization whose mission includes conservation and natural resource management, is preferred. The hiring range for this position is $107,120.00 to $126,630.40 (based on education and years of relevant work experience).

Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Licenses

Valid State of Florida Driver’s License.

Physical Requirements/Working Environment

Work is performed primarily in an office environment. Due to the District’s response role and in the total scope of emergency management, this position will, at times, be required to provide support before, during, and after major storm events and in emergency situations such as hurricanes or other declared emergencies. This position serves as the Emergency Debris Operations Unit Leader.

Veterans’ Preference

Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veteran’s Preference will receive preference in employment for vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Candidates claiming Veterans’ preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  All documentation is due by the close of the job posting.

Americans with Disabilities Act

The South Florida Water Management District is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.  If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the selection process, please contact the Human Resources Bureau at HR_Solutions@sfwmd.gov.