Sustainability Program Specialist - Osceola County Office of Sustainability (Kissimmee, FL)

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Closing Date: 11/11/2025

Salary: $26.83 Hourly

Job Type: Full-time

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Sustainability, Environmental Science, Human Services, Education, Communication, Planning, Public Administration, or a related field is required.

Experience: Six (6) months of progressively responsible professional experience in government, business, consulting, nonprofit, and/or academic sectors, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Miscellaneous: Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License. Experience towing a trailer is preferred.

Description of Duties:

The Sustainability Program Specialist performs professional and moderately complex work in support of the County’s sustainability goals and initiatives. Under general supervision, this position collaborates with internal departments, community partners, and the public to design, implement, and evaluate outreach, education, and environmental programs aligned with the Responsible Recycling Osceola initiative and the County's adopted sustainability plans and Board of County Commissioners priorities. This position plays a key role in program development, community engagement, data analysis, reporting, and project execution. Work is performed with considerable independence and requires compliance with all applicable County, State, and Federal codes and regulations.

Essential Job Functions:

• Support the development, implementation, and evaluation of sustainability initiatives and campaigns, including grant-funded programs (e.g., glass recycling outreach).

• Engage in community outreach and education efforts by leading workshops, creating promotional materials, coordinating events, and building partnerships with schools, businesses, neighborhood groups, and environmental organizations.

• Work with other County staff to promote public participation through marketing strategies, press releases, social media content, newsletters, and public presentations.

• Build and maintain partnerships with governmental agencies, nonprofits, and other stakeholders to advance sustainability programs.

• Collect, track, and analyze program participation data and report on impacts (e.g., recycling rates, and waste diversion.

• Identify opportunities for program expansion and recommend enhancements to increase community impact.

• Provide administrative and technical support to ensure program compliance with relevant regulations.

• Coordinate with County departments on cross-functional projects.

• Maintain accurate records and documentation of program activities and performance metrics.

• Perform other duties as assigned that are logically related to the role and responsibilities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills (verbal, written, and presentation).

• Knowledge of sustainability principles, including climate change, energy and environmental management, waste diversion, social behavior change, and economic development.

• Familiarity with local, state, and federal environmental regulations and sustainability policies.

• Ability to design and implement community education and engagement strategies.

• Competence in project management and coordination with internal and external partners.

• Ability to interpret and analyze data and present findings to diverse audiences.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to operate standard office equipment.

• Ability to use project management and data tracking tools.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

• Sound judgment and discretion in all aspects of professional responsibilities.

• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with employees, officials, community partners, and the public.

Land Conservation Planner IV - FWC (Tallahassee, FL)

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Posting Closing Date: 12/02/2025 

Anticipated Vacancy

Salary: $1,730.77/biweekly

Supervisor contact information for inquiries:   Larame Ferry at Larame.Ferry@MyFWC.com

Position address & telephone: 620 S. Meridian Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301

Minimum Qualifications:

• A high school diploma and six years experience in a biological or planning field. A bachelor’s degree can substitute for four of the six years of experience.

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is preferred, along with two years of professional experience in planning, evaluation, research analysis, business, government, social services, health or rehabilitative services, or fiscal work OR a master’s degree in one of the biological sciences, urban planning, or a related field, along with one year of professional experience in planning, evaluation, research analysis, business, government, social services, health or rehabilitative services, or fiscal work.

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

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: 

• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects under tight deadlines, while ensuring compliance with Florida Statutes and the Florida Administrative Code.

• Strong public speaking and facilitation skills for conducting public meetings and presenting at public hearings related to the development of land management plans for state-owned conservation lands. Experience in this area is preferred.

• Proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS); formal GIS training and experience are preferred.

• Skilled in organizing, coordinating, and leading meetings with internal staff, external stakeholders, and representatives from other agencies.

• Ability to travel throughout Florida for up to five consecutive days, on occasion, for site visits, public meetings, and support of planning efforts.

• Possession of a valid Florida driver’s license and ability to operate a state-owned vehicle is required.

Position Description:

The Land Conservation and Planning (LCP) program of the Wildlife and Habitat Management Section is responsible for the implementation and administration of the FWC’s land acquisition and management planning efforts. The program supports the protection and restoration of Florida’s wildlife habitats and natural resources through comprehensive planning, public engagement, and inter-agency coordination.

This position serves as a Land Conservation Planner (Planner IV) and will play a key role in managing land conservation planning projects, facilitating public meetings, conducting GIS analysis, coordinating with the Acquisition and Restoration Council (ARC) and other state and regional partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead and coordinate the development and updates of management plans for Wildlife Management Areas and Wildlife Environmental Areas, in collaboration with municipalities, stakeholders, FWC staff, and partner agencies such as the Florida Forest Service, Water Management Districts, and the Department of Environmental Protection.

• Assist in maintaining and updating GIS data layers related to FWC-managed lands, Florida Forever conservation projects, and potential acquisition areas.

• Plan and facilitate public stakeholder meetings and hearings required for the development of management plans, including logistical coordination, communication with internal and external partners, and preparation of meeting materials.

• Represent FWC at ARC meetings, presenting management plans and engaging in inter-agency coordination.

• Review management plans and amendments submitted by other agencies to ensure compliance with applicable statutes and policies.

• Participate in Land Management Reviews for FWC-managed areas.

• Support other program functions and special projects, such as acquisition project evaluations, Florida Forever prioritization efforts, procurement, and vehicle coordination.

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

Fish and Wildlife Technician (OPS) - FWC (Gainesville, FL)

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Posting Closing Date: 11/01/2025 

$16 per hour

Minimum Qualifications:

A highschool diploma and two years of post high school experience in wildlife, fisheries, environmental, ecological or related agriculture or construction is required. Vocational training or an Associate’s degree in wildlife, fisheries, environmental, ecological or related agriculture or construction from an acreddited school or college may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required experience. Computer proficiency to include Microsoft Office Word, Excel and Outlook.
Preferred Qualifications: 

Preference may be given to candidates with experience identifying freshwater invertebrates.

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

Office hours are from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Not to exceed 24 hours per week. Not eligible for Telework.

 
Position Overview and Responsibilities:

The incumbent will be responsible for laboratory processing of freshwater invertebrate samples collected from lakes, ponds, streams, and spring systems. Main duties encompass slide mounting of certain groups of aquatic invertebrates for identification, including Oligochaeta, Chironomidae, and Ceratopogonidae. Other duties include data entry, management of freshwater invertebrate databases and vouchered collections, assisting supervisor with production of reports, scientific publications, posters, and presentations, maintenance of laboratory equipment including meters, scales, analytical balances, ovens, and microscopes. Other duties as assigned.
 
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Ability to work independently and in a research team environment.

Knowledge of taxonomic literature and techniques used to identify major groups of freshwater invertebrates.

Ability to write legibly and record data accurately.

Ability to complete assigned tasks on, or before, deadlines.

Ability to operate a computer with a Windows operating system.

Ability to use Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and Power Point.

Ability to curate collections of freshwater invertebrates, including production of legible handwritten notes and labels for specimens.

Ability to enter recorded data into Excel spreadsheets.

Ability to manage Excel databases.

Biological Scientist I (OPS) - FWC (Gainesville, FL)

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Posting Closing Date: 11/21/2025 

$17.00 per hour

Minimum Qualifications:
4 years professional experience in a closely related biological field or laboratory program is required. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences can substitute for the required experience.  
Preferred Qualifications: 

Preference may be given to candidates with the following qualifications: A master’s degree in one of the biological sciences from an accredited college or university.

Requirements:
Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate. Office hours are from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. Not eligible for Telework.

 
Position Overview and Responsibilities:

The Freshwater Invertebrate Conservation Group is seeking a motivated individual to assist program coordinators with a State Wildlife Grant funded project to evaluate the life history, habitat preferences, environmental tolerances, and population structure of the Black Creek crayfish (Procambarus pictus). Responsibilities include: assisting Research Coordinator and project biologists with implementation of field work to assess populations of Black Creek crayfish; sample crayfish communities using qualitative and quantitative methods; species level taxonomic identifications of crayfish; measurement of variables related to stream morphology, habitat structure, and water quality according to Standard Operating Procedures; data entry, management, compilation, and curation of databases associated with crayfish collection, specimen observation, and environmental parameters; maintenance of project vehicles, sampling gear, and laboratory equipment; other duties as assigned by supervisor.
 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of field methods used to sample crayfish and other invertebrates.

• Knowledge of current issues and literature in crayfish ecology.

• Knowledge of current issues and literature in stream ecology, aquatic ecology, invertebrate zoology, invasive species ecology, and related fields.

• Ability to identify crayfish to species level.

• Ability to operate agency vehicles on unpaved roads, including conditions requiring four-wheel drive.

• Ability to conduct aquatic field work outdoors for long hours in inclement conditions.

• Ability to work independently and in a research team environment.

• Ability to write legibly and record data accurately.

• Ability to operate electronic instruments, including YSI multiparameter meters, flow meters, GPS units, and data loggers.

• Ability to complete assigned tasks on, or before, deadlines.

• Ability to operate a computer with a Windows operating system.

• Ability to use Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.

• Ability to enter recorded data properly into Excel spreadsheets and manage databases.

OPS Fish and Wildlife Technician - FWC (North Central FL Region)

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Posting Closing Date: 11/02/2025                                                       

Alachua, Marion, Clay, Gilchrist Counties

$15.00 per hour

This requisition will be used to fill multiple positions

Minimum Qualifications:

A high school diploma and two years of post-high school experience in wildlife, fisheries, environmental, ecological or related agriculture or construction are required.

Vocational training or an associate’s degree in wildlife, fisheries, environmental, ecological or related agriculture or construction from an accredited school or college may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

Candidate must be 18 years old and obtain a valid U.S. driver’s license.

Requirements: 

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

Must possess a valid boaters safety card. If the selected employee does not have a valid boater safety card, he/she must be willing to obtain one prior to the first day of fieldwork.

 Position Overview and Responsibilities:

• Position will be responsible for conducting on-the-water surveys.

• Incumbent will collect angler effort, catch, and harvest data via verbal angler interviews for freshwater fish species.

• Incumbent will count and interview every angler encountered in a polite and professional manner. Incumbent will follow a predefined interview protocol.

• These positions may be responsible for accurately recording detailed survey data while operating a boat independently and safely.

• Incumbent may be responsible for operating FWC equipment (ex. trucks, trailers, and motorboats) for FWC business only and in a safe and law-abiding manner.

• Surveys will be conducted in all-weather types including hot, cold, windy, and/or rainy conditions if conditions are not dangerous.

Schedule:

Availability: Shifts are scheduled via random selection, including weekdays, weekends, and holidays. Each survey is 3 hours long before daylight savings time and 4 hours long after.  Earliest shift is 7:30-10:30, latest shift is 16:00-20:00 (4:00-8:00pm). Average of 3 shifts per week but can be 1 shift one week and 5 shifts the following week. The entire schedule will be known at the beginning of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities   

• Knowledge of Florida freshwater sportfish species and general angling terminology; and general small boat troubleshooting.

• Ability to effectively communicate verbally with the public in a polite and professional manner. 

• Follow explicit interview protocols. 

• Accurately and legibly record and safely store data, and work independently. 

• Work irregular weekday and weekend work periods, often in inclement weather. 

• Maintain a valid driver’s license. 

• Provide own transportation to and from work locations.   

• Skills in trailering, launching, and operating watercraft up to 24ft, likely in inclement weather.

**Please note: Incumbent will need to take and pass FWC’s Trailer and boating training prior to conducting surveys.  

Gopher Tortoise Recipient Site Biologist - FWC (Tallahassee, FL)

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Posting Closing Date: 11/30/2025 

OPS Hourly Rate: $24.04 an hour

Supervisor: Pamela Gruver;  Contact Information: Pamela.Gruver@MyFWC.com

Position Location: Russell Park preferred, other FWC offices may be considered

% Travel Required: +/- 40%

Licensure, Certification or Registration Requirements: Valid Driver’s License

Minimum qualifications: A high school diploma and 7 years 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 7 years of required experience.

Preferred qualifications:

Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in biology, wildlife or fisheries management, zoology, environmental sciences or other closely related curriculum, graduate degree and two years of professional experience preferred.  Candidates must have experience writing and reviewing technical documents, must have experience with imperiled species or their habitats, and should be familiar with land use or wildlife permits.  Successful candidates will have experience collaborating with entities of varying interests and be able to capably manage conflict with excellent communication skills.  Above all, the successful applicant will be enthusiastic, self-motivated, organized, and have a commitment to natural resource conservation and excellence in customer service. 

In addition to submitting an electronic State of Florida employment application and completing the qualifying questions, please attach a resume and cover letter. This letter should at minimum explain your interest in the specific position and identify your most relevant skills and experiences. For questions regarding this position, please contact Pamela Gruver at Pamela.Gruver@MyFWC.com or by phone at (850) 879-2261.  Answers to qualifying questions must be validated in application, resume and cover letter.

Description of Duties:

The Gopher Tortoise Recipient Site Biologist has the opportunity to work on a dynamic team and positively affect gopher tortoise conservation throughout Florida. The position is located within the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Division of Habitat and Species Conservation, in the Office of Conservation Planning Services. The position is a critical member of FWC’s gopher tortoise conservation program, working to conserve Florida’s only native tortoise and is responsible for assisting landowners and their gopher tortoise agents during the pre-application process. This is an office-based position with significant field work opportunities.  

The main function of this position will be to conduct recipient site pre-application consultations and site visits. The Gopher Tortoise Recipient Site Biologist will be responsible for providing assistance to public and private land managers and their agents before they submit an application to enroll their property as a recipient site. This position will thoroughly review pre-application materials including soil and vegetation maps and surveys, gopher tortoise population surveys, and habitat management plans.  The position will also require coordination of site visits, extensive verbal and written communication with landowners and their agents, and coordination with Landowner Assistance Program staff to assess vegetative conditions and provide habitat management recommendations.

The selected candidate will be expected to inform and respond to the public, partners, and FWC staff on gopher tortoise and commensal biology, conservation, and rules/regulations. The position requires working closely with other biologists, who serve as a liaison between other partners and FWC on the establishment of recipient sites and who implement permitting actions using FWC permitting standards. The selected candidate will also help determine gopher tortoise occurrences via the agency’s standard survey methods, as well as verify estimated population sizes and the area extent (acres) of habitat suitability and occupation.

The selected candidate will work across FWC divisions and with other federal, state, regional, and local agencies, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and others as appropriate to implement the Gopher Tortoise Management Plan. They will assist and collaborate with regional and statewide staff and provide technical assistance to individuals, organizations, and other government agencies regarding wildlife and habitat management including gopher tortoise conservation. This position will stay informed of current and relevant science and regulations regarding gopher tortoises and commensals; participate in, and often lead, team meetings, seminars, outreach events, and workshops relating to wildlife resource management; and attend other training opportunities within and outside the FWC. Position will require frequent overnight travel and working outside of normal business hours.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Well-organized, detail-oriented, able to oversee multiple projects simultaneously, and able to set priorities and complete tasks on schedule.

• Knowledge of gopher tortoise life history, management practices and techniques.

• Knowledge of Florida's upland ecosystems and management of these ecosystems, with emphasis on the needs of the gopher tortoise and its management.

• Strong data management skills, including experience with Microsoft Office Suite, ArcGIS, ArcPro, Adobe Acrobat, and GPS Units.

• Strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills that include the ability to represent agency viewpoints without personal conflicts, as well as the ability to listen and effectively and tactfully present information to and communicate with landowners, land managers, foresters, and other staff.

• Strong written and oral communication skills to work with internal and external customers; ability to present technical information to various audiences.

• Ability to read and interpret aerial imagery, habitat layers, and soils maps.

• Ability to understand and apply applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

• Ability to travel and spend significant time outdoors in Florida’s climate conditions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Preferred):

• Knowledge of Florida landcover classification systems (e.g., CLC, FLUCCS, FLCS) and ability to interpret land cover, soils, and survey maps.

• Knowledge of gopher tortoise and upland vegetation survey techniques and practices.

• Knowledge of southeastern ecosystems flora and fauna.

• Knowledge of and ability to identify native and non-native plants.    

• Knowledge and understanding of conservation easements, permitting, and a willingness to expand personal knowledge of the topic.

• Skills and experience conducting standardized surveys for gopher tortoises and other wildlife (line transect distance sampling experience preferred).

• Ability to use ATVs, UTVs, 4-wheel drive trucks, trailering, and handle off-road conditions.

Biological Administrator 1 A - FWC (Tallahassee, FL)

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Posting Closing Date: 10/26/2025 

Salary: $2,307.69 biweekly + benefits

Supervisor: Larame Ferry

List of any subordinates supervised: 3 Land Conservation Planners

Minimum Qualifications:

• A high school diploma and seven years experience in a biological or planning field. A bachelor’s degree can substitute for four of the seven years of experience.

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is preferred, along with three years of professional experience in planning, evaluation, research analysis, business, government, social services, health or rehabilitative services, or fiscal work OR a master’s degree in one of the biological sciences, urban planning, or a related field, along with two years of professional experience in planning, evaluation, research analysis, business, government, social services, health or rehabilitative services, or fiscal work.  

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

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong leadership skills: position supervises three land conservation planners.

• Ability to manage multifaceted projects under various time constraints in compliance with Florida Statutes and Florida Administrative Code.

• Organizational skills to determine work priorities, assign work, ensure proper completion of work assignments, solve problems, assess budgetary needs, and make decisions.

• Ability to present at public hearings and facilitate public meetings to accomplish state-owned conservation land management plan requirements. Experience working with the public and facilitating public meetings strongly preferred.

• Knowledge and ability to use a variety of computer software applications including word processing, spreadsheets, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and databases. GIS training and background strongly preferred.

• Ability to communicate effectively, establish and maintain working relationships with others.

• Ability to efficiently coordinate and conduct meetings with peers and other State agencies.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Ability to travel for up to five days at a time 8-10 times per year to conduct site visits, host public meetings, and/or assist supervised planners with the execution of assigned meetings and public hearings.

• Florida Driver’s License required. 

Description:

The Land Conservation and Planning (LCP) program offers an exciting opportunity in land conservation planning, working closely with land managers and stakeholders across the state to complete ten-year management plans for FWC managed conservation lands (i.e., 59 areas, over 1.5 million acres).

This program is responsible for the administration and implementation of the FWC’s land acquisition and land management planning programs and projects statewide. The position advertised is for the Senior Conservation Planner in the Wildlife and Habitat Management section of the Division of Habitat and Species Conservation of FWC, supervising three planners to complete management plans; reviewing and commenting on other agencies’ management plans and Acquisition and Restoration Council (ARC) agenda items; as well as working closely with the land acquisition team on FWC’s acquisition list and State priority projects.

Duties:

• Supervises and manages the direct reports (i.e., three planners).

• Coordinates the development, editing, updating and review of land management plans developed by planners for FWC-managed lands and planning projects, including reviewing GlS data, analyses, and maps.

• Develop reports, templates, schedules, timelines, and project assignments for LCP planners.

• Develops databases, spreadsheets, and other types of documents relating to the FWC's conservation planning programs.

• Attends, supervises, and facilitates Management Advisory Group meetings, workshops, and public hearings, working with federal, state, private partners, NGOs, landowners, and others.

• Develop presentations for FWC projects and programs at public meetings and reviews presentations created by LCP planners.

• Administers the travel and expense budgets for the planning group.

• Assists with the development and review of the land acquisition program and projects including development of associated documents.

• Reviews ARC agenda items, as necessary, and assists with Florida Forever project ranking and evaluations.

• Conducts all training for new hires that report to this position. This includes creating and updating training materials and reviewing work completed.

• Reviews or develops related web Information for the LCP webpages.

• Develops and inputs annual LCP work plans and accomplishment reports.

• Perform required training to enhance and maintain professional development and skills.

• Ensures all GIS based servers, projects, geodatabases, and programs are functioning correctly and are up to date.

• Reviews, develops, writes, and analyzes legislation, rules, plans, status reports, correspondence and participates in forums, meetings, and teams within the conservation field.