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. 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