The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is advertising the Manatee Management Program Coordinator position, which will be located in Tallahassee, Florida. This leadership position serves as the Manatee Management Program Coordinator within the Imperiled Species Management Section. The Coordinator provides oversight and strategic direction for FWC’s Manatee Management Program activities, ensuring that conservation, management, and regulatory activities are effectively implemented to conserve Florida’s manatees and their habitats. Key responsibilities include:

• Program Leadership and Administration
• Provide leadership, strategic direction, and oversight for the Manatee Management Program.
• Manage program budgets, grants, and contracts to ensure expenditures are appropriate, compliant with state procedures, and within allocated limits.
• Ensure assignments and projects are completed on schedule, with high attention to detail.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for agency leadership, teams and interagency working groups.
• Ensure Section leadership is aware of any emerging or controversial issues in a timely manner.

• Supervision of Staff
• Provide direct supervision, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for up to six staff members.
• Hold regular meetings with staff to discuss program priorities, workload management, performance expectations, and emerging issues.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations, including goal setting and career development planning.
• Communicate regularly with supervisors and staff on job duties, priorities, and emerging or controversial issues.

• Stakeholder Coordination and Partnership Development
• Coordinate with federal, state, and local partners, non-governmental organizations, and stakeholders on manatee conservation and management.
• Coordinate and lead statewide and regional meetings, workshops, and stakeholder forums.
• Maintain regular communication with research staff to ensure management needs are supported by current science.
• Respond to stakeholder inquiries promptly and maintain constructive relationships, even on controversial projects.

• Conservation Planning, Policy, and Technical Assistance
• Oversee program activities related to manatee protection plans, manatee protection rules, manatee warm-water habitat, water-control structure assessments, and other conservation initiatives.
• Provide expertise in reviewing regulatory proposals, environmental resource permits, coastal construction authorizations, and other activities that may affect manatees or their habitat.
• Ensure consistent implementation of agency policies, procedures, and conservation objectives across program areas.
• Evaluate and develop management strategies to support the long-term conservation and recovery of Florida manatees.

• Outreach, Education, and Public Representation
• Represent FWC and the Manatee Management Program at conferences, public forums, and outreach events.
• Support training efforts and other educational initiatives that promote manatee conservation.
• Provide clear communication to the public and stakeholders regarding manatee conservation and regulatory requirements.

How to Apply: In addition to submitting a completed state application via People First (BIOLOGICAL ADMINISTRATOR II A -SES - 77072000 Job Details | State of Florida), applicants are required to submit a current cover letter expressing their interest in the position and resume highlighting their qualifications. Cover letters and resumes should be uploaded to the People First System. Applications without a cover letter and resume are deemed incomplete and will not be considered.

Application deadline is July 6, 2026.

	David Telesco
	Section Leader
	Imperiled Species Management Section
	Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
	1875 Orange Ave E, Tallahassee, FL 32311
	850-922-4330
	David.Telesco@MyFWC.com