Director of the Tenoroc Youth Conservation Center

  • Biodiversity & Wildlife (Non Marine)
  • Forestry, Land, Freshwater & Agriculture
  • Other Environmental
  • Sustainability
  • Lakeland, Florida

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)

Salary/Compensation: Up to $53,665 per year (Career Service position)

Application Deadline: 04/29/2025

Starting Date: Between 7/1/2025 and 7/31/2025

Hours per Week: 40 Education Required: High School Diploma or equivalent.

Experience Required: At least 6 years relevant experience (e.g., camp management, education program design/implementation, supervision).


Position Overview and Responsibilities:

This full time Career Service position is based in the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Office of Conservation Engagement and Education’s (CEE) Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network (FYCCN). It serves as the Director of the Tenoroc Youth Conservation Center, a year-round education and summer camp facility.

The successful candidate provides leadership to a team of up to five on-site education staff, interacts routinely with other professionals on and offsite, and provides training and education services to numerous youth and conservation partners in the region. They should have experience with the American Camp Association (ACA) certification process, be able to work in a fast-paced environment, possess critical thinking skills, work well as part of a team, and have a positive outlook.

Candidates must be passionate about getting youth outside to create the next generation that cares about fish and wildlife resources and should be familiar with the four FYCCN pillars: shooting sports, fishing, boating, and wildlife exploration. The incumbent will work to ensure consistency in policies and procedures, compliance with ACA Accreditation Standards, and up to date curricula and recreation program offerings. Excellent communication skills (with staff, parents, school officials, and other interested parties) are key to succeeding in this position. An ideal candidate can perform the functions of this position with a strong understanding of the FYCCN’s mission, future goals, and thorough knowledge and application of FYCCN practices. Persons with good listening, writing, and critical thinking skills and the ability to multitask at a high level to convey FYCCN’s vision are encouraged to apply.

  • Serves in a leadership capacity both at the Tenoroc Youth Conservation Center and the FYCCN;
  • Works with supervisor to independently identify and resolve operational and management matters;
  • Supervises up to five local staff;
  • Provides regular updates to supervisor and CEE leadership;
  • Assists staff with identifying training needs, knowledge, and abilities;
  • Develops and updates policies, procedures, training processes;
  • Ensures staff compliance with FWC training requirements, policies, and procedures;
  • Conducts routine meetings to keep staff informed about important topics and stay connected;
  • Designs and implements site specific conservation education programs, displays, and informational items;
  • Integrates FYCCN educational curricula, family activities, and conservation programs into site offerings;
  • Develops and maintains conservation education programs with a focus on Florida’s ecosystems, including upland habitats and freshwater fisheries;
  • Develops and maintains relationships with local school districts to allow for on- and off-site school-based educational activities and programs;
  • Provides evaluation and analysis of current educational efforts and makes recommendations to supervisor for future programs – includes both qualitative and quantitative analysis;
  • Keeps and maintains accurate records of program attendance and statistics in accordance with state retention requirements;
  • Inventories and maintains program supplies and equipment in excellent and safe conditions;
  • Ensures compliance, develops procedures, and operates according to ACA standards;
  • Completes all required training related to ACA standards, risk management, and child protection policy;
  • Ensures compliance with the ACA standards as pertains to educational programs;
  • Regularly examines current ACA guidelines for changes in regulation and becomes familiar with additions or alterations;
  • Responsible for outreach and recruitment strategies;
  • Coordinates with supervisor and other Youth Conservation Center Directors on development and marketing of summer camp and school-year educational programs;
  • Assists in strategic planning with primary attention to educational programs;
  • Ensures files and documentation are complete, accurate, and confidentially maintained;
  • Administrative Duties: attends staff meetings; completes and submits required reports; participates in professional development courses; completes timesheets in a timely and thorough manner;
  • Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Experience in managing a camp facility;
  • Experience in education program design, development, implementation, and assessment;
  • Knowledge of fishing, fishing equipment, paddle craft, and boating;
  • Knowledge of archery equipment, hunting, shooting sports, and firearms;
  • Experience in volunteer management;
  • Skilled in operational planning, delegation, collaborative team building, and public speaking;
  • Ability to use abstract reasoning, problem solving, planning, and analytical skills in training, evaluation, and program development;
  • Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments;
  • Ability to be a team player and able to work integrally with various stakeholders, partners, and government agencies;
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others;
  • Work independently;
  • Take initiative and work creatively;
  • Experience in grant writing;
  • Communicate clearly both verbally and in writing;
  • Deal professionally and sensitively with varied audiences and a wide range of contacts at different levels;
  • Ability to adjust to and use new approaches in the performance of their duties;
  • Compile, collect, and organize data;
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and PowerPoint;
  • Knowledge of MyFloridaMarketPlace (MFMP), P-card Works, Statewide Travel Management System (STMS), and People First;
  • Travel, enter/exit a vehicle and/or vessel without assistance;
  • Lift 55 pound and withstand exposure to adverse weather conditions;
  • Program activities may require hours more than 40 per week weekends and evenings;
  • Other job related duties.

To apply for this job please visit jobs.myflorida.com.