OPS PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST - 77900740

Florida; Saint Petersburg (FL); On-site; USD 33,000 - 36,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Job summary

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in St. Petersburg is seeking a Public Information Specialist I – OPS to support FWRI’s digital communications.

The role focuses on creating engaging social media content, coordinating with agency partners and translating complex scientific information for broad audiences. Responsibilities include planning, creating, scheduling, and publishing content across platforms, monitoring engagement, and maintaining editorial calendars while upholding

Qualifications

• Two years directly related professional experience in social media, communications, journalism, digital media, public relations, multimedia, natural sciences or a related field.
• OR a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in communications, journalism, digital media, public relations, marketing, natural sciences, or a related field and one year of professional experience in social media, communications or digital content development.

Responsibilities

• Develop accurate, engaging and accessible social media content highlighting FWRI research, staff, programs and initiatives.
• Plans, creates, schedules and publishes content for FWRI’s primary social media accounts, including Facebook and Instagram.
• Coordinates with agency communications partners to develop content for X, LinkedIn, YouTube, Flickr and other platforms as assigned.
• Works with scientists, public information specialists and other subject matter experts to identify stories and translate complex scientific and technical information into clear public-facing content while maintaining accuracy and scientific integrity.
• Writes and edits copy, creates basic graphics, captures and edits photographs and short-form videos.
• Maintains editorial calendars and coordinates content development, review and approval.
• Collaborates internally and with agency partners to support campaigns, cross-promotion and consistent messaging across channels.
• Monitors comments, direct messages, questions and public reports and coordinates timely professional responses.
• Recognizes sensitive, emerging or high-risk issues and promptly refers questions requiring technical review, policy guidance or escalation to the appropriate staff.
• Tracks performance using social media analytics and management tools and recommend adjustments to improve reach, engagement and audience service.
• Stays current on platform changes, accessibility requirements, content trends and emerging tools.
• Organizes digital content and supporting records, including source files, captions, credits, releases and usage rights.
• Ensures content meets agency standards for quality, branding, accessibility, accuracy and records management.

Skills

Social media management

Public relations

Content creation

Photography

Video editing

Copywriting

AP style

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field

Tools

Canva

Adobe Creative Suite

Video editing software

Job description

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OPS PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST - 77900740

Date: Oct 6, 2026

The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on our E-Verify Website.

Requisition No:884827

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST - 77900740

Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number:77900740

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI)
Public Information Specialist I – OPS Position

$24-$26 per hour

100 8th Ave. SE

St. Petersburg, Florida

FWRI Research Operations

Public Information Specialist I – OPS 77900740

St. Petersburg, Florida - $24-$26 per hour

Our organization:

The FWC envisions a Florida where fish and wildlife are abundant and thriving in healthy and connected natural landscapes with vital working lands and waterways; where natural resources are valued and safely enjoyed by all; and wherein natural systems support vibrant human communities and a strong economy.

Our Mission: Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.

Every organization has an identity that is forged not only by what it does, but by how it conducts itself. The values embedded in our mission and expressed in the vision of the FWC are to make quality decisions by being dynamic, science-informed, efficient, ethical, collaborative and committed to the vitality of the state and its environment.

Minimum Qualifications:

Two (2) years directly related professional experience in social media, communications, journalism, digital media, public relations, multimedia, natural sciences or a related field;

OR

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in communications, journalism, digital media, public relations, marketing, natural sciences, or a related field and one (1) year of professional experience in social media, communications or digital content development.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Preference may be given to candidates with the following qualifications:
• A bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, digital media, natural sciences or a related field.
• Professional experience managing social media accounts for an organization, agency or brand, including content creation, scheduling, monitoring and audience engagement.
• Experience translating scientific, technical or complex information into clear and engaging content for broad audiences.
• Experience working in government, science, research, natural resources or public information communications.
• Experience using content creation tools such as Canva, Adobe Creative Suite and basic video-editing software.

Requirements:

Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 2 background check at no cost to the candidate.

Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

This position may travel throughout Florida and may require work outside normal business hours to capture photos and videos from field activities, events and operational activities.

Work may be performed outdoors in varied field conditions or work aboard vessels.

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:

This is a social media and digital communications position supporting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI). The incumbent develops accurate, engaging and accessible social media content highlighting FWRI research, staff, programs and initiatives.

Plans, creates, schedules and publishes content for FWRI’s primary social media accounts, including Facebook and Instagram. Coordinates with agency communications partners to develop content for X, LinkedIn, YouTube, Flickr and other platforms as assigned.

Works with scientists, public information specialists and other subject matter experts to identify stories and translate complex scientific and technical information into clear public-facing content while maintaining accuracy and scientific integrity. Writes and edits copy, creates basic graphics, captures and edits photographs and short-form videos.

Maintains editorial calendars and coordinates content development, review and approval. Collaborates internally and with agency partners to support campaigns, cross-promotion and consistent messaging across channels.

Monitors comments, direct messages, questions and public reports and coordinates timely professional responses. Recognizes sensitive, emerging or high-risk issues and promptly refers questions requiring technical review, policy guidance or escalation to the appropriate staff.

Tracks performance using social media analytics and management tools and recommend adjustments to improve reach, engagement and audience service. Stays current on platform changes, accessibility requirements, content trends and emerging tools.

Organizes digital content and supporting records, including source files, captions, credits, releases and usage rights. Ensures content meets agency standards for quality, branding, accessibility, accuracy and records management.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of major social media platforms and the audiences, formats and best practices associated with each.
• Ability to plan, create, schedule, publish and monitor social media content that supports public information, education and engagement goals.
• Skill in writing and editing clear, concise and engaging digital content, with working knowledge of AP style.
• Ability to translate scientific, technical or complex information into accurate and accessible public-facing content.
• Skill in photography, basic graphic design, and short-form video production and editing.
• Ability to use social media management, scheduling, monitoring and analytics tools.
• Knowledge of accessibility and inclusive communication practices for digital content.
• Ability to respond professionally to public comments, questions, complaints and reports and recognize when an issue requires review or escalation.
• Ability to organize content calendars, digital files, source information and approval records while managing multiple assignments and deadlines.
• Ability to communicate effectively and maintain productive working relationships with coworkers, agency leadership, subject matter experts and internal and external partners.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, follow established procedures, accept feedback and adapt to changing priorities.
• S trong customer service, public relations and interpersonal skills.

Why should I apply?

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:

• Eligible OPS positions and qualifying applicants may 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.

Biweekly Health Insurance Premiums: $7.50 or $25.00 for Single / $32.15 or $90.00 for Family

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

For assistance, call the People First Service Center at [phone] Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:0