REGIONAL DIRECTOR-FWC - 77000014 *PENDING RECLASSIFICATION TO SES* 1

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; Panama City (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid holidays and leave

Tuition waiver program

FMLA and family support programs

Retirement plan options

On-the-job trainings

Job summary

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission seeks a Regional Director for Northwest Florida to lead conservation efforts across 16 counties and guide policy at the regional level.

The role requires a strong background in leadership, policy development, and stakeholder engagement to advance conservation outcomes statewide. Pending SES reclassification, the position emphasizes strategic direction and collaboration.

Qualifications

• A four-year college or university degree plus years of supervisory or administrative experience is preferred.
• A four-year college degree in the natural sciences, biological sciences or natural resource law enforcement is preferred.
• An advanced degree in natural sciences, biological sciences or natural resource law enforcement is also preferred.
• Supervisory and administrative experience in natural resource management, natural resource research or natural resource law enforcement is also preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides high-level leadership and regional representation for the Office of the Executive Director, ensuring that agency mission, priorities, and conservation strategies are effectively implemented within the region.
• Leads and inspires a comprehensive conservation vision by working closely with division and office directors to guide program direction, shape policy, and support strategic initiatives that protect Florida’s fish, wildlife, and natural resources.
• Serves as a key liaison to local, state, and federal elected officials; Commissioners; community partners; stakeholder groups; and conservation organizations, cultivating strong relationships and facilitating meaningful collaboration.
• Plays an integral role in the development and communication of agency policy, offering regional insights, anticipating emerging issues, and helping shape solutions that advance resource stewardship and public trust.
• Represents the agency at key events, public meetings, and field engagements, promoting FWC’s mission and strengthening understanding of its programs, policies, and conservation impact.
• Supports the overall effectiveness of the region by fostering a positive culture, encouraging cross‑disciplinary teamwork, and empowering staff to deliver high‑quality conservation outcomes.

Education

Four-year degree + supervisory/administrative experience

Four-year degree in natural sciences/biological sciences/natural resource law enforcement

Advanced degree in natural sciences/biological sciences/natural resource law enforcement

Supervisory/administrative experience in natural resource management/research/law enforcement

Job description

Date: Oct 15, 2026

REGIONAL DIRECTOR-FWC - 77000014 *PENDING RECLASSIFICATION TO SES* 1

Requisition No:885703

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: REGIONAL DIRECTOR-FWC - 77000014 *PENDING RECLASSIFICATION TO SES* 1

Contact:Office of Human Resources, 850-488-6411

Northwest Regional Office

Regional Director - 77000014

*Pending Reclassification to SES*

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. Visit our website for more information: MyFWC.com

Description:
The Northwest Regional Director serves as a key conservation leader and strategic representative of the FWC, covering the 16 counties of Northwest Florida, while advancing the agency’s mission at the regional level. As a member of the FWC Senior Leadership Team, the Regional Director provides insight and guidance on policy development, emerging conservation issues, and long‑range strategic priorities. The Regional Director integrates and aligns the work of all FWC divisions and offices, strengthening cross ‑ agency collaboration to drive strategic conservation outcomes statewide.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Provides high-level leadership and regional representation for the Office of the Executive Director, ensuring that agency mission, priorities, and conservation strategies are effectively implemented within the region.
• Leads and inspires a comprehensive conservation vision by working closely with division and office directors to guide program direction, shape policy, and support strategic initiatives that protect Florida’s fish, wildlife, and natural resources.
• Serves as a key liaison to local, state, and federal elected officials; Commissioners; community partners; stakeholder groups; and conservation organizations, cultivating strong relationships and facilitating meaningful collaboration.
• Plays an integral role in the development and communication of agency policy, offering regional insights, anticipating emerging issues, and helping shape solutions that advance resource stewardship and public trust.
• Represents the agency at key events, public meetings, and field engagements, promoting FWC’s mission and strengthening understanding of its programs, policies, and conservation impact.
• Supports the overall effectiveness of the region by fostering a positive culture, encouraging cross‑disciplinary teamwork, and empowering staff to deliver high‑quality conservation outcomes.

The selected candidate must pass a background check.

Preferred Education and Training

A four-year college or university degree plus years of supervisory or administrative experience is preferred.

A four-year college degree in the natural sciences, biological sciences or natural resource law enforcement is preferred.

An advanced degree in natural sciences, biological sciences or natural resource law enforcement is also preferred.

Supervisory and administrative experience in natural resource management, natural resource research or natural resource law enforcement is also preferred.

Employment in this position is contingent upon results of a level 2 criminal history check, in accordance with Chapter 435, Florida Statutes.

Why should I apply?

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.

For a more complete list of benefits, visithttps://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/.

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.

Location:
PANAMA CITY, FL, US, 32401 PANAMA CITY, FL, US, 32405 PANAMA CITY, FL, US, 32402 PANAMA CITY, FL, US, 32404

For assistance, call the People First Service Center at [phone] Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern time. Pursuant to Florida Law, 110.211 F. S., the State of Florida is an EEO employer.