Operations and Program Manager

Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and three years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

The Florida Museum is hiring an Operations Manager for the Randell Research Center (RRC), located on Pine Island in Lee County, FL. The Operations Manager serves in a broad, supervisory capacity for an approximate 70-acre archaeological site (the Pineland Archaeological Complex), park, and ecological preserve that is also a public education and research facility. The RRC is part of the Florida Museum of Natural History (FLMNH) at the University of Florida. The FLMNH serves as the State of Florida’s official Museum of Natural History and the Randell Research Center is an important extension of the Museum’s activities in southwest Florida. The Operations Manager is an employee of the University of Florida and reports to a Curator within the Department of Natural History at the Florida Museum of Natural History, based in Gainesville, FL. The final reporting structure will be confirmed at the time of hire.

This position holds very diverse responsibilities related to management of the RRC and organizing education and community engagement. The successful candidate will manage and supervise the center budget, personnel, and volunteers, as well as the operation of a visitor pavilion and buildings, educational classroom and exhibits, and a small retail store. Day-to-day management also includes all site infrastructure, commercial equipment, and grounds maintenance with emphasis on invasive plant species removal and native habitat development in collaboration with appropriate state entities. Individuals with experience in operations and management, particularly for cultural and natural resource lands, organizations, centers, trusts, agencies, etc., including parks, nature centers, museums, historical sites, are encouraged to apply. The RRC is strongly dedicated to community engagement and partnerships, public education and outreach. Preferred candidates will have experience in developing and implementing community collaborations, formal and informal educational experiences, public speaking, and programing. Working with FLMNH curators, the manager will facilitate research on the archaeology, history, and ecology of southwest Florida; some prior knowledge of these topics will be greatly beneficial.

With this position we seek to strengthen the FLMNH’s regional, state, and global leadership role in conservation, natural history, cultural heritage, education, and public outreach by hiring a creative, interdisciplinary-oriented Operations Manager whose experience can be focused on supporting all RRC staff, volunteers, visitors, educators, and researchers.

Job Duties:
• Administers a budget and collaborates with FLMNH staff to develop an annual expense and income forecast.
• Oversee the daily operations of the RRC, including the direct supervision of 4-6 staff involved with building, site infrastructure, and technological maintenance and safety, grounds management, and the retail store.
• Oversee RRC rental property and offices.
• Oversee volunteer recruitment, education, scheduling, and supervision
• Oversee disaster response and recovery
• Regularly report to a FLMNH supervisor about operational issues and problems.
• Assist staff with daily activities as needed, including cleaning and upkeep of building facilities, and outdoor labor on native plant and invasive species projects. This will require active physical involvement on the part of the candidate.
• Work closely with FLMNH curators to develop policies and procedures that promote education and research.
• Develop public outreach and outreach materials, including a dedicated 4th grade school program, events, tours, lectures, exhibit materials.
• Work with FLMNH Digital Engagement personnel to develop and produce a monthly digital newsletter, regular website blog posts, and FaceBook posts.
• With support from FLMNH, manage media engagement, including social media, news media inquiries, and liaising with FLMNH science communication staff.
• Monitor the work environment of assigned area to ensure compliance with the University non-discrimination and workplace harassment policies by reporting alleged violations to senior management in a timely manner.

This position requires intermittent trips to the Florida Museum in Gainesville, Florida. Working weekends will also be expected during portions of the year.

$75,000.00 starting salary, commensurate with education and experience.

Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and three years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred candidates will have experience in operations and management, particularly for cultural and natural resource lands, organizations, centers, trusts, agencies, museums, etc. Preferred qualifications include previous experience in the management and supervision of an organizational budget, supervision of multiple personnel, and volunteers, as well as the operation of buildings and outdoor park infrastructure, including educational classroom and exhibits, small retail store, and outdoor decking. Previous experience in grounds maintenance that includes invasive plant species removal and native habitat development is particularly desirable.

To be considered for this position, please submit your application via Careers at UF and include the following documents:
• Cover Letter – Please ensure your letter highlights your experience in:
1. Administrative and/or managerial roles
2. Leadership and outreach in educational settings (formal and informal), including public speaking
3. Facilities and resource management, with a focus on natural and/or cultural resources
• Resume or CV
• List of Three References – Include names, titles, and contact information

This position requires the successful completion of a post-offer health assessment to ensure the candidate meets the physical demands and health requirements of the role.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.