The Florida Museum of Natural History (FM) at the University of Florida (UF) 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 Florida Museum is 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, 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 FM 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 FM’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.
Expected salary: $75,000.00 starting salary, commensurate with education and experience.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area and three years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred Qualifications
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.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Interested applicants must apply online at https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/536001/mgr-operations.
To be considered for this position you must upload:
- Cover Letter – Please ensure your letter highlights your experience in:
- Administrative and/or managerial roles
- Leadership and outreach in educational settings (formal and informal), including public speaking
- 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) on June 29, 2025.