PARK RANGER - 37002218

Requisition No: 862170 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: PARK RANGER - 37002218

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37002218 

Salary:  $2,896.67/month $34,760.00/year 

Posting Closing Date: 10/10/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Park Ranger (37002218)

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

ANTICIAPTED VACANCY

This position is located in Homosassa, FL

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

Compliance with the processing requirements of Chapter 215.422, F.S. is mandatory. Persistent failure to comply with this section by any agency of the state shall constitute good cause for discharge of employees duly found responsible, or predominantly responsible, for failure comply.

This is moderately independent work providing visitor services, resource management, maintenance, administration, and protection of Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park. This position is assigned to the wildlife care operation of the park.

VISITOR SERVICES - Explains facilities and services provided for public use, enjoyment, and education; meets visitors, answers questions, provides information and directions. Attempts to resolve visitor complaints while maintaining good public relations. Provides natural and cultural history interpretive programs and unit specific services via boat/tram tours, guided walks, and lecture programs. Provides visitor services in conjunction with other parks staff and volunteers.

MAINTENANCE - Maintain park structures, facilities, equipment and grounds through routine, preventive, and corrective maintenance practices. Conducts routine inspections to ensure proper maintenance standards are met. Maintains cleanliness of grounds and facilities.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT - Recognizes biological communities and the natural processes required for their maintenance. Observes, maintains, and protects the natural, cultural, historic, and archaeological resources of the park. Implements vegetation and wildlife management plans; recognizes communities and maintains optimum species control via natural and chemical means. Implements site restoration projects. Collects and records resource management data.

ADMINISTRATION - Prepares forms and reports on a wide range of subjects including visitation, vehicle usage, purchase requests and accidents. Answer’s telephone operates park radio, computer, and various office equipment. Conducts purchasing and fiscal activities in compliance with established procedures. Collects fees, performs cash register transactions, and reconciles receipts. Orders, sells, and inventories resale merchandise. Answer’s correspondence and maintains park files.

PROTECTION - Performs routine patrols and security checks; ensures adherence to the Park Protection Plan. Opens and/or secures park facilities as appropriate. Interprets and enforces park rules pertaining to all natural and cultural resources and facilities and use thereof for the safety and enjoyment of the visitor. Responsible for security of cash fund.

Performs other related duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Florida’s natural and cultural resources

Basic arithmetic

Good public relations

Working with sick/injured wildlife

General maintenance and mechanical techniques and repairs

SKILLS IN:

Communicating effectively verbally and in writing

Operating a cash register and reconciling receipts

Accurately preparing reports

Interacting with all internal and external customers and the general public in a professional, tactful and courteous manner

Performing grounds and building maintenance which includes but is not limited to mowing, weed eating, pressure washing, and painting

Utilizing power tools, including but not limited to, chain saws and drills

Basic plumbing, including but not limited to, repairing hose bibs, waterline repair

Basic electrical work, including but not limited to, replacing outlets and circuit breakers

Basic carpentry, including but not limited to, boardwalk and fence repairs

Utilize a computer including, but not limited to software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite

ABILITY TO:

Participate in resource management tasks, including but not limited to, prescribed fire activities, non-native plant removal which may include application of herbicide

Perform animal husbandry for resident Wildlife (Class I, II and III)

Follow verbal and written instructions/directions

Work independently with minimal supervision

Establish and maintain effective working relationships

Speak in public: understand and apply rules, directives, policies, laws and regulations

Conduct routine inspections, identify and investigate problems

Clean park facilities, including but not limited to, cleaning restrooms and picking up trash

Work outdoors in inclement weather, including but not limited to heat, cold, wind, rain, high humidity and sunlight

Work with exposure to insects, dangerous animals, snakes

Work in an environment with animal waste and the potential for zoonotic diseases

Perform physical labor

Lift 50 pounds and assist in transporting animals, items or other supplies 100 pounds or more

Conduct interpretive programs on a daily basis

Work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple priorities

Operate boats and trams/trucks

Provide visitor assistance services

Operate two-way radio

Work rotating shifts including weekends and holidays

Maintain a valid driver's license

Successfully complete ranger academy

Successfully complete background and fingerprint check

Properly wear uniform

Minimum Qualifications:

Valid Driver’s License

Completion of Ranger Academy

Take and pass CPR and First Aid certification within 6 months of employment

Position of Special Trust Requirement:

This position is designated as a Position of Special Trust in accordance with DEP Directive 422, Positions of Special Trust or Responsibility. Successful completion of background screening will be required for this position.

Pay:

$2,896.67/month

$34,760.00/year

Our Organization and Mission: 

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the state’s lead agency for environmental management and stewardship - protecting our air, water and land. The vision of DEP is to advance Florida’s position as a world leader in protecting natural resources while growing the state’s economy. DEP encourages its leaders to constantly innovate and seek efficiencies. We believe in supporting and encouraging you as you take on important and often complex projects while offering you the opportunity to gain valuable experience quickly.

Where You Will Work:

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

4150 S Suncoast Blvd.

Homosassa, FL 34446

Discover the wild side of Florida with endangered Florida panther, red wolf, manatee and whooping crane, plus black bear, bobcat and, of course, alligators.

When Homosassa Springs was a popular train stop in the early 1900s, passengers could picnic and take a dip in the spring while train cars were being loaded up with cedar, crabs, fish and spring water. On a 1924 visit, Bruce Hoover of Chicago called it “the most beautiful river and springs in the world.” In this regard, Homosassa Springs hasn’t changed much. An astounding number of fresh and saltwater fish still congregate in the natural spring bowl — large jacks, snapper, snook and others. A unique underwater structure, the Underwater Observatory allows visitors to "walk underwater" beneath the spring's surface to watch the various fish and manatees swim about. Gaze down into the depths of the first-magnitude spring and perhaps catch a glimpse of fish and manatees in their natural habitat.

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida: 

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits;
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year;
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options;
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions (For more information, please click www.myfrs.com);
• Tuition waivers;
• Total Compensation Estimator Tool
• And more!

For a complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com

Special Notes: DEP is committed to successfully recruiting and onboarding talented and skilled individuals into its workforce. We recognize the extensive training, experience, and transferable skills that veterans and individuals with disabilities bring to the workforce. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact our recruiter for guidance and answers to questions through the following email addresses:

HR_VeteransPreference@dep.state.fl.us

HR_Recruitment@FloridaDEP.gov

An individual with a disability is qualified if he or she satisfies the skills, experience, and other job-related requirements for a position and can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must contact the DEP Human Resources (HR) Office at (850) 245-2511. DEP requests applicants notify HR in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

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.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE.  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.