PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST - 37000892

Requisition No: 864248 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST - 37000892

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37000892 

Salary:  $3,176.43/month or $38,117.16/year 

Posting Closing Date: 11/06/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

RESIDENT PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST: 37000892
State of Florida
Department of Environmental Protection
This position is in Apopka, FL

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

• A challenging opportunity is available for a motivated park service professional to fill the position of Park Services Specialist at the Wekiva River Basin State Parks.  The park is located northwest of Orlando in Apopka, Florida. This is a full-service park, offering an excellent opportunity for an ambitious person to work hard and at the same time learn all that the Park Service has to offer.  The park is very resource management oriented, with heavy visitor usage.

• This position is responsible for establishing and maintaining resource management activities and for establishing and maintaining good public relations and for carrying out a public information program, developing and coordinating private and governmental manpower and financial support systems, visitor service programs, and professional training programs for the park. Some of your responsibilities will include but not limited to the following:

•  Participate in planning and conducting resource management activities by implementing resource management techniques required to manage and restore natural  communities which includes but is not limited to prescribed burning. 
• Provide research planning, coordination and conducts the interpretation of the natural cultural resources within the park, including guided walks, campfire programs, tours recreation skills programs and special events.
• Research the history of a division facility, both cultural and natural and develop plans for restoration and implementation. 
• Provide research development and coordination of a park information program. This includes the preparation of newspaper articles, public service announcements, photos and other materials to optimize public awareness of the park.
• Identify broadcast and print media interests, cultivates positive media relations and promotes media coverage of the park.
• Plan, organize and conduct in-service training programs to meet the needs of the park’s employees.
• Performs related work as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of: Florida ecosystems and resource management techniques required to manage and restore natural communities; cultural resources preservation and restoration techniques; technical report writing and effective verbal and written communication principles and techniques.
Skill in: Recruiting and managing volunteers.
Ability to: research, plan and prepare educational, interpretive and promotional materials and programs; compile, organize and analyze data, programs and proposed projects; produce photographs and slides; effectively present programs, speak in public and present training programs; work effectively with the public; work rotating shifts including nights, weekends and holidays; maintain a valid driver license; operate personal computers, office equipment, audio visual and multimedia equipment; successfully complete background/fingerprint check; reside on park property.

Minimum Qualifications: 
•    Valid Driver’s License
•    Successfully complete background/fingerprint check
•    Must reside on property- 2bd/1bth House

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 $3,176.43/month or $38,117.16/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:
Wekiwa Springs State Park
1800 Wekiwa Circle
Apopka, FL 32712
 
With emerald springs feeding the Wekiwa River and lush tropical hammocks, this unique park just minutes from downtown Orlando is perfect for observing abundant wildlife or cooling off on a summer day.
 
Miles of trails beg to be explored on foot, bike or horseback, and canoes and kayaks are available on-site. It’s easy to see why visitors have been flocking to beautiful Wekiwa Springs since the mid-19th century.
 
Click the attached link to learn more about this beautiful park:  https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/wekiwa-springs-state-park

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.