OPS PARK RANGER - 37970700 1 1

Requisition No: 855493 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS PARK RANGER - 37970700 1 1

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 37970700 

Salary:  $15 per hour 

Posting Closing Date: 07/06/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

OPS PARK RANGER (37970700)

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Boca Grande, FL

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

Gasparilla Island State Park is looking for a self-motivated park service professional to fill a park ranger position, providing visitor services, maintenance, protection, administration, and resource management. The applicant must possess good visitor service and administrative skills, be able to work independently and have the ability to perform a variety of skilled trade functions using assorted equipment and tools. The applicant must be able to work rotating shifts including evenings, weekends and holidays.  This position is 40 hours per week.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

This is a high use beach park and is full of park visitors each day.  Applicant must be able to work independently, rotating shifts including evenings, weekends and holidays.

 VISITOR SERVICES - Explains facilities and services provided for public use, enjoyment and education; meets visitors, answers questions, provides information and directions in an accurate and professional manner.  Attempts to resolve visitor complaints while maintaining good public relations.  

 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, assists with maintains optimum species control via natural and chemical means. 

 MAINTENANCE - Maintains 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. Cleans restrooms and park areas as directed.

 ADMINISTRATION - Prepares forms and reports.  Answers telephone, operates park radio, computer and various office equipment.  Collects fees, operates cash register/point of sale system and reconciles receipts.  Orders, sells and inventories resale merchandise

 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. 

 OTHER – Performs other related duties as required.

 Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

•  Ability to follow verbal and written instructions/directions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to perform cash register/point of sale transactions.
• Ability to participate in resource management tasks, including but not limited to prescribed fire preparation activities
• Ability to interact with visitor inquiries in a tactful and courteous manner.
• Ability to understand and apply rules, directives, policies, laws and regulations.
• Ability to prepare reports.
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
• Ability to lift 40 pounds.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to work rotating shifts, including nights, holidays, and weekends.
• Ability to maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License.
• Ability to successfully complete background and fingerprint check
• Skill in personal computer operation
• Knowledge of good public relations.
• Knowledge of basic arithmetic. 
• Knowledge of administrative principles and practices

Minimum Qualifications:

Valid Driver’s license. 

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:

$15 per hour

Our Organization and Mission:

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the state’s leading 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: 

Gasparilla Island State Park

880 Belcher Road

Boca Grande, FL

Separated from the mainland by Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound, this island is part of a chain of Gulf Coast barrier islands.  Swimming, snorkeling, fishing and nature study are popular activities that can be accessed at any of the five parking lots.  The park is located on the south end of Gasparilla Island on the Boca Grande Causeway (private toll) at County Road 775 and Placida.

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s benefits package for eligible OPS employees includes:

• Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements*).  
• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan, for more information, please visit Corebridge Financial).
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• And more!

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

*Seasonal and part-time OPS employees (less than 30 hours average per week) refer to the links above for detailed eligibility requirements.

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.