PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST - 37001446 1 1 1

Requisition No: 885188 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST - 37001446 1 1 1

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37001446 

Salary:  $3500.00 month/$42,000.00 year 

Posting Closing Date: 10/18/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Park Services Specialist (37001446)

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Boca Grande, FL encompassing Pine Island/Cape Coral/Punta Gorda

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

An opportunity is anticipated for a self-motivated, hardworking individual, to fill the position of Park Service Specialist with a focus on maintenance at Cayo Costa State Park. The park is separated from the mainland by Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound and is only accessible by boat. The Park runs on two large diesel generators, and almost all maintenance is completed in house. Flexibility and a high level of commitment are required for this position. Professionalism and the ability to perform as part of a close knit team are essential attributes for any applicant to this position. One of the fundamental duties of this position is daily operation of boats in all weather conditions. The applicant will be responsible for the maintenance of vehicles, vessels, and equipment for 4 state parks, including Cayo Costa, Gasparilla, Don Pedro, and Stump Pass State Parks.

DUTIES 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 to comply. 

This is moderately independent work providing Visitor Services, Resource Management, Maintenance, Administration and Protection of Cayo Costa State Park.

ADMINISTRATION - Communicates effectively both in writing and verbally.  Collects, maintains and transmits various monthly and quarterly reports. Performs a wide variety of other administrative tasks, as needed. Submits monthly vehicle and vessel use and repair logs to park manager in a timely manner.  Maintains records of repairs and use for all preserve vehicles and vessels.  Any other administrative duties as needed.

MAINTENANCE:  Maintains and repairs the park vehicles, vessels, generators, and equipment.  Performs any necessary building repairs and improvements to the park facilities.  Operates necessary equipment such as power tools and welding torches to perform construction type work such as carpentry, masonry work, plumbing, and electrical.  Constructs and repairs roads, signs, foot bridges, and nature trails within the park.  Responsible for the upkeep of the park facilities, equipment and vehicles

VISITOR SERVICES:  Explains facilities and services provided for public use and enjoyment and education.  Meets visitors, answers question, provides information and directions.  Attempts to resolve visitor complaints while maintaining good public relations.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT:  Participates in planning and conducting natural resource management activities by implementing resource management techniques required to manage and restore natural communities. Participates in all aspects of resource management. Performs and assists in the construction and maintenance of fire lines and fence lines. Participates in the exotic plant control program; monitors the progress of park projects, reports results as required, facilitates mapping and tracking of infestations, coordinates herbicide ordering and training, facilitates teamwork targeting exotic plant control.

PROTECTION -Ensures park rules are enforced pertaining to all natural and cultural facilities and resources, and use thereof, for the enjoyment of the visitor

Performs related park duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of: 

• procedures and methods used in the troubleshooting, repair and maintenance of wooden, block and steel structures.
• plumbing, electrical systems, vehicles, small engine equipment and other  equipment.
• principles and techniques of the skilled building trade or mechanical repair work.

Skill in:  

• using tools and equipment in maintenance and repair work including, but not limited to hand, power and bench tools.
• Operating a variety of motorized vehicles.

Ability to: 

• work independently
• plan, organize and coordinate work assignments
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• work rotating shifts including evenings, weekends and holidays
• compile, organize and analyze data, programs and proposed projects
• perform a variety of skilled trade functions; read blueprints; install, maintain and repair electric motors, generators and other mechanical equipment.
• Work with staff and volunteers to train them on safety and proper use of all types of tools and machinery.
• follow written and verbal instructions
• communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• understand and apply rules, directives and policies; laws and regulations.
• collect fees and operate cash registers/point of sale systems
• operate watercraft
• lift up to 40 pounds and assist in carrying lumber and other supplies weighing 80 pounds or more.
• identify and treat invasive plant animal species.
• maintain a valid driver’s license
• successfully complete background and fingerprint check

Minimum Qualifications:

• Maintain valid driver’s license

Preferred Criteria:

• Ability to handle motorized watercraft up to 32 feet.
• Working knowledge of large diesel generators and boat motors

Additional reviews may be performed to screen for preferred qualifications, experience and education. You may be contacted to participate in an additional selection process which may consist of written exercises, work samples, skills tests, and interviews. Support of knowledge, skills, and abilities should be demonstrated on the application, in the education, in the work experience, in the work sample, in the interview and/or during reference checks.

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:

$3,500.00  month/$42,000 annual

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:

Cayo Costa State Park

c/o Gasparilla Island Administration

880 Belcher Road

Boca Grande, FL 33921

***Report Location is Jug Creek Land-base at the north end of Pine Island.  Crew Boat leaves at 7:30 am daily.***

With nine miles of beautiful beaches and acres of pine forest, oak-palm hammocks and mangrove swamps, this barrier island park is a Gulf Coast paradise.  Located directly south of Boca Grande, four nautical miles off the coast of Pine Island.

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.

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.