PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST - 37001975 1

Requisition No: 856701 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST - 37001975 1

Position Number: 37001975 

Salary:  $3154.95 monthly/$37859.40 annual 

Posting Closing Date: 07/27/2025 

Park Services Specialist (37001975)

Pack Test Position-Residency Required

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Copeland, FL

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

An opportunity is available to become part of a self-motivated hard working team, in one of the most diverse ecosystems in Florida.  Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, which winds through the Florida Everglades, is located west of Copeland, on State Road 29.  Applicant must possess good visitor service, maintenance, and resource management skills and be able to work rotating shifts including evenings, weekends and holidays. 

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 Fakahatchee Strand State Park.

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.  Provides natural and cultural history interpretive programs and services via presentations, walks and other programs and unit specific services as directed. Develops and presents natural and cultural history interpretive programs on a variety of subjects geared to the educational level of requesting groups.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT – Collects and records hydrological data.  Assists the biologist in research and monitoring activities within the preserve.  Conducts prescribed fires and performs all preparatory actions to assure safe, professional execution of burns.  Controls exotic plant species via mechanical and chemical means.  Implements resource restoration projects such as tram clearing, hardwood removal, water control, etc.  Monitors wildlife populations, records results of resource management activities and records and understands natural communities and systemic relationships. Participates in all aspects of prescribed burns.

MAINTENANCE - Maintains park structures, facilities, equipment and grounds through routine, preventive, and corrective maintenance practices and repairs on trucks, ATVs and tractors. Conducts routine inspections to ensure proper maintenance standards are met.  Maintains cleanliness of grounds and facilities. Develops maintenance schedules and makes recommendations for the preventive and corrective maintenance needs of exhibits, displays and other interpretive facilities/equipment.

 ADMINISTRATION - Prepares forms and reports on a wide range of subjects. Answers telephone operates park radio, computer and various office equipment. Answers 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, historical, archaeological, and cultural resources and facilities and use thereof for the safety and enjoyment of the visitor. 

OTHER – Performs other related duties as required

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

KNOWLEDGE OF: 

• Florida’s natural and cultural resources, including flora and fauna.
• basic arithmetic
• good public relations

SKILL IN:

• communicating effectively verbally and in writing  
• 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.
• use of various equipment, small engines, assorted power tools and operating vehicles.
• utilize a computer including, but not limited to software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite

ABILITY TO:

• successfully meet position-specific DRP Burn Standards for Prescribed Fire
• participate in resource management tasks, including but not limited to, prescribed fire activities, non-native plant removal which may include application of herbicide
• follow verbal and written instructions/directions
• work independently with minimal supervision
• establish and maintain effective working relationships
• speak in public
• plan and coordinate events
• understand and apply rules, directives, policies, laws and regulations
• conduct routine inspections, identify and investigate problems
• work outdoors in inclement weather
• perform physical labor
• lift 40 pounds and assist in transporting items or other supplies 100 pounds or more
• work rotating shifts including nights, weekends and holidays
• successfully complete ranger academy
• maintain a valid driver's license
• passing of moderate pack test must be completed prior to employment, and then annually thereafter complete the light pack test
• successfully complete background & fingerprint check
• properly wear uniform
• comply with male and female hair grooming standards and body art and piercing restrictions
• reside on park property in a 3 bedroom, 1 bath residence.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid Driver’s License
• Successfully complete CPR and First Aid certification within 6 months of employment.

Pack Test Requirement:

Successful completion of moderate pack test.  Prior to being hired, an applicant will be given a single opportunity to take and successfully complete a supervised moderate pack test at a date and location to be announced.  The Moderate pack test requires applicant to complete a two mile walk while carrying 25 pounds in under 30 minutes.

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:

$3154.95 monthly/$37859.40 annual

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:

Fakahatchee Strand State Park

137 Coastline Drive

Copeland, FL 34137

Fakahatchee Strand Preserve is the largest state park in Florida and is home to a variety of plant and animal species that can be found nowhere else in the continental U.S.  The emphasis at Fakahatchee is on the preservation of its natural character.  In keeping with this goal, facilities and activities are limited but offer the visitor a wilderness to enjoy and explore.  The park is composed of four main use areas: The Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk, East River, Jones Grade Lakes and Janes Memorial Scenic Drive.  The park is located west of Copeland on State Road 29.

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

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.