PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST - 37001837

Requisition No: 877213 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST - 37001837

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37001837 

Salary:  $3176.43 month/$38,117.16 annual 

Posting Closing Date: 06/16/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST (37001837)

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

Position is located in DeLeon Springs, FL

Open Competitive

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

An opportunity is anticipated for a self-motivated, hard-working team player, with strong resource management, visitor services, protection, and maintenance experience to fill a Park Service Specialist position at DeLeon Springs  State Park

Your Specific Responsibilities:

ADMINISTRATION - Communicates effectively both in writing and verbally. Collects, maintains and transmits various monthly and quarterly reports such as manpower augmentation report, interpretive tracking reports, etc. Formulate, track budget and operating expenses involving interpretive and community outreach and volunteer needs. Works closely with the park’s Citizen Support Organization overseeing their operations and assisting management in coordinating and ensuring the group’s compliance. Enters and submits flex schedule and work hours in People First in a timely manner. Utilize the DEP email system to provide additional communication. Performs a wide variety of other administrative tasks, as needed.

INTERPRETATION & EDUCATION - Develops and coordinates a comprehensive Interpretive Services Program, including guided walks, nature talks, guided recreational activities, roving interpreters, curriculum-based programs, and community outreach programs & coordinates two special events per year. Evaluate existing interpretive programs to identify areas for improvement to more effectively promote natural and cultural resource stewardship. Coordinate staff and volunteer schedules to conduct interpretive programs on and off site as well as schedule private programs for diverse groups. Provide leadership through coaching and training of park staff and volunteers to develop, research and present original interpretive programs and non-personal displays and materials. Plan, develop, and write a variety of interpretive media, such as waysides, exhibits, self-guided tours, publications, social media, websites, articles, newsletters, and press releases to disseminate information about the park to the public, staff, and volunteers. Conceptualize and coordinate preparation of proposals and grant requests for interpretive project funding from partner agencies and grant sources if additional funding is desired for a project. Performs a wide variety of other interpretive and education-related tasks, as needed.

VISITOR SERVICES - Represents DeLeon Springs State Park and the Florida Park Service to outside agencies and organizations, disseminating information and promoting all opportunities provided by the park. Coordinates park staff and/or volunteers to provide presentations and/or attend local community organization meetings, special events, fairs and festivals to expand public understanding of the Florida Park Service and promote the park. Maintains and updates visitor information kiosks and other printed park materials throughout the park. Coordinate  Parkwide events which feature interpretive events, tours, media events and volunteer workdays. Implement the park's communications plan which includes creating content for park websites, newsletters, social media, graphics, presentations, magazine articles, press releases, public service announcements, building relationships with reporters, conducting radio, TV and written interviews, and creating printed materials for diverse audiences. Serves as the park's information officer during media events. Books pavilions and special permit activities and maintains the park’s master calendar. Attempts to resolve visitor complaints while maintaining good public relations. Explain the facilities and services provided for public use, enjoyment and education; meet visitors, answers questions, provide information and directions, operate cash register/POS system when needed.

VOLUNTEER COORDINATION - Develops and coordinates a comprehensive volunteer program, including resident volunteers and local volunteers. Evaluate existing volunteer programs to identify areas for improvement to more effectively meet the park's management objectives. Monitors and defines suitable park volunteer needs and coordinates volunteer placement depending upon the park's management objectives. Develops and maintains volunteer job descriptions, procedural manuals, personnel records and evaluations. Plans and oversees all volunteer schedules. Maintains appropriate records, files and databases to track volunteers. Conducts all necessary correspondence to recruit, interview, train and place volunteers. Designs, plans and conducts volunteer meetings, training activities, workshops and volunteer orientation sessions. Track volunteer hours, prepare appropriate reports and coordinates awards programs. Ensure all required reports and documents are submitted in compliance with established schedules. Serves as liaison between volunteers and park administration. Assist park management in coordinating and overseeing Citizen Support Organization for the park.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT - Knowledgeable of natural resource activities such as listed species management, recognize natural communities, exotic removal programs, wildlife monitoring and other related activities. Participates in the parks exotic control program; report results as required. Observes, maintains and protects the natural, cultural, historic and archaeological resources of the park. Researches the history of the park, both cultural and natural, and assists in developing plans for restoration, preservation and interpretation. Assists with imperiled species monitoring when needed. Artifacts & cultural resources management and inventory.

PROTECTION - Coordinate training of staff and volunteers to promote a safe work environment. Maintain and conduct patrols of Park for security to gates, entrances and facilities. Responsible for cash fund security and bank deposits when necessary. Inform visitors of possible hazards. Enforce Park rules, regulations and other related guidelines in a courteous manner. Investigates and prepares forms and reports on safety and miscellaneous incidents. Prevent accidents and injuries by timely reporting and correcting hazards.

Performs other related duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of: Florida ecosystems and resource management techniques required to manage/restore natural communities; cultural resources preservation and restoration techniques; technical report writing and effective verbal and written communication principles and techniques; cultural resource preservation and restoration. 

Ability to; Research, plan, prepare, and effectively present educational and interpretive programs; compile, organize and analyze data, programs and proposed projects;  operate personal computer, Successfully complete Ranger Academy; work rotating shifts including nights, weekends and holidays; produce and edit photographic images and work with multi-media.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid Driver’s License
• Successfully complete background/fingerprint check

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:

$3176.43 Month/ $38,117.16 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:

DeLeon Springs State Park

601 Ponce de Leon Boulevard

DeLeon Springs, FL 32130

 Once called Acuera, or “Healing Waters,” by Mayaca Indians who inhabited the area, De Leon Springs is a place to cool off in clear waters, roam trails through a lush subtropical forest that features a massive old-growth bald cypress tree and immerse oneself in a rich history. The spring run was once used to turn a sugar cane mill followed by a grist mill to turn corn into flour during the Civil War.  The park is located at the corner of Ponce de Leon and Burt’s Park Road, about a mile west of US 17.

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);
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Tuition waivers;
• And more!

For a more 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.