PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST - 37000687

Requisition No: 838620 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST - 37000687

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37000687 

Salary:  $3,093.09 monthly 

Posting Closing Date: 10/31/2024 

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PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST

                                                                                                                                                           State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

Job Vacancy

OPEN COMPETITIVE

Closing date: 10.31.2024

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 create strong community partnerships, safeguard Florida’s natural resources and enhance its ecosystem. 

The Work You Will Do:

PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST (37000687)

An opportunity is anticipated for a self-motivated, hard-working individual, with strong facility management, visitor services, protection, and maintenance experience to fill a Park Services Specialist position at Hontoon Island State Park located in Deland.

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.

Contact: Dustin Allen, Park Manager; 386.279.8083

Dustin.L.Allen@dep.state.fl.us

The Difference You Will Make:

Florida state parks are managed and preserved for enjoyment by all through providing appropriate resource-based recreational opportunities, interpretation and education that help visitors connect to the Real Florida. SM

How You Will Grow:

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:

Hontoon Island State Park

2309 River Ridge Road

Deland, FL 32720

Evidence of Native American habitation over thousands of years can be witnessed as visitors hike through the park. Walk through the impressive visitor center to learn more about the many inhabitants and uses of Hontoon Island over the years. The island is accessible only by private boat or park ferry. Paddling, fishing, hiking, biking and camping are popular activities. Canoe, kayak and bicycle rentals are available from the island store. Picnic areas include tables, grills and a playground.

Overnight boat slip rentals are available. The park's ferry operates daily from 8 a.m. to one hour before sunset. Hontoon Island is located six miles west of DeLand off State Road 44.

Click on the link to preview the park: https://www.floridastateparks.org/index.php/parks-and-trails/hontoon-island-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);
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Tuition waivers;
• And more!

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

Pay:

Base salary $3,093.09 monthly/$37,117.08 annually

Your Specific Responsibilities:

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.

Participates in planning and conducting resource management activities by implementing resource management techniques required to manage and restore natural communities. Researches the history of a division facility, both cultural and natural and develops plans for restoration and implementation. Gathers and maintains natural and cultural resources files, artifact inventories, and coordinates and participates in appropriate preservation of cultural resources.

Plans and coordinates the development of interpretive programs, recreational skills programs and special events in a park. Develops and presents guided walks, campfire, recreational skills and other visitor services programs to park visitors, educational groups, and other citizen groups. Plans, researches, coordinates and conducts environmental education programs in a park.

Coordinates a Park's volunteer and/or manpower augmentation program. Serves as liaison with park’s Citizen Support Organization. Serves as liaison with the Department of Corrections inmate labor program

Administers the public information program of a park. Serves as park spokesperson participating in public speaking engagements. Identifies broadcast and print media interests, cultivates positive media relations and promotes media coverage of the park. Designs, researches and develops park specific literature for public dissemination. Represents the park and Florida Park Service to outside agencies and organizations, disseminating information and promoting outdoor recreational opportunities provided by the park.

Oversees and assists with the maintenance of buildings, roads, bridges, trails, water and wastewater systems, vehicles, equipment, etc.

Participates in administrative tasks including reports, fee collection, purchasing and other miscellaneous duties.

Serves as liaison between park and District Park Programs Development Specialist and Education and Training Specialist. Plans, organizes and conducts in-service training programs to meet the needs of the park’s employees.

Performs 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.

 Skill in:

Producing photographs, slides and multimedia presentations; the use of digital and other multimedia equipment.

Ability to: 

Research, plan and prepare educational, interpretive and promotional materials and programs; compile, organize and analyze data, and proposed projects; work rotating shifts including nights, weekends and holidays; effectively present programs and speak in public forums; work with reservation system; operate a variety of motorized boats 30’ or less; complete an approved boating safety course and obtain a Boating Safety Education Identification Card issued by the FWC within 6 months of employment; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; operate personal computer.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid Florida Class E driver’s license or an out-of-state class equivalent driver’s license.
• Successful completion of background/fingerprint check

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous park service experience preferred.

BACKGROUND SCREENING REQUIREMENT: 

This position is a Position of Trust. Any applicant being considered for employment must successfully complete a Level 2 State and National criminal history check as a condition of employment before beginning employment, and also be screened in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 435, F.S.  No applicant may begin employment until the background screening results are received, reviewed for any disqualifying offenses, and approved by the Agency.

DEP is committed to successfully recruiting and onboarding talented and skilled individuals into its workforce. We recognize the extensive training, experience, and transferrable 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_ER@dep.state.fl.us

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.