PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST - 37020207

Requisition No: 860250 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST - 37020207

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37020207 

Salary:  $3,176.43/monthly $38,117.16/annually 

Posting Closing Date: 09/30/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Park Ranger (37020207)

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Dunnellon, FL

ANTICIPATED VACANCY

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

Compliance with the processing requirement 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 a specialized professional position working in research, education, development and implementation of volunteer coordination, visitor services, interpretive and recreational programs and projects for Rainbow Springs State Park.

Coordinates the park's volunteer and manpower augmentation program. Acts as liaison between volunteers and park administration. Serves as team leader to accomplish work projects, and liaison between visitors and staff in the absence of park management on rotating weekends, holidays and special events. Monitors and defines suitable park volunteer needs and coordinates volunteer placement. Develops and maintains volunteer job descriptions, training, procedural manuals, personnel records, and evaluations. Plans and oversees all volunteer schedules. Tracks volunteer hours, prepares appropriate reports and coordinates awards programs. Plans and conducts volunteer meetings, workshops and volunteer orientation sessions. Ensures that all required reports and documents are submitted in compliance with established schedules. Assists Park management in coordinating and overseeing Citizen Support Organizations for the park. Monitors, evaluates, and provides program analysis to the park management on Citizen Support Organization operations, activities and performance impact.

Designs and implements public marketing relation programs to encourage corporate and/or private support of the park. Researches and identifies available public and private partnership programs having potential benefit for park operations. Plans, organizes and conducts community outreach activities, special events and festivals to expand public understanding of the Florida Park Service and the park's management objectives. Represents

the parks and the Florida Park Service to outside agencies and organizations, disseminating information and promoting all opportunities provided by the park. Provides research, designs and develops park specific literature for public dissemination, educational displays and exhibits. Researches, develops, coordinates and conducts environmental education programs, interpretive programs, recreational skills programs and special events. Provides research, develops and coordinates a park information program. Identifies broadcast and print media interests, cultivates positive media relations and promotes media coverage of the park. This includes the preparation of newspaper articles, media advisories, photos and other materials to optimize public awareness of the park.

Researches the history of the park, both cultural and natural, and assists in developing plans for restoration, preservation and interpretation. Assists in supporting the implementation of the prescribed fire program for natural resource maintenance and preservation. Provides archaeological monitoring during earth disturbance activities. Gathers and maintains cultural resource files, artifact inventories, and coordinates and participates in appropriate preservation of cultural resources. Uses dump trucks, tractors and other equipment in the maintenance and preservation of the natural and cultural resources. Provides protection of facilities and resources.

Collects fees, operates cash register and ensures park rules are enforced pertaining to all natural, historical and archeological facilities and resources and use thereof for the enjoyment of the visitor, and protection of the resources. Ensures all aspects of security and safety are maintained.

Performs related duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Principles and techniques of effective verbal and written communications

Administrative principles and practices

Methods of data collection and analysis

Cultural resource preservation and restoration techniques

The principles, methods and techniques of training

Good public relations techniques

SKILL IN:

Working with volunteers

Computer operation and applications

ABILITY TO:

Plan, coordinate and oversee special events

Evaluate and analyze data

Prepare reports on a variety of programs

Understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures

Plan and oversee schedules

Develop and organize data into logical format for presentation in reports, proposals and other written documents

Utilize problem solving techniques

Work independently

Coordinate and conduct meetings, information and orientation programs

Recruit and screen volunteers

Research topics and write articles and prepare environmental education and other information for dissemination

Monitor, evaluate, and access programs for effectiveness

Prepare and maintain records

Effectively speak in public formats

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others

Work rotating shifts including evenings, weekends and holidays

Maintain a valid driver's license

Successfully complete background and fingerprint check

Minimum Qualifications:

Valid Driver’s License

Work rotating shifts including evenings, weekends and holidays

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:

$3,176.43/monthly

$38,117.16/annually

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:

Rainbow Springs State Park

19158 SW 81st Place

Dunnellon, FL 34432

This history of Rainbow Springs dates back centuries to a time when native peoples regularly visited the lush spring. Rainbow Springs State Park is a portal to a world of captivating history and breathtaking natural beauty. Here, where the crystal-clear waters of the Rainbow River erupt from the earth, lies one of Florida's most magnificent first-magnitude springs. 

When swimmers take their first dip in the sapphire-blue waters of Rainbow Springs, they become characters in a story that stretches back over 10,000 years, to when humans first visited this place. Ornamental gardens constructed waterfalls and sloping hills are visible reminders of the springs’ more recent past, when the land was home to a mining operation and a privately owned tourist attraction.

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.

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.