OPS PARK RANGER - 37979304 1

Requisition No: 848652 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS PARK RANGER - 37979304 1

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 37979304 

Salary:  $15 per hour 

Posting Closing Date: 03/23/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

OPS PARK RANGER

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

ANTICIPATED VACANCY

40 hours per week

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. 

The Work You Will Do:

OPS PARK RANGER (37979304)

Skyway Fishing Pier State Park is looking for a self-motivated park service professional to fill an OPS park ranger position, providing visitor services, administration, and resource management. The applicant must possess good visitor service, administrative skills and  be able to work independently.  The applicant must be able to work rotating shifts including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

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:

Report to:

Gamble Plantation Historic State Park

3708 Patten Avenue

Ellenton, Florida 34222

Work at:

Skyway Fishing Pier State Park

4905 34 Street S, #5000

St. Petersburg, FL 33711

Supervisor: Kevin Kiser, Park Manager

941-723-4536

When the new Sunshine Skyway Bridge was built over Tampa Bay, the north and south spans of the old bridge were turned into fishing piers.  The piers are open 24 hours a day, year-round.  Located west of the Skyway Bridge on I-275 (US19)

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s benefits package for eligible OPS employees includes:

• Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements*).  For more details consult with People First at 877-562-7287 or go to:  https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/health/eligibility_and_enrollment/ops_employees
• Participation in the Florida Deferred Compensation Plan (457b).  For additional details and online enrollment visit MyFloridaDeferredComp.com
• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan). (For more information, please click  Corebridge Financial
• Flexible Spending Accounts;

For a more benefits information, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.

*Seasonal and part-time OPS employees (less than 30 hours average per week) refer to the links above for detailed eligibility requirements.

Pay:

$15 per hour

Your Specific Responsibilities:

This is a rewarding and challenging opportunity to contribute to community engagement and  conservation actions at the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park. Specific duties for this position will involve communicating fishing pier best practices and seabird stewardship on and around the pier. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

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. 

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT –Recognizes biological communities and the natural processes required for their maintenance.  Observes, maintains and protects the natural, cultural, historic and archaeological resources of the park.  Collects and records resource management data.

ADMINISTRATION - Prepares forms and reports on a wide range of subjects.

PROTECTION – Ensures adherence to the Park Protection Plan.  Interprets  park rules pertaining to all natural 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:

Ability to work effectively and efficiently with members of the public in a professional, tactful and courteous manner.

Ability to work outdoors in hot and humid conditions.

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.

Ability to speak in public.

Ability to provide technical assistance and customer service to the public, including response to entanglement situations and help anglers rescue entangled seabirds according to rules and regulations.

Ability to maintain a valid drivers’ license.

Ability to successfully complete background and fingerprint check.

Ability to properly wear uniform.

Skill in pier angling experience.

Skill in accurately preparing reports.

Prior experience with community organizing or outreach and education is a plus.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A valid driver’s license. 

BACKGROUND SCREENING REQUIREMENT: This position is designated as a  Position of  Special Trust in accordance with DEP-422 (Positions of Special Trust or Responsibility.) 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_Recruitment@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.