PARK RANGER - 37020353

Requisition No: 872267 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: PARK RANGER - 37020353

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37020353 

Salary:  $34,760.00 

Posting Closing Date: 03/31/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

ANTICIPATED VACANCY

PARK RANGER

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Fort Pierce, Florida

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

Fort Pierce Inlet is looking for a self-motivated park service professional to fill a Park Ranger position, providing visitor services, maintenance, protection, administration, and resource management.  The applicant must possess good visitor service and administrative skills, be able to work independently and have the ability to perform a variety of skilled trade functions using assorted equipment and tools.  The applicant must be able to work rotating shifts including evenings, weekends and holidays. 

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. 

VISITOR SERVICES - Explains facilities and services provided for public use, enjoyment and education; meets visitors, answers questions, provides information and directions.  Attempts to resolve visitor complaints while maintaining good public relations.  Provides natural and cultural history interpretive programs and services via tours, walks and campfire programs.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT - Implements ecological burning plan for fire type plant communities; recognizes plant communities, controls burning techniques and maintains fire lanes.  Implements vegetation and wildlife management plans, recognizes communities and maintains optimum species control via natural and chemical means.  Implements site restoration projects such as reforestation and erosion control.  Implements water resources management plan.

MAINTENANCE - Constructs, maintains and repairs small buildings, fences, trails, service roads, fire lanes, boardwalks, campsites, picnic sites, boat ramps, docks and all other necessary facilities.  Maintains cleanliness of grounds and facilities.

ADMINISTRATION - Prepares forms and reports on a wide range of subjects including fees, receipts, visitor use, visitor contacts, patrols, wildlife sightings and population counts, accidents, miscellaneous incidents, vehicle, boat and equipment operations, property records, purchase orders and requisitions, etc.  Answers telephone, operates radio equipment and maintains logs.

PROTECTION - Ensures park rules are enforced pertaining to all natural, historical and archaeological facilities and resources and use thereof for the enjoyment of the visitor.

Performs related work as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• basic math
• computers including Word and Excel software

KNOWLEDGE OF AND ABILITY TO:

• perform routine inspections
• identify and investigate problems, perform repairs or inform proper supervisor
• maintain facilities and equipment

SKILL IN:

• utilizing motor vehicles

ABILITY TO:

• follow verbal and written instructions
• communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• prepare reports
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• perform physical labor utilizing power/electrical/gas tools and equipment such as chainsaws, mowers, tractors, electric saws, drills, etc.
• deal with visitor inquiries in a tactful, professional and courteous manner
• understand and apply rules, directives, policies, laws and regulations
• work rotating shifts including nights, holidays and weekends
• perform a variety of trade functions to include electrical, plumbing and carpentry
• develop and conduct interpretive programs
• lift 50 lbs. and assist in lifting up to 100 lbs.
• collect fees, operate cash register, account for receipts, complete related forms
• perform a variety of resource management tasks, including exotic removal both chemical and mechanical, prescribed burning
• maintain a valid driver’s license
• successfully complete ranger academy
• successfully complete background and fingerprint check

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid driver’s license
• Successful completion of Ranger Academy

Pay:

$2,896.67 monthly/$34,760.00 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:

FORT PIERCE INLET STATE PARK

905 Shorewinds Drive

Fort Pierce, Florida 34949

The shores and coastal waters at this park provide an abundance of recreational opportunities.

The breathtakingly beautiful half-mile beach welcomes visitors for swimming, snorkeling, surfing and scuba diving. Beachcombing, picnicking or just relaxing on the sand are also popular activities.

Dynamite Point was once the training site for World War II Navy Frogmen but is now a haven for bird-watchers.

Along the south end of the park, Fort Pierce Inlet is a popular place for anglers to catch their dinners. Jack Island Preserve, located 1 mile north of the park, has trails for hiking, bicycling and nature study.

At the west end of the Marsh Rabbit Run Trail, visitors can climb an observation tower for a bird's-eye view of the Indian River and the island.

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.

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.