PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST - 37002439

Requisition No: 858593 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST - 37002439

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37002439 

Salary:  $38,117.16 

Posting Closing Date: 08/25/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Hobe Sound, Florida

ANTICIPATED VACANCY

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

Jonathan Dickinson State Park is looking for a self-motivated park service professional to fill a Park Services Specialist 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.

This position covers duties at Jonathan Dickinson State Park and Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park.

This is a specialized position working as the park’s volunteer coordinator, assisting with visitor services and administrative and field support for Jonathan Dickinson State Park and Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park.  

ADMINISTRATION - Develops and administers a comprehensive volunteer program, including resident volunteers, CSO, and local volunteers.  Conducts all necessary correspondence and oversight to recruit, interview, train, place, and retain volunteers.  Maintains appropriate records, files and databases (VSYS) to track volunteers and volunteer recognition; assists with implementation of CSO annual program plan and events.  Covers park Ranger Station and operates PBS system as needed. Performs a wide variety of other administrative tasks, as needed.  Oversees field operations as needed.

VISITOR SERVICES - Explains the facilities and services provided for public use, enjoyment and education; meets visitors, answers questions, provides information and directions in an accurate and professional manner.  Provides quality customer service and assists with the development and implementation of programs and special events as needed. Covers the Kimbell Education Center on a rotating basis as needed. 

MAINTENANCE - Maintains park structures, facilities, equipment and grounds through routine, preventive, and corrective maintenance practices.  Conducts routine inspections to ensure proper maintenance standards are met.  Maintains cleanliness of grounds and facilities.  Maintains inventory logs and reports.  Coordinates special projects as needed.  Coordinates, helps maintain, and tracks equipment and supplies utilized by volunteers.  Trains volunteers in the use of equipment and supplies.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT - Participates in prescribed burns.  Performs exotic species removal work.  Assists with natural and cultural restoration and monitoring efforts as needed.  Lead special resource management projects as needed such as volunteer work days. 

Performs related work as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• natural and cultural resource protection and restoration
• principles of effective volunteer programs

SKILL IN:

• utilization of computer equipment and appropriate software
• use of common office equipment
• written and verbal communication
• public speaking

ABILITY TO:

• plan, organize and prioritize work assignments
• prepare and conduct training and education programs
• operate and maintain gas powered equipment and perform physical labor
• research and write grants
• prepare and maintain records, logs, and reports
• establish and maintain effective working relationships
• coordinate work projects
• work rotating shifts including, but not limited to, heat, humidity, cold, wind, rain, sun, and exposure to insects
• develop educational programs
• coordinate volunteers
• coordinate projects or special events

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid driver license
• Successful completion of Ranger Academy

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:

JONATHAN DICKINSON STATE PARK

16450 Southeast Federal Highway

Hobe Sound, Florida 33455

Sixteen distinct natural communities create the mosaic that is Jonathan Dickinson, the largest state park in Southeast Florida.

Rare environments such as coastal sand hills, upland lakes, and scrub forests as well as the pristine Loxahatchee River make this park a unique spot to explore on land or by water.

Historical interests include a secret World War II training camp, the story of the shipwrecked Quaker merchant who is the park’s namesake, and Trapper Nelson, the legendary Wild Man of the Loxahatchee.

Ranger-guided tours of Trapper Nelson’s 1930s pioneer homestead are available year-round. Visitors can enjoy paved and off-road biking, equestrian and hiking trails. Boating, canoeing and kayaking along the river are also great ways to enjoy the park. 

Anglers can fish along the riverbank or from a boat.

The nature and history of the park come to life through exhibits and displays in the Elsa Kimbell Environmental Education and Research Center. Programs for kids or the whole family are also offered here.

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.