Requisition No: 859656
Agency: Environmental Protection
Working Title: PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST - 37020357
Pay Plan: Career Service
Position Number: 37020357
Salary: $3,176.43/month $38,117.16/annually
Posting Closing Date: 09/05/2025
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Park Services Specialist (37020357)
State of Florida
Department of Environmental Protection
This position is located in Homosassa, FL
Position Overview and Responsibilities:
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 is moderately independent work providing visitor services, resource management, maintenance, administration, and protection of Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. This position is assigned to the wildlife care operation of the Park.
Performs routine maintenance, water quality standards and cleaning of the Manatee pools to meet Park and USDA Standards. Performs wildlife husbandry, preventative maintenance and basic repairs to wildlife exhibits and related equipment. Dives as required.
Oversee park rangers and volunteers who work within the Wildlife department on proper procedures and policies working with and around wildlife. Conduct interpretive programs and evaluates and instructs employees and volunteers on interpretive program development and presentation.
Perform visitor services by providing information to visitors, address visitor complaints about the Park operations, maintain good relations with park visitors, answer inquiries and answer phones.
Uses a computer to perform fiscal and administrative duties. Compiles and records information and statistics regarding the captive animal collection including animal inventory
databases.
Take appropriate action to ensure visitor safety and adherence to Park rules and ensure adherence to the Park Protection Plan.
Participates in exotic invasive plant removal and animal control as required.
Performs other related duties as required.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Park service management and operations
SKILL IN:
Communicating effectively verbally and in writing
Accurately preparing reports
Interacting with all internal and external customers and the general public in a professional, tactful and courteous manner
Utilize a computer including, but not limited to software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite
ABILITY TO:
Plan, develop, coordinate and conduct interpretive programs; work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple priorities
Plan, organize and coordinate work assignments and develop schedules
Research topics, analyze data, prepare reports and records
Work with the public in a courteous manner
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
Provide visitor assistance services
Ensure visitor safety and adherence to Park rules
Ensure adherence to the Park Protection Plan
Perform routine maintenance, water quality standards and reports
Perform wildlife husbandry
Perform preventative maintenance and basic repairs to wildlife exhibits and related equipment
Work rotating shifts including evenings, weekends and holidays
Successfully complete background and fingerprint check
Successfully complete ranger academy
Lift 50lbs consecutively
Minimum Qualifications:
Valid Driver’s License
Work rotating shifts including evenings, weekends and holidays
Successfully complete Ranger Academy
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/month
$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:
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
4150 S Suncoast Blvd.
Homosassa, FL 34446
Discover the wild side of Florida with endangered Florida panther, red wolf, manatee and whooping crane, plus black bear, bobcat and, of course, alligators.
When Homosassa Springs was a popular train stop in the early 1900s, passengers could picnic and take a dip in the spring while train cars were being loaded up with cedar, crabs, fish and spring water. On a 1924 visit, Bruce Hoover of Chicago called it “the most beautiful river and springs in the world.” In this regard, Homosassa Springs hasn’t changed much.
The park also features a variety of captive animals such as alligators, black bears, red wolf, Key deer, flamingos and whooping cranes. The native wildlife that reside in the park serve as ambassadors for their species, providing visitors face-to-face connections with the animals and their habitats. Each with a unique life story, all of the animal inhabitants are here for the same reason - they are unable to survive in the wild on their own.
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!
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:
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.
