OPS STAFF ASSISTANT - 37970820

Requisition No: 867424 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS STAFF ASSISTANT - 37970820

 Pay Plan: Seasonal

Position Number: 37970820 

Salary:  $15/hr 

Posting Closing Date: 01/12/2026 

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OPS Staff Assistant (37970820)

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Jacksonville, FL

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

This is an excellent opportunity for a self-motivated, hard-working team player with strong resource management, visitor services, protection and maintenance experience seeking a challenging and rewarding position as a non-resident OPS Staff Assistant at one of Florida's most dynamic state parks. The selected employee will be immersed in the operation of the Talbot Islands State Parks, including:  Little Talbot Island State Park, Big Talbot Island State Park, Amelia Island State Park, George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park, Ft. George Island Cultural State Park, Yellow Bluff Fort State Park and Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park.

This position will focus primarily the resource management and data collection for sea turtle patrol and shorebird monitoring, including volunteer management and recruitment through community outreach and building and directing a strong team of local volunteers to assist with these programs.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

KNOWLEDGE IN:

Florida’s natural and cultural resources

Basic arithmetic

Good public relations

Methods of data collection

Work independently

SKILL IN:

Developing and distributing all forms of outreach materials including brochures, flyers and guides using social media and direct contact

Communicate effectively verbally and in writing; prepare reports

Notify the public of rules and regulations

Prepare and keep accurate reports

Operating & maintaining equipment such as UTV, 4x4 vehicles, canoes and kayaks

ABILITY TO:

Understand and apply rules, directives, policies, laws, and regulations

Stand for long periods of time

Work rotating shifts including nights, holidays and weekends

Work outdoors in inclement weather

Follow verbal and written instructions

Performs other duties as required

Minimum Qualifications:

Valid Driver’s License 

Preferred Qualifications:

At least 2 years of verifiable related experience in one of the physical or natural sciences.

Pay:

$15.00 per hour

40 hours a week

Seasonal, February 1 – September 30, 2026

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:

Little Talbot Island State Parks

12157 Heckscher Dr

Jacksonville, FL 32226

The Talbot Islands contain 6 barrier islands with miles of shoreline and the most pristine beaches in Northeast Florida; cultural resources with 5,000 to 7,000 years of continuous habitation representing all major periods of Florida history; an upland ecology with approximately 4,300 acres of fire dependent communities; listed species including colonial shorebirds, heron rookeries, sea turtles, and numerous listed plant species. These wonderfully rich recreational areas provide opportunities in hiking and biking, overnight camping, fishing, bird watching, and many other activities that attract over 500,000 visitors a year.

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*).  
• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan, for more information, please visit Corebridge Financial).
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• And more!

For a complete list of benefits, 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.

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.