PARK RANGER - 37002144

Requisition No: 837290 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: PARK RANGER - 37002144

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37002144 

Salary:  $33,760.00 

Posting Closing Date: 11/14/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

PARK RANGER

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

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:

PARK RANGER 37002144 (non-resident)

SUPERVISOR

David Dearth, Park Manager, 772-340-7530

Savannas Preserve State Park 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. 

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:

SAVANNAS PRESERVE STATE PARK

9551 Gumbo Limbo Lane

Jensen Beach, Florida 34957

Located on Florida's southeast coast, the park's scenic landscapes represent what the first pioneers would have seen in the area. 

Savannas Preserve State Park protects a representative sample of a basin marsh that extended throughout South Florida prior to rapid suburban growth.

Pavilions and picnic tables are available near the center and at trail heads throughout the park. Canoeing, kayaking and fishing in the wetlands are popular recreational activities.

Wildlife enthusiasts and photographers will enjoy the diversity of habitats this undisturbed area has to offer. The park boasts over 17 miles of multi-use trails that provide ample opportunities for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding.

Regularly scheduled guided walks and canoe trips are available by reservation.

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);
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Tuition waivers;
• And more!

For a more complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.

Pay:

$2,813.33 monthly/$33,760.00 annually

Your Specific 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.  In carrying out the duties of this position, the incumbent is expected at all times to be aware of an abide by the Department’s Standards of Conduct, as well as any and all departmental and/or work unit rules, directives, policies, procedures, and/or general orders applicable to performing the duties of this position.

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.  Develop health and safety education and training programs; safety supply inventory control; review and update workplace safety guidelines and provide guidance; submittal of the quarterly safety inspection report(s).

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Implements ecological burning plan for fire type plant communities; recognizes plant communities 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.

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.  Operates a variety of equipment including chainsaws, lawn mowers, ATVs, UTVs, motor vehicles up to 2-ton class hauling debris, fill, etc.  Park signage compliance, maintain and update park signage via order placement, construction, etc.

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, crisis and 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 AND ABILITY TO:

• perform routine inspections
• identify and investigate problems and maintain facilities and equipment
• perform prescribed burns

SKILL IN:

• utilizing motor vehicles

ABILITY TO:

• successfully complete ranger academy
• successfully complete background and fingerprint check
• 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
• deal with visitor inquiries in a tactful, efficient and courteous manner
• understand and apply rules, directives, policies, laws and regulations
• work rotating shifts including nights, holidays and weekends
• develop and conduct interpretive programs
• maintain a valid driver license
• handle money and balance cash receipts
• perform exotic removal both physical and chemical

Other Job Related Requirements for this position: 

• Valid driver license
• Successful completion of ranger academy

POSITION OF SPECIAL TRUST 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_VeteransPreference@dep.state.fl.us

HR_Recruitment@FloridaDEP.gov

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.