OPS PARK RANGER - 37990082

Requisition No: 859945 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS PARK RANGER - 37990082

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 37990082 

Salary:  19.00 

Posting Closing Date: 09/18/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

OPS PARK RANGER

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Key Largo, Florida

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

John Pennekamp Coral State Park is looking for a self-motivated park service professional to fill an OPS 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. 

Duties 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.

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.  Collects fees and balances a cash drawer for admission to facilities and tours.  Provides natural and cultural history interpretive programs and services via guided tours, campfire programs and recreational skills programs.  Operates a variety of office equipment including POS cash register, adding machine, credit card machine, computer, copier etc.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT - Recognizes plant communities.  Implements site restoration projects such as reforestation and erosion control.  Implements water resources management plan.  Implements vegetation and wildlife management plans, recognizes communities and maintains optimum species control via physical, natural and chemical means. Operates boats up to 30’ with outboard engines. 

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, weed-eaters, blowers, ATVs, motor vehicles up to 2-ton class hauling debris, fill, etc., including attending appropriate training to securing valid certificates.  Maintains the physical ability to assist in transporting lumber, supplies, etc., equivalent to 50 pounds singly and 100 pounds jointly.  Maintains the underwater areas of the park.

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 basic arithmetic
• perform general maintenance and mechanical techniques and repairs

SKILL IN:

• utilizing motor vehicles and operating lawn equipment

ABILITY TO:

• successfully complete background and fingerprint check
• follow verbal and written instructions
• communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• accurately prepare reports
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• perform physical labor utilizing power/electrical/gas tools and equipment in maintenance and repair work
• 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 guided tours, campfire programs, and recreational skills programs
• handle money and balance cash receipts
• operate cash registers and office machines
• operate computers
• work with the public and school groups in a courteous manner
• work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple priorities
• operate a two-way radio
• participate in all aspects of resource management, including physical and chemical exotic plant removal
• lift approximately 50 pounds and assist in transporting lumber and other supplies weighing 100 pounds or more
• safely operate boats of up to 30’ in length with outboard motor, in all types of conditions on a daily basis

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid driver’s license

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:

$19.00 hourly

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:

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Mile Marker 102.5 Overseas Highway

Key Largo, Florida 33037

#37990082 OPS PARK RANGER (non-resident)

Key Largo’s John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is one of a kind, offering an amazing glimpse into the underwater world.

Renowned for being the country’s first undersea park, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park encompasses an impressive 70 nautical square miles. While many visitors view the park’s colorful coral reefs and teeming marine life on a glass-bottom boat tour, one can get an even closer look by scuba diving or snorkeling.

Canoeing and kayaking through the park's waters are popular activities; fishing is permitted in designated areas.

Visitors can also enjoy walking on short trails through tropical hammocks, picnicking or swimming at the beach. The visitor center features several large saltwater aquariums filled with sea creatures, and nature videos are shown in its theater. Full-facility and youth/group campsites are available.

Dive in to explore Florida’s Coral Reef at the park.

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*).  For more details consult with People First at 877-562-7287 or go to:  https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/health/eligibility_and_enrollment/ops_employees
• Participation in the Florida Deferred Compensation Plan (457b).  For additional details and online enrollment visit MyFloridaDeferredComp.com
• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan). (For more information, please click  Corebridge Financial);

• Flexible Spending Accounts;

For more benefits information, 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.