OPS PARK RANGER - 37970779

Requisition No: 877389 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS PARK RANGER - 37970779

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 37970779 

Salary:  $17.00 

Posting Closing Date: 06/22/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

#37970779 OPS PARK RANGER (NON-RESIDENT)

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

Curry Hammock and Long Key State Parks are looking for a self-motivated park service professional to fill an OPS Park Ranger position.  The applicant must possess good landscaping skills, exceptional visitor service, and a strong work ethic.  The applicant will work with other members of the team, or independently.

No more than 29 hours per week.  Schedule adjusts based on park closing hours and does include weekends.  Must work holiday if on scheduled day.

This is a seasonal position and does not include benefits or insurance.

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 Curry Hammock and Long Key State Parks.

VISITOR SERVICES

Explains facilities and services provided for public use, enjoyment and education; meets visitors, answers questions, provides information and directions in an accurate and professional manner.  Attempts to resolve visitor complaints while maintaining good public relations.  Provides natural and cultural history interpretive programs and services via presentations, walks and other programs and unit specific services as directed.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Recognizes biological communities and the natural processes required for their maintenance.  Observes, maintains and protects the natural, cultural, historic and archaeological resources of the park.  Implements vegetation and wildlife management plans, maintains optimum species control via natural and chemical means.  Implements site restoration projects such as reforestation and erosion control.  Implements water resources management plans.  Collects and records resource management data.

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.

ADMINISTRATION

Prepares forms and reports on a wide range of subjects including visitation, vehicle usage, purchase requests and accidents.  Answers telephone, operates park radio, computer and various office equipment.  Conducts purchasing and fiscal activities in compliance with established procedures.  Collects fees, performs cash register transactions and reconciles receipts.  Orders, sells and inventories resale merchandise.  Answers correspondence and maintains park files.

PROTECTION

Performs routine patrols and security checks; ensures adherence to the Park Protection Plan.  Opens and/or secures park facilities as appropriate.  Interprets and enforces park rules pertaining to all natural and cultural resources and facilities and use thereof for the safety and enjoyment of the visitor.  Responsible for security of cash fund.

Performs related work as required

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Florida’s natural and cultural resources
• basic arithmetic
• good public relations

SKILL IN:

• communicating effectively verbally and in writing
• operating a cash register and reconciling receipts
• accurately preparing reports
• interacting with all internal and external customers and the general public in a professional, tactful and courteous manner
• performing grounds and building maintenance, including but not limited to, mowing, weed eating, pressure washing, and painting
• utilizing power tools, including but not limited to, chainsaws and drills
• basic plumbing, including but not limited to, repairing hose bibs and water line repair
• basic electrical work, including but not limited to, replacing outlets and circuit breakers
• basic carpentry, including but not limited to, picnic table repairs, bench repairs etc.
• basic computer experience including but not limited to software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite

ABILITY TO:

• participate in resource management tasks, including but not limited to, non-native plant removal which may include application of herbicide
• follow verbal and written instructions/directions
• work independently with minimal supervision
• establish and maintain effective working relationships
• conduct routine inspections, identify and investigate problems
• clean park facilities, including but not limited to, cleaning restrooms and picking up trash
• work outdoors in inclement weather
• perform physical labor
• participate in prescribed burns upon completion of work capacity analysis
• lift 40 pounds and assist in transporting items or other supplies weighing 100 pounds or more
• work rotating shifts including nights, weekends and holidays

• properly wear uniform

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:

$17.00 per hour

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:

Curry Hammock State Park

56200 Overseas Highway

Marathon, Florida 33050

and

Long Key State Park

67400 Overseas Highway

Long Key, Florida 33001

SUPERVISOR

Mike Hurst, Assistant Manager, 305-731-6367

Curry Hammock State Park is the largest undeveloped parcel of land between Key Largo and Big Pine Key. Striking in its seclusion along a stretch of the Keys known for development, this untarnished sanctuary will entice even the most seasoned travelers.

Curry Hammock and Long Key provides vital habitat for many local and migrating species and hosts record numbers of peregrine falcons every fall.

On calm days, paddlers come and go finding their own quiet slice of paradise, and on windy, wild days, Curry Hammock park bubbles with the activity and excitement of kiteboarders.  

Both parks protect large areas of mangrove swamp, rockland hammocks and seagrass beds essential to the Florida Keys ecosystem. 

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.

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.