PARK RANGER - 37020690

Requisition No: 867156 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: PARK RANGER - 37020690

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37020690 

Salary:  $2,896.67/month $34,760.70/annually 

Posting Closing Date: 01/02/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

PARK RANGER (37020690)

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Mayo, 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 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 and 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 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, prescribed burning, and erosion control. Implements water resources management plans. Collects and records resource management data.

MAINTENANCE – Maintains park structures, facilities, equipment and grounds through routine, preventative, 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.

OTHER – Oversee and manage volunteer to meet park goal. Performs other related duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Florida’s natural and cultural resources

Basic arithmetic

Good public relations

Cash register operation and/or point of sale system

SKILLS 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 which includes but is not limited to mowing, weed eating, pressure washing, and painting

Utilizing power tools, including but not limited to, chain saws and drills

Basic plumbing, including but not limited to, repairing hose bibs, waterline repair

Basic electrical work, including but not limited to, replacing outlets and circuit breakers

Basic carpentry, including but not limited to, boardwalk and fence repairs

Operating & maintaining equipment such as tractors, riding mowers & small engines

Utilize a computer including, but not limited to software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite

ABILITY TO:

To work as a team member

Oversee volunteers

Participate in resource management tasks, including but not limited to, prescribed fire activities, 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

Speak in public

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

Conduct routine inspections, identify and investigate problems

Perform housekeeping duties, including but not limited to making beds, flipping mattresses, moving furniture

Clean park facilities, including but not limited to, cleaning restrooms and picking up trash

Work outdoors in inclement weather

Perform physical labor

Climb stairs daily

Lift 40 pounds and assist in transporting items or other supplies 100 pounds or more

properly wear uniform

Comply with male and female hair grooming standards and body art and piercing restrictions

Minimum Qualifications:

Valid Driver’s License

Completion of Ranger Academy

Work rotating shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays

Take and pass CPR and First Aid certification within 6 months of employment

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:

$2,896.67/month

$34,760.70/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:

Lafayette Blue Springs State Park

799 NW Blue Spring Road

Mayo, FL 32066

Take a dip in the first-magnitude spring, walk the natural limestone bridge that crosses the spring run, or picnic under the shade of the oak trees with their swaying Spanish moss. Fish or canoe on the Suwannee River or stay in one of the park’s rental vacation cabins, which stand on stilts high above the riverbank. Bicycling, hiking and wildlife viewing are favorite pastimes for visitors.

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.

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.