PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST - 37000629

Requisition No: 845167 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST - 37000629

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37000629 

Salary:  $3,093.09/month 

Posting Closing Date: 03/09/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Park Services Specialist

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 Services Specialist (37000629)

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

This is a specialized professional position working in education interpretation; promotion and public outreach; visitor services and special events; volunteer management; and resource management objectives for Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

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:

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

100 Savannah Blvd.

Micanopy FL 32667

Far from the Far West, herds of wild horses and bison roam the prairie in this surprisingly diverse preserve south of Gainesville. Paynes Prairie is unique in many ways. Nowhere else in Florida can visitors experience wild-roaming bison and horses. Nearly 300 species of birds also frequent the park along with alligators, deer and many other animals. The park’s eight trails, including the 16-mile paved Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail, allow one to explore the park’s interior and observe wildlife, while a 50-foot high observation tower provides for panoramic views.

Contact: Joy Cotton

Joy.Cotton@FloridaDEP.gov

352-466-3397

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:

$3,093.09/month

Your Specific Responsibilities:

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.

This is a specialized professional position working in education interpretation; promotion and public outreach; visitor services and special events; volunteer management; and resource management objectives for Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

Researches the history of the park, both cultural and natural, and assists in developing plans for interpretation and preservation.  Plans, organizes and conducts community outreach activities, special events and festivals to expand public understanding of the Florida Park Service and the park’s management objectives and resource management initiatives.  Represents the parks and the Florida Park Service to outside agencies, organizations, and the media, and promotes all opportunities provided by the park.  Provides research, and designs and develops park specific literature for public dissemination, educational displays and exhibits.  Researches, develops, coordinates, promotes, and conducts environmental education programs, interpretive programs, and special events.  Designs and implements public outreach programs encourage corporate and/or private support of the park.  Researches and identifies available public and private partnership programs having potential benefit for park operations.

Coordinates the park’s volunteer and manpower augmentation program.  Acts as liaison between volunteers and park administration.  Monitors and defines suitable park volunteer needs and coordinates volunteer placement.  Develops and maintains volunteer job descriptions, procedural manuals, personnel records, and evaluations.  Plans and oversees all volunteer schedules.  Tracks volunteer hours, prepares appropriate reports, and coordinates awards programs.  Plans and conducts volunteer meetings, workshops and volunteer orientation sessions.  Insures that all required reports and documents are submitted in compliance with established schedules.  Assists park management in coordinating and overseeing Citizen Support Organizations for the park and assists with fundraising and grant seeking/writing/management.  Monitors, evaluates, and provides program analysis to the park management on Citizen Support Organization operations, activities and performance impact.

Participates in resource management projects such as exotic species removal, prescribed fire, plant community restoration.  Uses dump trucks, tractors and other equipment in the maintenance and preservation of the natural and cultural resources.  Provides archaeological monitoring during earth disturbance activities.  Gathers and maintains cultural resource files, artifact inventories, and coordinates and participates in appropriate preservation of cultural resources.  Provides protection of facilities and resources.

Performs other related duties as required. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

KNOWLEDGE OF: 

• the principles and techniques of effective verbal and written communication
• public relations techniques
• the principles, methods and techniques of successful interpretation and/or education
• environmental education theories and practices
• principles of exhibit design and development
• natural and cultural history

SKILL IN:

• working with and supervising volunteers
• computer operation and applications
• public speaking
• grant writing and administration

ABILITY TO: 

• effectively speak in public formats, use computer software applications, particularly Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint, Adobe products, and Acrobat Professional
• design, edit and produce a variety of program materials such as exhibits, brochures, presentations, and reports
• research topics, write articles,  and create public communication in various forms for education and promotion; including the media
• recruit, screen, train, and manage volunteers
• grant seek and fundraise
• plan, coordinate and oversee special events
• coordinate and conduct meetings
• work both independently and in a team setting
• utilize problem solving techniques and apply critical thinking skills
• understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures
• work events, weekend and holidays
• maintain a valid driver’s license
• successfully complete ranger academy
• successfully complete background and fingerprint check

Minimum Qualifications:

• maintain a valid driver’s license
• successfully complete ranger academy
• successfully complete background and fingerprint check

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.

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.