PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST - 37020400

Requisition No: 858332 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST - 37020400

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37020400 

Salary:  $3,176.43 monthly 

Posting Closing Date: 08/25/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Park Services Specialist

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

Open Competitive

This position is located in Milton, FL

Closing Date:08/25/2025

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

Blackwater Heritage State Trail is looking for a self-motivated park service professional to fill a Park Services Specialist 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. 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 

This position is responsible for establishing and maintaining good public relations and for carrying out public information programs, developing and coordinating private and governmental manpower and financial support systems, visitor service and volunteer programs, assisting management with oversight of contractual service programs, assists in trail maintenance and resource management programs. Develops and presents guided walks, campfire, recreational skills and other visitor service programs to trail visitors, educational groups, and other citizen groups. Design, research and develop trail specific literature for public dissemination. Explains facilities and services provided for public use and attempts to resolve visitor complaints while maintaining good public relations. Plans, coordinates and participates in all aspects of the trail's special events. Plan and conduct community outreach activities. Develop and administer comprehensive volunteer program, including campground hosts, local volunteers, and Citizen Support Organization Members. Conducts all necessary activities and correspondence to maintain volunteer program such as recruitment, interviewing, placement, training, and recognition of volunteers. Maintains volunteer records, files, databases, and manpower augmentation reports in order to properly track volunteer program and needs. Attends CSO meetings and serves as a representative for the trail.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 

Provides research, development and library of funding sources for the trail via corporate/foundation and public support entities. Designs and implements public marketing relations program to encourage corporate/foundation and private support of the trail. Prepares grant applications for trail projects and possible funding sources. Gathers and maintains cultural resource files, artifact inventories, and coordinates and participates in appropriate preservation of natural and cultural resources. Implements ecological burning for fire type communities; recognizes communities and maintains optimum species control via natural and chemical means.

MAINTENANCE

Maintains assigned area of trail and leads work details, oversees all aspects of job development until completion. Ensures that all work performed by outside and staff workers meets operational, safety and environmental standards set by the Park Manager.  Maintains the cleanliness of grounds and facilities.

ADMINISTRATION

Serves as liaison with vendors providing contractual services to the trail and assists management with oversight of contracts within the trail. Serves as liaison between the trail and the District Parks Program Development Specialist and Education and Training specialist. Plans, organizes, and conducts in-service training to meet the needs of trail staff. Prepares a wide variety of reports, forms and logs related to all aspects of trail operations. Operates cash registers and reconcile receipts. Operates two-way radio equipment, computers, and other office equipment.

PROTECTION

Ensures trail rules are enforced pertaining to all natural, historical and archaeological facilities and resources and use thereof for the enjoyment of the visitor. Ensures all aspects of trail security and safety are maintained at all times.                                                                            

OTHER – Performs other related duties as required

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

KNOWLEDGE OF: 

Florida ecosystems and resource management techniques required to manage/restore natural communities; cultural resource preservation and restoration techniques; technical report writing; keeping a variety of databases up to date; effective verbal and written communication principles and techniques; basic arithmetic; volunteer and CSO policies and procedures.

SKILL IN:

Use office equipment, personal computers, and software including Microsoft Office, Word, Excel and Outlook E-mail; perform public speaking and program presentation; interact with all internal and external customers and the general public in a professional, tactful and courteous manner.  Operating a cash register and reconciling receipts, accurately preparing reports.  Performing grounds and building maintenance including but not limited to mowing, weed eating, pressure washing and painting. 

ABILITY TO:

Research, plan and prepare educational, interpretive and promotional materials and programs; work independently and conduct routine inspections, identify and investigate problems; plan, organize and coordinate work assignments; establish and maintain effective working relationship with others; coordinate special events; perform a variety of skilled trade functions; learn two-way radio communications equipment; clean trail facilities, including but not limited to, cleaning restrooms and picking up trash; properly wear uniform.  Work rotating shifts including nights, weekends and holidays.  Work independently with minimal supervision.  Work outdoors in inclement weather. 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Valid Driver’s License
• Must successfully complete ranger academy
• Successfully complete a background and fingerprint check.

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:

$3,176.43 monthly/$38,117.16 Annual

Our Organization and Mission:

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the state’s leading 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:

Blackwater Heritage State Trail

5533 Alabama Street
Milton FL 32570

This westernmost state rail-trail winds through the historic town of Milton.  The 8.1-mile paved trail offers an enjoyable trip through a quaint North Florida town and out into the countryside where wooden bridges cross several creeks and native wildflowers dot the landscape

Biking, running, walking and skating, along with picnicking and bird watching are popular activities along the trail.

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).
• Tuition waivers.
• Total Compensation Estimator Tool
• And more!

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

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. 

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.