PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST - 37001878

Requisition No: 855139 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST - 37001878

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37001878 

Salary:  $33,760.00 

Posting Closing Date: 06/27/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in North Miami, Florida

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST #37001878 (resident)

OLETA RIVER STATE PARK

3400 Northeast 163 Street

North Miami, Florida 33160

SUPERVISOR

Charles Smith, Park Manager, 786-756-2327

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.

This is a specialist position working in research, education, development and implementation of resource management, visitor services, interpretation, and recreational programs and projects for Oleta River State Park.  This position works as volunteer coordinator, promotional representative, special events coordinator, resource management coordinator, and Citizen Support Organization (CSO) representative and other related duties to include administrative functions as required.

MAINTENANCE – Performs and assists in the oversight of repairs, maintenance and construction of park buildings; to include carpentry, brick, cement, block, plumbing, wiring, roofing, trim, framing, foundations, exterior and interior finish, painting, floors, doors and windows.  Performs and assists in the oversight of maintenance and repairs to electric and gas motors, generators, and compressors.  Installs and assists in the oversight of maintenance and repairs to valves, sinks, wash bowls, sewers and other sanitary fixtures.  Performs and assists in the oversight of maintenance and repairs to all vehicles and equipment, including cars, trucks, tractors, mowers, sprayers, edger and all power tools.  Performs and assists in the oversight of repairs to air conditioning and heating equipment.  Operates all park maintenance equipment, including vehicles, tractors, saws, drills, presses, torches, welders, grinder and all tools. 

ADMINISTRATION – Represents the park and the Florida Park Service to outside agencies and organizations.  Disseminates information and conducts presentations.  Promotes all opportunities to expand the public’s understanding of the park’s management objectives.  Develops, administers and assists with a comprehensive volunteer program, including Campground Hosts, other resident volunteers and local volunteers.  Conducts all necessary correspondence to recruit, interview, train and place volunteers.  Maintains appropriate records, files and databases to track volunteers.  Schedules and coordinates the timing and placing of special events hosted by the Park.  Attends CSO meetings and acts as representative from the Park.  Collects, maintains and transmits various monthly and quarterly reports such as manpower augmentation report, campus energy, etc.  Prepare vehicle reports, maintenance logs and maintenance schedules.  Secure materials and supplies for repair, maintenance and upkeep of park facilities, equipment and vehicles.  Conducts and maintains inventories of materials and supplies needed.  Oversees Park Safety Inspections and addresses deficiencies noted.  Administers and updates the park’s Park Protection Plan.  Performs a wide variety of other administrative tasks, as needed.  Assists with ranger station and field coverage as needed.

VISITOR SERVICES – Develops and provides interpretive programs, guided walks, works special events and covers ranger station and field as needed.  Works with volunteers and CSO as needed.  Maintains visitor information kiosks and other printed material to include newsletter, and other printed matter.  Researches and writes promotional and informational articles for media.  Acts as the Park’s information officer during media events.  Writes for in-house publications.  Generates public service announcements and press releases as needed.  Conducts public contact work and promotional/news coverage for publicly sensitive operations.  Maintains a supply of brochures, handouts and other materials at ranger station, local nature centers, local Chambers of Commerce, hotels and motels, visitor centers, etc.  Writes and presents speeches, talks and programs to fraternal groups, civic clubs, business groups, etc.  Develops, sets up and attends Park displays at fairs, environmental expos, etc.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT - Participates in planning and conducting natural resource management activities by implementing resource management techniques required to manage and restore natural communities. Participates in the Parks exotic plant control program; report results as required.

PROTECTION – Researches, prepares and provides supervisor with timely corrective action plans.  Maintains effective park protection through organization and supervision of the park’s maintenance resources and equipment and supply inventories. Patrols work area and examines tools and equipment to detect unsafe conditions or violations of safety rules.  Maintains safety records and trains others in safe use of equipment and chemical use.  Provides annual chemical Safety Data Sheet training for all staff.  Maintains and conducts routine inspections of park equipment and facilities.  Implements emergency repairs as needed.

Performs related work duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• the principles and techniques of the skilled building trades
• the principles and techniques of mechanical park repair work
• safety procedures required in maintenance and repair work
• ecosystem and resource management functions and techniques
• cultural resource protection and restoration
• the principles of teaching and training

SKILL IN:

• making sound decisions, providing guidance/assistance on operational situations to visitors, staff and volunteers in the absence of a supervisor
• using the appropriate tools and equipment to construct new and maintain existing facilities
• working with staff and volunteers
• effectively speak in public formats
• research topics and write articles and prepare environmental education and other information for dissemination
• operating computer and common office equipment
• utilization of computer equipment and appropriate software
• producing Power Point programs
• cataloging photos and other data
• creative writing
• possessing excellent verbal communication skills
• producing articles, educational, promotional and interpretive materials

ABILITY TO:

• work in a fast-paced environment where multiple priorities are constantly changing
• plan, organize and coordinate work
• prepare and conduct educational programs
• research and write grants
• possess grant management skills
• prepare and keep records and reports
• establish and maintain effective working relationships
• coordinate work projects

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid driver license
• Successfully complete background and fingerprint check
• Successfully complete ranger academy

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:

Base salary $3,093.09 plus $95.33 Competitive Area Differential month/$37,117.08 annual

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:

OLETA RIVER STATE PARK

3400 Northeast 163 Street

North Miami, Florida 33160

Thirty minutes from downtown Miami, this gorgeous park is bisected by its namesake waterway that winds through a natural oasis.

Whether enjoying the 15 miles of off-road bicycling trails or paddling along lush mangrove forests, visitors find it difficult to believe that Oleta River State Park exists 30 minutes from downtown Miami. 

At just over a thousand acres, this natural oasis — Florida’s largest urban park — is a haven for mountain bikers, paddlers, anglers and swimmers. Enjoy a picnic along scenic Biscayne Bay or unwind at the end of a fishing pole.

There are rustic, air-conditioned cabins, too, along with a youth campground for organized groups. The park is also a welcomed stop for long-distance paddlers on the 1,515-mile Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling 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

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.