PARK PROGRAMS DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST - 37002250

Requisition No: 863403 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: PARK PROGRAMS DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST - 37002250

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37002250 

Salary:  $3,740.67/monthly 

Posting Closing Date: 10/28/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

PARK PROGRAMS DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

Anticipated Vacancy

Open Competitive

This position is in Panama City Beach, FL

Closing Date: 10/28/2025

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 of the state shall constitute good cause for discharge of employees duly found responsible, or predominantly responsible, for failure to comply.

This position is responsible for identifying, developing, and coordinating private and governmental manpower and financial support systems for Florida State Parks. Monitors, evaluates, and consults with district and park management staff on operational and funding needs of parks in District 1.

Citizen Support Organization (CSO) Program - Monitors, evaluates and provides program assistance to District 1 Management, Office of Operations and District 1 Park Managers related to all Citizen Support Organizations (CSO) within District 1. Provides support, program updates and consultation to park managers and designated park staff to assist with CSO management and reporting requirements. Reviews and assists in the development of procedures and guidelines relative to CSOs. Maintains files including roster of CSO Board contacts, incorporating documents, by-laws. Annual Financial Reports and other pertinent CSO documents. Participates in and provides training for CSOs and park staff.

Volunteer Management Program - Monitors, evaluates and provides program assistance to District 1 Management, Office of Operations and District 1 Park Managers related to park volunteer programs within District 1. Provides support, program updates and consultation to park managers and volunteer coordinators to assist them managing their respective volunteer programs. Provides support and training as needed to park staff in the use of the statewide volunteer database. Prepares and maintains accurate records for the District 1 Office volunteer program. Tracks volunteer applications, agreements, job descriptions and evaluations for D1 Office volunteers. Reviews and assists in the development of procedures and guidelines relative to the statewide volunteer program. Assists in promoting volunteerism and recruiting volunteers for state parks. Participates in and provides training for park staff.

Grants Program - Assist park staff with grant applications and proposals to be submitted to public and private granting agencies as needed. Monitors and assists in coordinating grant project activities and reporting as needed. Ensures grant reports are submitted timely to meet Division and granting agency reporting requirements. Serves as liaison with grant sources.

Training and Awards Program - Coordinates District 1 training programs and conducts training as requested. Monitors and evaluates training programs and finds innovative ways to meet training needs. Works with staff to facilitate training in a variety of program areas. Administers all aspects of district recognition and awards program including but not limited to nominations, plaques, communications, procedures and announcements.

Interpretation/Marketing Program - Provides interpretive and marketing program support and consultation to park staff. Reviews park brochures. park articles, media releases, websites, exhibits and programming materials for quality and accuracy. Works with park interpretive and marketing committees as needed to help parks provide quality programs. Distributes interpretive and marketing program updates to park staff. Provides support and assistance to park staff as needed for special event management to include permitting and insurance requirements.

Uses state vehicle in performance of duties.

Performs other related work as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of: 

• Administrative principles and practices
• Principles and techniques of effective verbal and written communications
• Grant solicitation and management and volunteer program development

Skill in:

• The use of computers and related software

Ability to:

• Evaluate and analyze data relating to management activities
• Understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures
• Develop and organize data into logical format for presentation in reports, proposals and other written documents
• Utilize problem solving techniques
• Work independently
• Conduct a public information program
• Coordinate and conduct job related training programs
• Coordinate and assist in interpretive and marketing program planning
• Monitor and evaluate volunteer programs
• Prepare and maintain records
• Plan, organize and coordinate work assignments
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others and maintain a valid driver license
• Safely operate a state vehicle.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid Driver’s License

Pay:

$44,888.08 - $68,795.85 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:

District 1 Administration

4620 State Park Lane

Panama City Beach, FL 32408

District 1 is located along the Gulf Coast. We proudly serve parks in 16 counties in the Florida Panhandle including Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington. The District Office is located in Panama City Beach, FL at St. Andrews State Park.

The mission of the Florida Park Service is to provide resource-based recreation while preserving, interpreting, and restoring natural and cultural resources.

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.

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.