PARK RANGER - 37001360

Requisition No: 861098 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: PARK RANGER - 37001360

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37001360 

Salary:  $2,896.67/monthly $34,760.00/annually 

Posting Closing Date: 10/07/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Park Ranger (37001360)

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Pensacola, FL

ANTICIPATED VACANCY

CLOSING DATE: 10/07/2025

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 predominately responsible, for failure to comply.

This is moderately independent work providing Visitor Services, Resource Management, Maintenance, Administration and Protection of Big Lagoon, Perdido Key, and Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Parks. 

VISITOR SERVICES: Explains facilities and services provided for public use, enjoyment, and education; meet visitors, answers questions, provides information and directions in an accurate and professional manner. Attempted to resolve visitor complaints while maintaining good public relations. Provides natural and cultural history interpretive programs and services via presentation, 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, historic, and archaeological resources of the park. Implements vegetation and wildlife management plans, maintains optimum species control via natural and chemical means. Collects and records resource management data.

MAINTENANCE: Maintains park structures, facilities, equipment and grounds through routine, preventative, and corrective maintenance practices. Constructs, cleans, maintains, and repairs park grounds, facilities and equipment utilizing appropriate tools and equipment. Conduct 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 incidents. Answers telephone, operate computer and various office equipment. Conducts purchasing and fiscal activities in compliance with established procedures. Collects fees and reconciles receipts. Answers correspondence and maintains park files.

PROTECTION: Performs routine patrols and security checks; ensures adherence to the Park Protection Plan. Open 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 funds.

Performs other related duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Florida’s natural and cultural resources

Basic arithmetic

A variety of skilled trade functions

Good public relations

SKILL IN:

Communicating effectively verbally and in writing

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

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

ABILITY TO:

Participate in resource management tasks, including but not limited to, prescribed fire activities, non-native plant removal which may include application of herbicide

Work independently with minimal supervision

Speak in public

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

Work outdoors in inclement weather

Follow verbal and written instructions

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others

Lift 50lbs and assist in lifting heavier objects 100lbs or more

Develop and conduct interpretative and public programs

Interact with visitors in a tactful, efficient and courteous manner

Accurately prepare reports

Conduct routine inspections

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

Identify and investigate problems

Handle money and correctly balance cash receipts

Successfully complete ranger academy

Work rotating shifts including weekends and holidays

Minimum Qualifications:

Valid Driver’s License

Work rotating shifts including weekends and holidays

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:

$2,896.67/monthly

$34,760.00/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:

Big Lagoon State Park

12301 Gulf Beach Highway

Pensacola, FL 32507

Big Lagoon State Park derives its name from the bordering body of water along its southern shore. Natural communities, ranging from tidal salt marshes to pine flatwoods, attract a wide variety of birds to the park, especially during fall and spring migrations. Think of Big Lagoon as a gateway. It not only offers swimming, boating, fishing, camping, hiking and paddling, but adventurers also can begin or end a 1,515-mile sea kayaking journey on the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail around the entire state. The park is also a gateway for the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. A favorite activity of visitors is climbing the three-story observation tower for vast views of the park and Intracoastal Waterway. 

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.