OPS PARK RANGER - 37970653

Requisition No: 828741 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS PARK RANGER - 37970653

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 37970653 

Salary:  $15.00 per hour 

Posting Closing Date: 05/21/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

OPS Park Ranger

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 create strong community partnerships, safeguard Florida’s natural resources and enhance its ecosystem. 

The Work You Will Do:

OPS PARK RANGER (37970653)

William J. Rish Recreation Area is looking for a self-motivated park service professional to fill an OPS Park Ranger position.  The applicant must possess exceptional visitor service and a strong work ethic.  The applicant will work with other members of the team or independently.

SUPERVISOR

John Baker, Assistant Park Manager, 850-227-1876

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. 

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:

William J Rish Recreation Area

6773 Cape San Blas Rd.

Port St Joe, FL 32459

William J Rish Recreation Area (WJRRA) is located in Port St. Joe, in the community of Cape San Blas. This Recreation Area manages 100 acres of land on both the Gulf of Mexico and on St. Joseph's Bay. This recreation area is designed and designated to serve those with disabilities. Currently WJRRA is open for day use and offers access to the beach, the bay and an Olympic sized swimming pool. The park will one day provide overnight amenities to include, 8 accessible cabins and 30 accessible campsites. There will also be a fully operational concessionaire, a dock that will provide access to the bay for those with disabilities and other amenities. This is a chance to be a part of something exciting, a brand-new Florida State Park! There will also be opportunities for resource management and wildlife monitoring.

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s benefits package for eligible OPS employees includes:

• Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements*).  For more details consult with People First at 877-562-7287 or go to:  https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/health/eligibility_and_enrollment/ops_employees
• Participation in the Florida Deferred Compensation Plan (457b).  For additional details and online enrollment visit MyFloridaDeferredComp.com
• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan). (For more information, please click  Social Security Alternative Plan (aigrs.com) and read OPS Social Security Alternative Plan;
• Flexible Spending Accounts;

For a more benefits information, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.

*Seasonal and part-time OPS employees (less than 30 hours average per week) refer to the links above for detailed eligibility requirements.

Pay:

$15.00 per hour

Your Specific Responsibilities:

VISITOR SERVICES

Explains facilities and services provided for public use, enjoyment and education; meets visitors, answers questions, provides information and directions.  Attempts to resolve visitor complaints while maintaining good public relations.  Provides natural and cultural history interpretive programs and services via tours, walks and programs. 

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Implements vegetation and wildlife management plans, recognizes communities and maintains optimum species control via natural and chemical means.  Implements site restoration projects such as reforestation and erosion control.  Implements water resources management plan.

MAINTENANCE

Constructs, maintains and repairs small buildings, fences, trails, service roads, fire lanes, boardwalks, cabins, picnic tables, and all other necessary facilities.  Maintains cleanliness of grounds and facilities.  Operates a variety of equipment including chainsaws, lawn mowers, ATVs, motor vehicles, etc.

ADMINISTRATION

Prepares forms and reports on a wide range of subjects including fees, receipts, visitor use, visitor contacts, patrols, wildlife sightings and population counts, accidents, miscellaneous incidents, vehicle, equipment operations, property records, purchase orders and requisitions, etc.  Answers telephone, operates radio equipment and maintains logs.  Performs administrative tasks via computer.  Uses purchasing card and follows Department rules, policies and procedures.

PROTECTION

Ensures park rules are enforced pertaining to all natural, historical and archaeological facilities and resources and use thereof for the enjoyment of the visitor.

Performs related work as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

KNOWLEDGE OF AND ABILITY TO:

• perform routine inspections
• identify and investigate problems and maintain facilities and equipment
• develop and conduct interpretive programs

SKILL IN:

• utilizing motor vehicles

ABILITY TO:

• follow verbal and written instructions
• communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• perform physical labor utilizing power/electrical/gas tools and equipment
• work rotating shifts including nights, holidays and weekends
• deal with visitor inquiries in a tactful, efficient and courteous manner
• understand and apply applicable rules, directives, policies, laws and regulations
• operate computers

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid driver license

BACKGROUND SCREENING REQUIREMENT:

This position is a Position of Trust. 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_ER@dep.state.fl.us

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.