PARK RANGER - 37020269

Requisition No: 842322 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: PARK RANGER - 37020269

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37020269 

Salary:  Base salary $ 2,813.33/month, $ 33,760/year 

Posting Closing Date: 12/11/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

PARK RANGER

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

OPEN COMPETITIVE

VACANCY

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:

Park Ranger – 370202492

Contact:  Teresa Morea

850-267-8330

Teresa.Morea@FloridaDEP.gov

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is seeking a self-motivated park service professional to fill a Park Ranger position.

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. SM

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:

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is in Walton County. The Park consists of 1,638 acres to include 16 distinct upland and wetland natural community types on the narrow strip of land between Choctawhatchee Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The Park has 3.2 miles of pristine beach along the Gulf of Mexico and contains four coastal dune lakes entirely within the park boundaries. The Park is home to the largest campground in the Florida State Park system. Facilities include 156 campsites, 34 cabins, 22 tent campsites, 3 bathhouses, laundry facility, beach tram operation, 15 miles of trails, clubhouse, and amphitheater. The Park is a very popular spot for bicycling, beach combing, swimming, picnicking, canoeing, wildlife viewing and fishing. The Park has a large volunteer program. Resource management activities include prescribed fire and invasive plant removal.

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);
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Tuition waivers;
• And more!

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

Pay:

Base salary $ 2,813.33/month, $ 33,760/year

Your Specific 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 is moderately independent work providing Visitor Services, Resource Management, Maintenance, Administration and Protection of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park.

VISITOR SERVICES - Explains facilities and services provided for public use, enjoyment and education; meets visitors, answers questions, provides information and directions in an accurate and professional manner.  Attempts to resolve visitor complaints while maintaining good public relations.  Provides natural and cultural history interpretive programs and services via presentations, 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, cultural, historic and archaeological resources of the park.  Implements vegetation and wildlife management plans, maintains optimum species control via natural and chemical means.  Implements site restoration projects such as reforestation and erosion control.  Implements water resources management plans.  Collects and records resource management data.

MAINTENANCE - Maintains park structures, facilities, equipment and grounds through routine, preventive, and corrective maintenance practices. Conducts 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 accidents.  Answers telephone, operates park radio, computer and various office equipment.  Conducts purchasing and fiscal activities in compliance with established procedures.  Collects fees, performs cash register transactions and reconciles receipts.  Orders, sells and inventories resale merchandise.  Answers correspondence and maintains park files.

PROTECTION - Performs routine patrols and security checks; ensures adherence to the Park Protection Plan.  Opens 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 fund.

Performs related work as required

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Florida’s natural and cultural resources
• basic arithmetic
• good public relations

SKILL IN:

• communicating effectively verbally and in writing
• operating a cash register and 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
• follow verbal and written instructions/directions
• work independently with minimal supervision
• establish and maintain effective working relationships
• speak in public
• understand and apply rules, directives, policies, laws and regulations
• conduct routine inspections, identify and investigate problems
• clean park facilities, including but not limited to, cleaning restrooms and picking up trash
• work outdoors in inclement weather performing physical labor
• lift 40 pounds and assist in transporting items or other supplies 100 pounds or more
• work rotating shifts including nights, weekends and holidays
• successfully complete ranger academy
• maintain a valid driver's license
• properly wear uniform and comply with grooming standards

Minimum Qualifications:

Valid Driver’s license

To successfully complete a background and fingerprint check

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_Recruitment@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.

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.