PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST - 37000665 1

Requisition No: 863541 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST - 37000665 1

Position Number: 37000665 

Salary:  $3176.43 MONTH/$38,117.16 ANNUAL 

Posting Closing Date: 11/09/2025 

Park Services Specialist (3700665)

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Sebring, FL

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

An opportunity is available for a self-motivated, hardworking individual to fill a  Park Services Specialist position at Highlands Hammock State Park.  The park is seeking an individual with experience in installation, maintenance and repair of electric motors, generators and other mechanical equipment. Also required is experience with a variety of motorized equipment including tractors with implements and utility vehicles. The applicant must possess good visitor service and administrative skills, be able to work independently and have the ability to perform a variety of skilled trade functions using assorted equipment and tools. The applicant must be able to work rotating shifts including evenings, weekends and holidays. 

DUTIES 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 is moderately independent work providing Visitor Services, Resource Management, Maintenance, Administration and Protection of Highlands Hammock State Park.

MAINTENANCE - Performs and assists in the 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. Maintains wells and collects drinking water samples for testing. Performs and assists in the maintenance and repairs of electric motors, generators and compressors.  Installs and assists in the maintenance and repairs of valves, sinks, wash bowls, sewers and other sanitary fixtures. Performs and assists in the operation of maintenance and repairs to all vehicles and equipment, including cars, trucks, tractors, mowers, sprayers, edger’s and all power tools. Performs and assists in the repairs of air conditioning and heating equipment. Operates all park maintenance equipment including vehicles, tractors, trams, saws, drills, presses, torches, welders, grinders and all tools.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT - Participates in planning and conducting natural resource management activities by implementing resource management techniques required to manage and restore natural communities. Participates and coordinates the execution of all facets of prescribed fire. Performs and assists in the construction and maintenance of fire lines and fence lines. Participates in the exotic plant control program for Highlands Hammock and Lake June in Winter State parks; monitors the progress of park projects, reports results as required, facilitates mapping and tracking of infestations, coordinates herbicide ordering and training, facilitates teamwork targeting exotic plant control.

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, crises and miscellaneous incidents, vehicle, boat and equipment operations, property records, timesheets, purchase orders and requisitions, etc. Answers telephone, operate radio equipment and maintain logs.  Answers correspondence and maintains park files

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

OTHER – Performs other related duties as required

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• principles and techniques of the skilled building trades
• principles and techniques of mechanical repair work
• safety procedures required in maintenance and repair work
• good public relations

SKILL IN:

• communicating effectively verbally and in writing
• accurately preparing reports
• interacting with all internal and external customers and the general public in a professional, tactful and courteous manner
• using tools and equipment maintenance and repair work
• 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
• perform and assist in the maintenance and repair of electric motors, generators and compressors.
• perform and assist in the repairs, maintenance and construction of park buildings and vehicles.
• follow verbal and written instructions/directions
• work independently with minimal supervision
• establish and maintain effective working relationships
• understand and apply rules, directives, policies, laws and regulations
• work outdoors in inclement weather
• perform 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
• successfully complete First Aid & CPR training within one year of hire.
• maintain a valid driver's license
• properly wear uniform
• comply with male and female hair grooming standards and body art and piercing restrictions 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Valid Driver’s License

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:

$3,176.43 month/$38,117.16 annual

Our Organization and Mission: 

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the state’s leading 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:

Highlands Hammock State Park

5931 Hammock Road

Sebring, FL 33872

This park totals over 9,000 acres and is in south central Florida in the town of Sebring. This park and Lake June in Winter Scrub Preserve State Park consist of campgrounds, picnic areas, nature trails and hiking, equestrian and bike trails, and the state’s Civilian Conservation Corps museum.

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.