RESIDENT PARK MANAGER III - SES - 37000657

Requisition No: 868852 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: RESIDENT PARK MANAGER III - SES - 37000657

 Pay Plan: SES

Position Number: 37000657 

Salary:  $4,513.89 month/$54,166.65 year 

Posting Closing Date: 02/08/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Park Manager III  (37000657)

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

ANTICIPATED VACANCY

This position is located in Sebring FL

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

An exciting opportunity is available for a strong leader with a diverse Florida Park Service background to fill the position of Park Manager III at Highlands Hammock State Park. 

 Highlands Hammock State Park  has 1 Assistant Park Manager, 1 Environmental Specialist,  1 Administrative Assistant, 2 Park Services Specialists, 6 Park Rangers, and OPS employees.

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. 

ADMINISTRATION:  Implements and enforce all laws, rules, operating policies, directives, leases, agreements and permits pertaining to the areas managed.  Selects new employees and supervises staff, assuring that training is provided and disciplinary measures are implemented when necessary. Maintains good employee relations.  Prepares budget requests, provides effective expenditure and tracking of appropriations, supervises the collection and handling of fees and other revenue.  Is responsible for all facility and equipment inventories and implements established policies for fiscal control and accountability.  Prepares, implements and controls the work scheduling and assignments for the staff.  Implements and enforces all laws, rules, operating policies, leases agreements and permits pertaining to the management of concession agreements, special use permits and other operating agreements or leases.  Effectively manage FPS contracts and agreements.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT:  Directs and participates in the removal and control of invasive vegetation and animals.  Documents the nestling and presence of listed species.  Plans and executes native plant restoration.  Plans and conducts prescribed burns.  Documents biological community changes and makes recommendations for management measures to be included in the resource management plan.

MAINTENANCE:  Assesses maintenance needs and plans and directs the performance of routine, preventive and corrective maintenance necessary to meet or exceed FPS standards.  Implements, supervises and participates in all facets of the area’s maintenance to ensure efficient and appropriate care of all facilities and support equipment.

VISITOR SERVICES:  Directs the development of interpretive programs and materials.  Schedules programs and participation in events promoting the areas managed and the FPS.  Meets the public, interprets the area’s resources, facilities and services, resolves visitor complaints and provides for good public relations.

PROTECTION:  Ensures the safety of visitors, staff and the resources via regular inspections and assurance that all safety codes are followed and no threats to the resources go unattended.  Enforces and directs staff to enforce all park rules pertaining to natural and cultural resources and facilities and use thereof.

OTHER – Performs other related duties as required

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of natural resource management practices to include prescribed fire, sea turtle monitoring practices, appropriate methods for control of invasive plants and animals, Florida Park Service Operations Manual, routine, preventive and corrective maintenance necessary to meet FPS standards.

Ability to effectively: manage FPS contracts and agreements; conduct routine inspections;  identify and investigate problems;  communicate effectively verbally and in writing;  prepare reports;  establish and maintain working relationships with others;  understand and apply rules and regulations;  maintain facilities and equipment; ;  meet with the public in a tactful and professional manner; prepare budget request, provide for expenditures and tracking of appropriations, supervise people; work rotating shifts  including days, nights, weekends and holidays. Successfully complete background and fingerprint check.  Maintain a valid driver’s license and reside on State property in a 3 bedroom/1 bath house.

Minimum Qualification:

• Valid Driver’s License
• Reside on state property  

Preferred Qualification:

• Pack test qualified

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:

$4,513.89 month/$54,116.65 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

Highlands Hammock state park totals over 9,000 acres. The park is  located in South Central Florida in the town of Sebring. Lake June in Winter Scrub Preserve State Park and Seven Lakes Day use area also falls under management.  . Recreational uses currently available in the park include hiking, birding, camping (primitive, and general), geo-seeking, wildlife viewing, biking, and walking as well as tours and other interpretive educational resources. The park hosts several 5k runs/walks throughout the year and a signature CCC festival. The park is also supported by an active CSO. Established in 1935, Highlands is the third oldest state park in Florida.  Most of the rustic-built environment, as seen in the park today, was constructed by the (CCC). The park is one of the highest ranked in the state park system for the number and diversity of Florida endemic species.

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.