PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST - 37000937

Requisition No: 852954 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST - 37000937

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37000937 

Salary:  37,117.08 

Posting Closing Date: 06/17/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Sopchoppy, FL

CLOSING DATE 6/17/25

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

A challenging opportunity is available for a self-motivated park service professional to fill a Park Services Specialist position.  This position will oversee and administer the maintenance program for Ochlockonee River and Bald Point State Parks. 

MAINTENANCE-Perform, assist, and provide oversight of repairs, maintenance, and construction of park facilities. Perform, assist, and provide oversight of repairs and maintenance of small engines. Perform, assist, and provide oversight of repairs and maintenance of vehicles and equipment including boats, trucks, ATV’s and UTV’s, tractors and mowers.  Operate all park maintenance equipment and tools. Proficient plumbing, electrical, and carpentry skills.

ADMINISTRATION-Prepare vehicle reports, maintenance logs, and maintenance schedules. Create work scopes, project outlines, and obtain quotes and estimates, complete purchasing card process.  Operate POS, high-band radio system, computers, and other office equipment.  Accurately prepare forms, logs, and reports related to all aspects of park operations.      

PROTECTION-Maintain effective park protection through organization and supervision of the park’s maintenance resources, equipment, and inventory. Maintain cleanliness and safety of grounds and facilities.  Ensure park rules are enforced pertaining to all natural, historical, and archaeological facilities and resources and the use thereof for the enjoyment of the visitor.  Conduct routine facility and safety inspections, prepare and implement corrective action plans. Maintain safety records and train others in safe operating procedures.

VISITOR SERVICE-Establish and maintain good public relations, greet visitors and explain facilities and services provided for public use, resolve visitor complaints while maintaining good public relations and upholding the Florida Park Service standard. 

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT-Participate in and support the park’s resource management programs, including but not limited to imperiled species management, invasive and nuisance species control, habitat restoration, erosion control, hydrology and prescribed fire.  Responsible for the repair of emergency firefighting equipment. 

Perform other duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Florida ecosystems and resource management techniques required to manage and restore natural communities, hydrology, and erosion
• grounds and facilities maintenance techniques
• materials, methods, and tools involved in construction and repair of facilities, infrastructure, and equipment
• good public relations techniques 

SKILL IN:

• basic plumbing, electrical, and carpentry
• planning and managing projects
• tractor and chainsaw operations
• working independently with minimal supervision

ABILITY TO:

• communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• operate computer and point-of-sale systems, collect fees and reconcile transactions
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; compile, organize, and analyze data, programs, and projects
• prepare and update records and reports
• maintain facilities and equipment
• identify and investigate problems and utilize problem solving techniques
• safely operate a variety of equipment and tools
• train others in safe operating procedures for tools and equipment
• conduct routine grounds and facilities inspections
• implement invasive removal and restoration programs
• understand and apply applicable rules, directives, regulations, policies, and procedures
• work outdoors in inclement conditions

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid driver’s license
• Completion of ranger academy
• Work rotating shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Passing of moderate pack test must be completed prior to employment, and then annually thereafter complete the light pack test

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:

$3,093.09/month or $37,117.08/year

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:

Ochlockonee River State Park

429 State Park Rd

Sopchoppy FL 32358

Ochlockonee River State Park is located on the scenic Ochlockonee River just 4 miles south of Sopchoppy and offers more than 500 acres with an array of recreational activities on land and water. The Ochlockonee River is a fantastic destination for boating, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, camping, picnicking and sunbathing. The beautiful trails through the pine flatwoods and oak thickets provide excellent hiking, birding and wildlife viewing opportunities.  Facilities include restrooms, a fishing dock, picnic pavilions, accessible kayak launch, boat ramp, primitive youth camp, dump station and a thirty-site campground with water and electricity.

Ochlockonee River State Park is managed together with Bald Point State Park. Located on Alligator Point where Ochlockonee Bay meets Apalachee Bay, Bald Point State Park offers a multitude of opportunities for land and water activities. Coastal marshes, pine flatwoods, and oak thickets foster a diversity of biological communities that make the park a popular destination for birding and wildlife viewing.  A recent addition of over 7,000 acres makes Bald Point the second largest park in the panhandle at 12,154 acres.

Bald Point offers beach access for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and windsurfing. Facilities include restrooms, a fishing dock, and picnic pavilions.  A newly constructed accessible kayak launch provides easy access to Chaires Creek and Tucker Lake.   A full facility family campground and ranger station are planned and currently in the design phase.

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.