PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST - 37020564

Requisition No: 860181 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST - 37020564

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37020564 

Salary:  $38,117.16 

Posting Closing Date: 10/09/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

#37020564 PARK RANGER

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Stuart, Florida

Position Overview 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.  In carrying out the duties of this position, the incumbent is expected at all times to be aware of an abide by the Department’s Standards of Conduct, as well as any and all departmental and/or work unit rules, directives, policies, procedures, and/or general orders applicable to perform the duties of this position.

This position covers duties at St. Lucie Inlet and Seabranch Preserve State Parks.

ADMINISTRATION - Assists Park Manager in planning and all administrative tasks including:  Prepares forms and reports on a wide range of subjects including fees, receipts, visitor use, visitor contacts, patrols, wildlife sightings and population counts, accidents, crisis and miscellaneous incidents, vehicle, boat and equipment operations, property records, etc.  Answers phones, operates radio equipment and maintains logs.  Assists management with purchasing, bids, work projects, requisitions, contracts, and other necessary administrative functions.  Tracks/reconciles the park’s budget.  Prepares monthly reports.  Processes purchasing card transactions.  Identifies and applies for grants.  Assists with supervision of park FLCC AmeriCorps Program.

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.

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 the environmental education center, park events and roving interpretation.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT - Participates in resource management activities when possible, including but not limited to:  prescribed fire, exotic plant removal, nuisance exotic animal removal and archaeological monitoring.  Assists Park Manager in the coordination of resource management projects and administrative tracking.  Conducts field surveys for wildlife, exotic plants and other native flora and fauna.  Assists with the tracking and mapping of resource management activities.  Identifies and applies for grants for resource management projects.

MAINTENANCE - Assists with facility maintenance including cleanliness and repair, assists field staff with tracking of facility and equipment maintenance.  Operates and maintains a variety of park equipment including ATVs, chainsaws, lawn mowers, motor vehicles, and various small engines and power tools as necessary.  Maintains the physical ability to assist in transporting lumber, supplies, etc., equivalent to 50 pounds singly and 100 pounds jointly.  Travel to and from areas of the park accessible only by boat.         

Performs related work as required.

May volunteer to dive and/or snorkel.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• administrative principles and practices
• Florida’s natural and cultural resources

KNOWLEDGE OF AND ABILITY TO:

• act as authorized purchasing agent for My Florida Market Place and purchasing (P-card) transactions

SKILL IN:

• operating general office equipment
• use of database and word processing software
• planning, coordinating and implementing meetings, training programs and special events
• operating 4 x 4 trucks, tractors up to 2-ton level, mowers, chainsaws, and standard power and manual tools

SKILL IN AND ABILITY TO:

• deal with visitor inquiries in a tactful, efficient and courteous manner, provide excellent customer service and conflict resolution
• utilize a computer and software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite
• utilize Quicken software
• type letters, memoranda and other standard business forms in correct format
• maintain a budget and submit associated reports in established timeframes
• organize files and other records
• conduct interpretive programs
• tactfully and effectively enforce rules, policies and procedures

ABILITY TO:

• successfully complete and maintain current certifications/trainings in:  Open Water SCUBA certification, First Aid, CPR, Emergency Oxygen Administration and Blood Borne Pathogen Training
• understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies/procedures relating to administrative functions
• communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• prepare correspondence and administrative reports
• work independently
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• safely operate boats of up to 30’ in length with outboard motor and kayaks/canoes
• swim and work on, in and under water
• lift approximately 50 pounds and assist in transporting supplies up to 100 pounds or more
• participate in all aspects of resource management including prescribed fire and exotic plant removal via physical and chemical means
• perform house and grounds keeping duties and apply maintenance trades
• learn resource management techniques to provide visitor services in an educated, professional and courteous manner
• work rotating shifts including nights, holidays, and weekends
• work outside in extreme conditions, including but not limited to, heat, cold, wind, rain, etc., as well as continuously work outdoors in conditions of extremely high humidity, heat, sunlight, and exposure to insects, snakes, etc.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid driver’s license
• Successfully complete ranger academy
• Must be approved to SCUBA Dive in accordance with FDEP Diving Safety Manual, and DEP Underwater Manual.  Must have prior approval and pass the FDEP training course to snorkel.
• Incumbent of this position will participate in the DEP Medical Monitoring Program for DEP divers
• Successfully meet position-specific DRP Burn Standards for Prescribed Fire

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 monthly/$38,117.16 annually

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:

SEABRANCH PRESERVE STATE PARK and ST. LUCIE INLET PRESERVE STATE PARK

4810 Southeast Cove Road

Stuart, Florida 34997

#37020564 PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST (non-resident)

Ancient oceans shaped the physical landscape of this park, allowing a variety of habitats to develop over time.

Today, this preserve provides a unique opportunity to experience several different natural communities in a relatively short distance. In less than a mile, visitors can see rare sand pine scrub, scrubby flatwoods, a baygall community and a mangrove swamp. Hikers can explore these natural communities on 4 miles of trails.

A small picnic shelter is also available. Future recreational development is planned for this preserve, including the addition of interpretive displays and an elevated boardwalk.

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.