OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - 37971229

Requisition No: 841854 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - 37971229

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 37971229 

Salary:  AGENCY TO UPDATE 

Posting Closing Date: 02/14/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

PARK RANGER

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

OPEN COMPETITIVE

CLOSING DATE: 02/14/2025

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:

OPS Biological Scientist I – 37971229

This is an exciting opportunity for a self-motivated, hardworking individual, with experience working with natural resource management tactics and best practices, operating and maintaining  gas and diesel equipment, utilizing various hand and power tools, and have strong communication skills to fill the position of OPS Biological Scientist  I at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

Contact:

Oscar Sanchez, Assistant Park Manager

850-245-2965

Oscar.Davila@Floridadep.Gov

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:

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

3540 Thomasville Road

Tallahassee, FL 32309

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park (1,184 acres) is located in Leon County within the city limits of Tallahassee with a recreation area, trail system and a 28-acre masterpiece of floral architecture.

The beautiful ornamental gardens were first planted in 1923 by Alfred B. and Louise Maclay after they purchased the property for their winter home. The gardens feature a picturesque brick walkway, secret garden, reflection pool, walled garden, and hundreds of camellias and azaleas. Peak blooming season is from January 1 through April 30, with the floral peak in mid-to-late March.

Lake Hall provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Pavilions and grills along the lakeshore provide the perfect setting for a picnic.

Two short nature trails meander through the woods overlooking the lake.

Hikers, bicyclists and equestrians can enjoy six miles of shared-use trails and five miles of designated biking trails winding through the woods surrounding Lake Overstreet.

Click the attached link to learn more about this beautiful park: 

 https://www.floridastateparks.org/MaclayGardens

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:

The State’s benefits package for eligible OPS employees includes:

Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements*).  For more details consult with People First at 877-562-7287 or go to:  https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/health/eligibility_and_enrollment/ops_employees

Participation in the Florida Deferred Compensation Plan (457b).  For additional details and online enrollment visit MyFloridaDeferredComp.com

State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan). (For more information, please click  Social Security Alternative Plan (aigrs.com) and read OPS Social Security Alternative Plan;

Flexible Spending Accounts;

For more benefits information, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.

*Seasonal and part-time OPS employees (less than 30 hours average per week) refer to the links above for detailed eligibility requirements.

Pay:

$15.00 per hour

28 Hours per Week

 Your Specific Responsibilities:

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. Interpret natural resource techniques and the need for invasive/exotic species management. Assist with educational programs and outreach regarding invasive/exotic species control.  

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.  Implements water resources management plans.  Collects and analyzes natural resource data and information related to exotic plant species. This includes direct efforts as well as ongoing training and surveying to meet the demands of a constantly evolving workplace. Communicates and coordinates survey and treatments with park management.

MAINTENANCE – Maintains park 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 treatments, vehicle usage, and Incident reports.  Operates park radio, computer and various office equipment. 

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. 

OTHER – Performs other related duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Florida’s natural and cultural resources
• land management techniques
• Basic arithmetic
• Good public relations

Skill in:

• communicating effectively verbally and in writing
• Operation of Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
• Accurately preparing reports
• Interacting with all internal and external customers and the general public in a professional, tactful and courteous manner
• Utilizing power tools, including but not limited to, chain saws and drills
• 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
• Work outdoors in inclement weather
• Perform physical labor
• Lift 40 pounds and assist in transporting items or other supplies 100 pounds or more
• Maintain a valid driver's license
• Successfully complete background & fingerprint check
• Properly wear uniform
• Comply with hair grooming standards and body art and piercing restrictions.

Minimum Qualifications:

Maintain a valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications:

Previous experience working with volunteers, coordinating special events, and conduction interpretive programs

BACKGROUND SCREENING REQUIREMENT: 

This position is a Position of Trust. Any applicant being considered for employment must successfully complete a Level 2 State and National criminal history check as a condition of employment before beginning employment, and also be screened in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 435, F.S.  No applicant may begin employment until the background screening results are received, reviewed for any disqualifying offenses, and approved by the Agency.

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_ER@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. 

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.