OPS PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST - 37970039

Requisition No: 877400 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST - 37970039

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 37970039 

Salary:  $15 per hour 

Posting Closing Date: 06/19/2026 

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OPS Park Services Specialist (37970039)

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Tallahassee, FL

Closing Date: 06/19/2026

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

OPS Park Services Specialist (Event Coordinator) (37970039)

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

3540 Thomasville Rd.

Tallahassee, FL 32309

The OPS Park Services Specialist works with the Park Management and Citizen Support Organization (Friends of Maclay Gardens) to plan and coordinate special events, workshops and retreats.

The OPS Park Services Specialist coordinates the outsourcing of services for special events to include: the setup of stages, tents, sound and lighting, as well as other required services for events and programs and ensures all required paperwork is collected and submitted on time. Books weddings, pavilions and special permit activities and maintains the park’s master calendar.  Coordinate park-wide events which feature interpretive events, tours, media events and volunteer workdays.  Implement the park's communications plan which includes creating content for the park website, newsletters, social media, graphics, presentations, magazine articles, press releases, public service announcements, building relationships with reporters, conducting radio, TV and written interviews, and creating printed materials for diverse audiences.

This position works closely with the Volunteer Coordinator to organize volunteer recruitment and to monitor and define volunteer needs for park programs and events, assists in coordinating the docent program for the Maclay House and Visitor Center, works in the development and coordination of park information materials such as brochures and flyers. Works closely with the park’s Citizen Support Organization (Friends of Maclay Gardens) assisting with management and coordinating of special events.

This position may also work in the Ranger Station and Visitor Center greeting visitors, providing excellent customer service and providing information pertaining to the park and park activities, informing visitors of the park rules and providing directions, collecting fees for park entrance and annual passes, operating a point-of-sale cash register; accurately collecting, recording and reconciling revenue, maintaining an organized workspace, answering phones, operating radio equipment, and completing and reconciling receipts and reports.

This position ensures park rules are enforced pertaining to all natural, historical and archaeological facilities and resources for the enjoyment of the visitor and performs other related duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• the Florida Park Service mission
• principals and techniques of effective verbal and written communications
• administrative principles and practices

Skills in:

• use of office equipment including personal computers and software including Windows, Word, Excel, Adobe, Outlook e-mail and the internet
• handling money and balancing receipts
• preparing reports and spreadsheets

Ability to:

• plan and oversee all special event activities in the park, which include booking weddings, pavilion rentals, special programs and workshops
• supervise and lead personnel in the set up and tear down of events
• work with management to determine work priorities, assign work related to events and ensure proper completion of work assignments
• to prepare and maintain event schedules and reporting
• work rotating shifts including evenings, weekends and holidays
• plan, coordinate and oversee special events and park programs
• understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures
• work independently
• utilize problem solving techniques
• disseminate public information and media announcements and cultivate positive media relations and community outreach
• provide effective public speaking in public formats and interpret the park’s mission
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• take and pass CPR and First Aid certification within 6 months of employment

Minimum Qualifications:

• Maintain valid Driver’s License

• Successfully complete a background and fingerprint check

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.

Preferred Qualifications:

Skill in utilization of graphic design programs (Adobe, Publisher, Canva, etc.)

Pay:

Base salary:  $15 per hour, 40 hours per week

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:

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park (1,169 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 occurring around late February.

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.

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida: 

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s benefits package for eligible OPS employees includes:

• Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements*).  
• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan, for more information, please visit Corebridge Financial).
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• And more!

For a complete list of benefits, 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.

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.

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.