PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST - 37000671 1

Requisition No: 862074 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST - 37000671 1

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37000671 

Salary:  $3,176.67 MONTH/$38,117.16 ANNUAL 

Posting Closing Date: 10/19/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Park Services Specialist (37000671)

Anticipated Vacancy

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Thonotossasa, FL

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

Hillsborough River Park is looking for a self-motivated park service professional to fill a Park Services Specialist position, providing visitor services, maintenance, protection, administration, and cultural resource management. The applicant must possess good visitor service and administrative skills, be able to work independently and have the ability to perform a variety of skilled trade functions using assorted equipment and tools. The applicant must be able to work rotating shifts including evenings, weekends and holidays.  

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. 

This is moderately independent work providing Visitor Services, Resource Management, Maintenance, Administration and Protection of Hillsborough River  State Park, Fort Foster State Historic Site and Ybor City Museum State Park.

VISITOR SERVICES  - Explains to the public the 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 cultural history interpretive programs such as multi-media (PowerPoint) presentations and demonstrations/talks, and assists with event planning, management, and evaluation including but not limited to on-site programs, off-site programs and special events, guided walks, museum and fort tours and other related activities that would support the visitor awareness of the cultural significance of Hillsborough River and Ybor City Museum State Parks and Fort Foster Historic Site

CULTURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT – : Uses best management practices to preserve, interpret, collect, catalogue, inventory and maintain culturally significant buildings, artifacts, displays and interpretive signage within the parks managed by Hillsborough River administration. Seeks grants for historic improvements and interpretive materials and follows DEP guidelines for grant submission.  Ability to secure in-kind donations such as volunteer hours and program and marketing support. Works with management and peers to coordinate cyclical maintenance on cultural and historic buildings, bridges, landscapes and fosters an environment of awareness with the park staff through trainings based on the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards. 

MAINTENANCE -  Construct maintains and repairs buildings, fences, trails, service roads, fire lanes, boardwalks, campsites, picnic areas, boat ramps, and all other necessary facilities. Maintains cleanliness of grounds, facilities, and vehicles.

ADMINISTRATION Prepares forms and reports on a wide range of subjects including fees, receipts, visitor use, visitor contact, patrols, wildlife sightings and population counts, accidents, crisis and miscellaneous incidents, vehicle, boat and equipment operations, property records, purchase orders and requisitions, etc. Answer telephone, operate radio equipment and maintain logs. Answers correspondence and maintains park files

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

OTHER – Performs other related duties as required

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• natural and cultural resource preservation and restoration techniques
• administrative principles and practices
• basic interpretive programs including, walks, talks, campfire programs, public outreach and event management and grant writing
• Secretary of the Interiors Standards

SKILL IN:

• communicating effectively verbally and in writing
• accurately preparing reports
• interacting with all internal and external customers and the general public in a professional, tactful and courteous manner
• use of assorted hand tools, power tools and equipment.
• utilize a computer including, but not limited to software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite

ABILITY TO:

• participate in all aspects of cultural resource management, including but not limited to, grant writing maintaining historic buildings and structures
• conduct routine inspections based on a cyclical maintenance schedule and Secretary of the Interior’s Standards
• participate in black powder firing operations
• work outdoors in inclement weather conditions
• operate motorized vehicles
• communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• follow verbal and written instructions/directions
• work independently with minimal supervision
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• speak in public
• understand and apply rules, directives, policies, laws and regulations
• identify and investigate problems and take appropriate action to correct problems
• conduct inspections, identify needs and investigate problems 
• work rotating shifts including nights, weekends and holidays
• successfully complete ranger academy
• maintain a valid driver's license
• successfully complete background & fingerprint check
• properly wear uniform
• comply with male and female hair grooming standards and body art and piercing restrictions

Minimum qualifications:

Valid drivers’ license

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.

Pay:

$3,176.43  month/$38,117.16 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:

Hillsborough River State Park

Ybor City Museum State Park

Fort Foster State Historic Site

c/o Hillsborough Island Administration

15402 N. US 301

Thonotosassa, FL 33592

Opened in 1938 as one of Florida’s first state parks, this park is divided by the swiftly flowing Hillsborough River.  Fort Foster, a replica of an 1837 fort from the Second Seminole War, is located on the park grounds adjacent to the river.  Ybor City Museum is located in Ybor City.  The museum interprets the cigar industry dating back to the late 1800’s.

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.