PARK RANGER - 37001519

Requisition No: 880146 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: PARK RANGER - 37001519

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37001519 

Salary:  $2,896.67/monthly $34,760.00/annually 

Posting Closing Date: 08/06/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Park Ranger (37001519)

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

ANTICIPATED VACANCY

This position is located in White Springs, FL

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.

This is moderately independent work providing Visitor Services, Resource Management, Maintenance, Administration and Protection of Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park.

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 unit specific services as directed. Assist in set up, execution, and break down of numerous special events throughout the year.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT – Observes, maintains and protects the natural, cultural, historic and archaeological resources of the park. Participates in vegetation and wildlife management plans; maintains optimum species control via natural and chemical means. Collects and records resource management data.

MAINTENANCE – Constructs, cleans, maintains, and repairs park grounds, facilities and equipment utilizing appropriate tools and equipment. Makes routine inspections to ensure proper maintenance standards are met.

ADMINISTRATION – Prepares forms and reports on a wide range of subjects. Answers telephone, operates park radio and various office equipment and maintains logs. Conducts purchasing and fiscal activities in compliance with established procedures. Collects fees, performs cash register transactions and reconciles receipts. Answers correspondence and maintains park files.

PROTECTION – Performs routine patrols and takes appropriate action to ensure visitor safety and adherence to park rules; ensures adherence to the Park Protection Plan. Opens and/or secures park facilities as appropriate.

Performs other related duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Arithmetic

Good public relations

ABILITY TO:

Perform a variety of skilled trade functions

Communicate effectively verbally and in writing

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others

Perform physical labor using assorted power/gas tools and equipment

Accurately prepare reports

Collect fees and operate cash registers

Understand and apply rules and regulations

Identify and investigate problems

Minimum Qualifications:

Valid Driver’s License

Work rotating shifts including evenings, weekends and holidays

Successfully complete ranger academy

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:

$2,896.67/monthly

$34,760.00/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:

Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park

11016 Lillian Saunders Dr

White Springs, FL 32096

Situated on the banks of the legendary Suwannee River, this center honors the memory of American composer Stephen Foster, who wrote “Old Folks at Home,” the song that made the river famous. The museum features exhibits about Foster’s most famous songs, and his music can be heard emanating from the park’s 97-bell carillon throughout the day.

Hiking, bicycling, canoeing and wildlife viewing are popular activities. Miles of trails wind through some of the most scenic areas of North Florida. Overnight visitors can stay in the full-facility campground or in a cabin. Every Memorial Day weekend (last weekend in May), the park hosts the Florida Folk Festival. Other special events include concerts, weekend retreats, a regional quilt show, a holiday light display and an antique tractor show.

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.

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.