Requisition No: 831532

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST - 37979265

Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 37979265

Salary: $15.00 hour

Posting Closing Date: 07/08/2024

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OPS PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

OPS Job Vacancy

Open Competitive

Closing date: 07.08.2024

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 PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST – 37979265

An opportunity is anticipated for a self-motivated, hard-working team player, with strong resource management, visitor services, protection, and maintenance experience to fill a Park Service Specialist position at Colt Creek State Park 10 miles north of Lakeland, FL. Colt Creek State Park is composed of large strands of longleaf pine flatwoods, lakes and winding creeks, thick cypress domes and open vistas.

This position is responsible for providing visitor education and services; establishing and maintaining good public and volunteer relations; establishing and maintaining resource management activities; and maintaining and improving operations and facilities.

Contact: Sam Cox, Park Manager; 863-316-6020 or Namon.S.Cox@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.

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:

Colt Creek State Park

16000 State Road 471

Lakeland, FL 33809

Visitors can enjoy more than 15 miles of multiuse trails, shared by hikers, bicyclist and those riding horseback, that meander through the pine flatwoods and natural creeks and wetlands. Park lakes afford views of wading birds and alligators, as well as offer a place for anglers to cast their line from the lake's edge or from our 75-foot accessible dock. Canoes and kayaks are available to rent at the ranger station.

We offer several different kinds of camping experiences, including primitive campsites, an equestrian campground and a group campground.

Pavilions are available on a first-come, first-served basis or may be reserved ahead of your special event. Our pavilions are perfect for family reunions, birthday parties, weddings, corporate events and many other events that bring people together in an open-air environment. Access to restrooms, lakes and trails are close-by to pavilions.

We offer a variety of educational interpretive programs including ranger-guided hikes, tram tours and special events.

Click the attached link to learn more about this beautiful park: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/colt-creek-state-park

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*). 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 a 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 hr

Your Specific Responsibilities:

Participates in planning and conducting of resource management activities by implementing resource management techniques required in managing and restoring natural communities.

Assists with the assessing, planning and implementation of maintaining and improving park operations and facilities.

Provide research planning, coordination and conducts the interpretation of the natural and cultural resources within the park, including but not limited to: guided walks, campfire programs, tours, recreation skills programs and special events.

Performs other related park duties as required including but not limited to: visitor services such as checking in of campers, disseminate information and provides assistance to campers.

Plans and conducts community outreach activities to expand public understanding of the Florida Park Service resource management and protection objectives. Represents the park and Florida Park Service to outside agencies and organizations, disseminating information and promoting outdoor recreational opportunities provided by the park.

Assists in designing and organizing volunteer recruitment for service programs and special events. Monitors and defines suitable park volunteer needs. Plans and conducts volunteer orientation and training sessions. Plans, organizes and conducts in-service training programs to meet the needs of the park's employees.

Researches the history of this division facility, both cultural and natural, and develops plans for restoration and implementation. Advises on the preservation, restoration, and appearance of historical and archeological sites.

Performs related work as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of: Florida ecosystems and resource management techniques required to manage and or restore natural communities; cultural resource preservation and restoration techniques; effective verbal and written communication principles and techniques; facility repairs and improvements.

Skill in: The ability to carry out facility repairs and improvements and cultural resource preservation and restoration using a variety of tools.

Ability to: research, plan, prepare and effectively present educational and interpretive programs; work rotating shifts including nights, weekends and holidays; maintain a valid driver's license; operate tractors, ATVs and 4x4 vehicles, operate personal computer.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid driver’s license
• Successful completion of fingerprinting/background check

POSITION OF SPECIAL TRUST REQUIREMENT:

This position is designated as a Position of Special Trust in accordance with DEP-422 (Positions of Special Trust or Responsibility). 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 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.