OPS PARK RANGER - LANDSCAPE WORKER

Requisition No: 851321

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS PARK RANGER - LANDSCAPE WORKER - 37970322

Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 37970322

Salary: $15 per hour

Posting Closing Date: 04/27/2025

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OPS PARK RANGER-LANDSCAPE WORKER

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

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 Ranger – Landscape Worker (37970322)

Myakka River State Park

SUPERVISOR: Rob Slusser, Assistant Park Manager

(941)361-6515

Myakka River State Park is looking for a self-motivated park service professional to fill an OPS Park Ranger-Landscape Worker. The applicant must possess good landscaping skills, exceptional visitor service and a strong work ethic. This position is 24 hours per week. The candidate must be able to work independently.

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:

Myakka River State Park

13208 State Road 72

Sarasota, FL 34241

The Myakka River flows through 58 square miles of one of Florida’s oldest and largest parks consisting of over 37,000 acres. Boating, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking are popular activities on the water while hikers and bicyclists explore miles of trails and backroads. Myakka River State Park is located in mid-Sarasota County. This urban setting is located close to gulf beaches. Aside from the recreational opportunities, many cultural sites are within close distances.

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 (Corebridgefinancial.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 per hour

Your Specific Responsibilities:

Maintenance

• Maintains cleanliness of grounds and facilities including heavy trash and litter cleanup. Operates a variety of equipment including, lawn mowers, weed eaters, blowers, motor vehicles up to 2-ton class hauling debris, fill, etc. Constructs, maintains, and repairs small buildings, fences, trails, boardwalks, picnic sites, boat ramps, docks and all other necessary facilities. Maintain park vehicles and equipment.

Visitor Services

• Explain the facilities and services provided for public use, enjoyment and education; meet visitors, answers questions, provides information and directions. Attempts to resolve visitor complaints while maintaining good public relations. Interprets the parks’ natural and cultural history.
• Performs related work as required.

Other daily responsibilities include, but not limited to, extensive driving, pulling and backing trailers, and minor administrative duties. Assist with non-native and nuisance plant removal by physical and chemical means.

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_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.