PARK RANGER

Requisition No: 848811

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: PARK RANGER - 37000589 1

Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37000589

Salary: $33,760.00-$51,384.65

Posting Closing Date: 05/07/2025

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PARK RANGER (37000589)

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:

PARK RANGER (3700589)

PAYNES PRAIRIE PRESERVE STATE PARK

Contact: Joy Cotton

Joy.Cotton@FloridaDEP.gov

352-258-9310

The position needs a self-motivated park service professional to fill a park ranger position, providing visitor services, maintenance, protection, administration, and 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

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:

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

100 Savannah Boulevard

Micanopy, FL 32667

Far from the Far West, herds of wild horses and bison roam the prairie in this surprisingly diverse preserve south of Gainesville. Paynes Prairie is unique in many ways. Nowhere else in Florida can visitors experience wild-roaming bison and horses. Nearly 300 species of birds also frequent the park along with alligators, deer and many other animals.

The park’s eight trails, including the 16-mile paved Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail, allow one to explore the park’s interior and observe wildlife, while a 50-foot high observation tower provides for panoramic views.

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);
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Tuition waivers;
• And more!

For a more complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.

Pay:

Base salary $2,813.33 month/$33,760.00 annual

Your Specific Responsibilities:

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 Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

VISITOR SERVICE- Explains facilities and services provided for public use, enjoyment and education; meets visitors, answers questions, provides information and directions in an accurate and professional manner. Attempts to resolve visitor complaints while maintaining good public relations. Provides natural and cultural history interpretive programs and services via presentations, walks and other programs and unit specific services as directed.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT – Recognizes biological communities and the natural process required for their maintenance. Observes, maintains and protects the natural, cultural, and historic and archaeological resources of the park. Participates in the execution of all facets of prescribed fire. Implements vegetation and wildlife management plans, maintains optimum species control via natural and natural and chemical means. Implements site restoration projects. Participates in water resources management plans. Collects and records resource management data.

MAINTENANCE- Maintains park structures, facilities, equipment and grounds through routine, preventative, and corrective maintenance practices. Conducts routine inspections and ensure proper maintenance standards are met. Maintains cleanliness of grounds and facilities.

ADMINSTRATION- Prepares forms and reports on a wide range of subjects including visitation, vehicle usage, purchase requests and accidents. Answers telephone, operates park radio and various office equipment. Conducts purchasing and fiscal activities in compliance with established procedures. Collects fees, performs cash register transactions and reconciles receipts. Orders, sells and inventories resale merchandise. Answers correspondence and maintains park files.

PROTECTION - Performs routine patrols and security checks; ensures adherence to the Park Protection Plan. Opens and/or secures park facilities as appropriate. Interprets and enforces park rules pertaining to all natural and cultural resources and facilities and use thereof for the safety and enjoyment of the visitor. Responsible for security of cash fund.

Performs other related duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Florida’s natural and cultural resources
• basic arithmetic
• a variety of skilled trade functions
• good public relations
• basic math computations general methods and techniques used in the repair and/or maintenance of park facilities, sites, equipment and grounds

SKILL IN:

• • communicating effectively verbally and in writing;
  • operating a cash register and reconciling receipts;
  • accurately preparing reports;
  • interacting with all internal and external customers and the general public in a professional, tactful and courteous manner; using a variety of hand and power tools and equipment including but not limited to, chain saws and drills;
  • basic plumbing, including but not limited to, repairing hose bibs, waterline repair; basic electrical work, including but not limited to, replacing outlets and circuit breakers; basic carpentry, including but not limited to, boardwalk and fence repairs;
  • utilize a computer including, but not limited to software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite;
  • maintenance of facilities and grounds which includes but is not limited to mowing, weed eating, pressure washing, and painting; the operation and use of various kinds of vehicles and heavy equipment including tractors and bulldozers.
  • Ability to participate in resource management tasks, including but not limited to prescribed fire activities, non-native plant removal which may include application of herbicide;
  • follow verbal and written instructions/directions, work independently with minimal supervision, conduct inspections and maintain park facilities, equipment and grounds communicate effectively verbally and in writing;
  • identify and investigate problems;
  • establish and maintain effective working relationships with others;
  • clean park facilities, including but not limited to, cleaning restrooms and picking up trash;
  • work outdoors in inclement weather;
  • perform physical labor;
  • lift 40 pounds and assist in transporting items or other supplies 100 pounds or more;
  • perform physical labor using assorted power/gas tools and equipment understand and apply rules and regulations;
  • provide visitor assistance services;
  • conduct interpretive programs, properly wear uniform and work with large animals.

ABILITY TO:

• participate in resource management tasks, including but not limited to, prescribed fire activities, non-native plant removal which may include application of herbicide
• work independently with minimal supervision
• speak in public
• clean park facilities, including but not limited to, cleaning restrooms and picking up trash
• work outdoors in inclement weather
• successfully complete background and fingerprint check
• follow verbal and written instructions
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• care for livestock
• lift 40 pounds and assist in lifting heavier objects 100 pounds or more
• develop and conduct interpretive and public programs
• interact with visitors in a tactful, efficient and courteous manner
• accurately prepare reports
• conduct routine inspections
• understand and apply rules, directives, policies, laws and regulations
• identify and investigate problems
• handle money and correctly balance cash receipts
• successfully complete ranger academy
• maintain a valid driver's license
• work rotating shifts including weekends and holidays
• successfully meet position-specific DRP Burn Standards for Prescribed Fire

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid driver’s license.
• Successful completion of moderate pack test prior to employment
• Successful completion of light pack test annually

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.

TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION IN PEOPLE FIRST:

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_Recruitment@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.

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.

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.