PARK RANGER - 37000699 1

State of Florida; Sarasota (FL); On-site; USD 34,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Florida, Department of Environmental Protection, Sarasota, FL is seeking a Park Ranger for Myakka River State Park. You will provide visitor services, maintenance, protection, and resource management, with duties spanning administration and public interpretation.

The role requires independence, ability to perform skilled trades, and working rotating shifts including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Prior pack tests and a valid driver’s license are required.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Florida’s natural and cultural resources.
• Good public relations and basic arithmetic.
• Ability to operate cash registers and reconcile receipts.

Responsibilities

• Provide visitor services, information and interpretation for park visitors.
• Participate in resource management, maintenance, and administration tasks.
• Enforce park rules and ensure visitor safety.

Skills

Knowledge of Florida’s resources

Verbal and written communication

Cash handling and receipts

Report writing

Interacting with public

Grounds and facility maintenance

Power tools operation

Plumbing basics

Electrical basics

Carpentry basics

Office software (Microsoft Office)

Education

Valid Driver’s License

Pack test completion (moderate pack test)

Job description

The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on ourE-Verify Website .

Requisition No:883113

Working Title: PARK RANGER - 37000699 1

Position Number:37000699

Salary: $3333.34 month, $40,000 year

Posting Closing Date: 09/14/2026

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Sarasota, FL

PACK TEST POSITION

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

Myakka River State Park is looking for 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

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 Myakka River State Park.

VISITOR SERVICES -

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 –

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

MAINTENANCE -

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

ADMINISTRATION -

Prepares forms and reports on a wide range of subjects including visitation, vehicle usage, purchase requests and accidents.Answers telephone operates park radio, computer 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.

OTHER –

Performs other related duties as required

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Florida’s natural and cultural resources
• basic arithmetic
• good public relations

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
• performing grounds and building maintenance which includes but is not limited to mowing, weed eating, pressure washing, and painting
• utilizing power tools, 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

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
• establish and maintain effective working relationships
• speak in public
• understand and apply rules, directives, policies, laws and regulations
• conduct routine inspections, identify and investigate problems
• 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
• 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
• successfully complete modified pack test prior to employment, and then annually thereafter complete the light pack test

Minimum Qualifications:

Insert a list of the required experience, training and other requirements (as listed in the PD) that provides appropriate job-related evidence that an applicant possesses the minimum required qualifications necessary to be successful in the position.

• Valid Driver’s License
• Successful completion of annual moderate pack test. Prior to being hired, applicant will be given a single opportunity to take and successfully complete a supervised moderate pack test at a date and location to be announced. Pack test requires applicant to complete a two mile walk while carrying 25 pounds in under 30 minutes.

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:

$3,333.34 month/$40,000 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:

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.

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 ).

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:

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.Candidatesrequiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must contact the DEP Human Resources (HR) Office at [phone]. 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.

Location:

SARASOTA, FL, US, 34231 SARASOTA, FL, US, 34232 SARASOTA, FL, US, 34234 SARASOTA, FL, US, 34237 SARASOTA, FL, US, 34240 SARASOTA, FL, US, 34236 SARASOTA, FL, US, 34243 SARASOTA, FL, US, 34239 SARASOTA, FL, US, 34233 SARASOTA, FL, US, 34241 SARASOTA, FL, US, 34285 BRADENTON, FL, US, 34203 BRADENTON, FL, US, 34208 BRADENTON, FL, US, 34211 BRADENTON, FL, US, 33870 BRADENTON, FL, US, 34205 VENICE, FL, US, 34285 VENICE, FL, US, 34293 VENICE, FL, US, 34292

Nearest Major Market: Sarasota
Nearest Secondary Market: Tampa

For assistance, call the People First Service Center at [phone] Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern time. Pursuant to Florida Law, 110.211 F. S., the State of Florida is an EEO employer.