PARK RANGER - 37000766

State of Florida; Key Largo (FL); On-site; USD 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Florida, Department of Environmental Protection, seeks a Park Ranger in Key Largo to support visitor services, information delivery, and safety enforcement at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. You will assist with interpretive programs, respond to visitor inquiries, and help maintain park facilities and equipment.

The role requires completing Ranger Academy, maintaining a valid driver’s license, and passing a background check; duties include patrols, safety enforcement, and public

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license is required.
• Completion of Ranger Academy is required.
• Background screening and fingerprint check will be conducted for this position.

Responsibilities

• Explains facilities and services to visitors and provides information and directions.
• Maintains and repairs park facilities and equipment; operates a variety of office and field devices.
• Enforces park rules and regulations and ensures public safety during tours and programs.
• Develops interpretive programs and conducts educational activities for visitors.
• Performs maintenance and safety duties including water-related tasks and equipment operation.

Skills

Routine inspections

Problem investigation

Motor vehicle operation

Education

Completion of Ranger Academy

Job description

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Key Largo, Florida

Anticipated Vacancy

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.

#37000766 PARK RANGER

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Key Largo, Florida

Anticipated Vacancy

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.

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. Collects fees for admission to facilities and tours. Provides natural and cultural history interpretive programs and services via guided tours, campfire programs and recreational skills programs. Operates a variety of office equipment including cash register, adding machine, credit card machine, computer, typewriter, etc.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Recognizes plant communities. Implements site restoration projects such as reforestation and erosion control. Implements water resources management plan. Implements vegetation and wildlife management plans, recognizes communities and maintains optimum species control via physical, natural and chemical means.

MAINTENANCE

Constructs, maintains and repairs small buildings, fences, trails, service roads, fire lanes, boardwalks, campsites, picnic sites, boat ramps, docks and all other necessary facilities. Maintains cleanliness of grounds and facilities. Operates a variety of equipment including chainsaws, lawn mowers, weed eaters, blowers, ATV's, motor vehicles up to 2 ton class hauling debris, fill, etc., including attending appropriate training to securing valid driver’s license and certificates. Maintains the physical ability to assist in transporting lumber, supplies, etc., equivalent to 50 pounds single and 100 pounds jointly. Maintain the underwater areas of the park.

ADMINISTRATION

Prepares forms and reports on a wide range of subjects including fees, receipts, visitor use, visitor contacts, patrols, wildlife sightings and population counts, accidents, crisis and miscellaneous incidents, vehicle, boat and equipment operations, property records, purchase orders and requisitions, etc. Answers telephone, operates radio equipment and maintains logs.

PROTECTION

Ensures park rules are enforced pertaining to all natural, historical and archaeological facilities and resources and use thereof for the enjoyment of the visitor.

May volunteer to dive.

Performs related work as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

KNOWLEDGE OF AND ABILITY TO

• perform routine inspections
• identify and investigate problems and maintain facilities and equipment

Skill In

• utilizing motor vehicles

Ability To

• successfully complete and maintain current certifications/trainings in: Open Water SCUBA certification, First Aid, CPR, Emergency Oxygen Administration and Blood Borne Pathogen Training
• successfully complete background and fingerprint check
• successfully complete ranger academy
• follow verbal and written instructions
• communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• prepare reports
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• perform physical labor utilizing power/electrical/gas tools and equipment in maintenance and repair work
• deal with visitor inquiries in a tactful, efficient and courteous manner
• understand and apply rules, directives, policies, laws and regulations
• work rotating shifts including nights, holidays and weekends
• develop and conduct interpretive programs
• maintain a valid driver license
• handle money and balance cash receipts
• work on and around water and safely operate boats of up to 30’ in length with outboard motor, in all types of conditions on a daily basis
• work on, in and under water

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license
• Completion of 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.

Applicable Job-Specific License Or Certifications

• Must be approved to SCUBA Dive in accordance with FDEP Diving Safety Manual, and DEP Underwater Manual
• Incumbent of this position will participate in the DEP Medical Monitoring Program for DEP divers

Pay

$3,333.34 plus $95.33 Competitive Area Differential Monthly/$40,000.00 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

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Mile Marker 102.5 Overseas Highway Key Largo, Florida 33037 SUPERVISOR: Bryan Abbott, Assistant Park Manager 305-676-3777 Key Largo’s John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is one of a kind, offering an amazing glimpse into the underwater world. Renowned for being the country’s first undersea park, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park encompasses an impressive 70 nautical square miles. While many visitors view the park’s colorful coral reefs and teeming marine life on a glass-bottom boat tour, one can get an even closer look by scuba diving or snorkeling. Canoeing and kayaking through the park's waters are popular activities; fishing is permitted in designated areas. Visitors can also enjoy walking on short trails through tropical hammocks, picnicking or swimming at the beach. The visitor center features several large saltwater aquariums filled with sea creatures, and nature videos are shown in its theater. Full-facility and youth/group campsites are available. Dive in to explore Florida’s Coral Reef at the park.

Benefits

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:

• 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: [e-mail] 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 [phone]. DEP requests applicants notify HR in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.