PARK RANGER - 37001297 1

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

Job summary

Florida Department of Environmental Protection in Big Pine Key seeks a Park Ranger to explain facilities and services to visitors, resolve inquiries, and help maintain park infrastructure. The role involves guest interactions, fee collection, and safety oversight.

The position covers maintenance of trails, boats and park grounds, with requires Ranger Academy completion, valid driver’s license, and ability to work rotating shifts, including nights and weekends.

Qualifications

• Completion of Ranger Academy is required.
• Valid driver’s license is required.
• Background/fingerprint check required.

Responsibilities

• Explain park facilities and services to visitors and resolve inquiries.
• Maintain and repair park facilities and equipment.
• Operate cash registers and collect entry fees.

Skills

Perform inspections

Identify problems

Facilities maintenance

Motor vehicle operation

Effective communication

Report writing

Teamwork

Watercraft operation

Education

Completion of Ranger Academy

Valid driver’s license

Job description

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

This position is located in [Big Pine Key], FL

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.

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 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


• 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

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

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:

36850 Overseas Hwy

Henry Flagler’s bold effort to build a railroad to Key West in the early 1900s turned the remote island of Bahia Honda Key into a tropical destination. Along withits iconic Florida scenery — palm-lined beaches, gin-clear waters and magnificent sunsets. The park is an excellent place to observe wading birds and shorebirds, and introduces nature lovers to the island’s plants and animals. Kayaks and snorkeling gear can be rented, and boat trips to the reef for snorkeling excursions are available. Park amenities include three campgrounds with eighty campsites, 6 cabins and overnight marina docking.

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 );

Special Notes:

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.

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.

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.