PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST - 37001351

Florida; Florida; On-site; USD 3,500 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) seeks a Park Services Specialist at Lake Louisa State Park in Clermont, FL. The role covers resource management, interpretation and protection, along with visitor services and park maintenance.

Responsibilities include coordinating restoration projects, conducting educational programs, and ensuring compliance with park policies. Salary reflects state employee compensation, with a monthly pay of $3,500 ($42,000 annually).

Qualifications

• Knowledge of resource preservation, restoration and resource management techniques.
• Skill in technical report writing and data analysis.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Responsibilities

• Resource Management: lead planning, coordination and implementation of restoration projects.
• Visitor Service: manage ranger station duties, POS, phones and visitor issues.
• Maintenance: support facilities, grounds, trails and equipment maintenance.
• Administration: procurement, bids, reports and tracking systems.

Skills

Resource preservation

Resource restoration

Technical report writing

Data analysis

Verbal communication

Written communication

Job description

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Requisition No:885630

Working Title: PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST - 37001351

An opportunity is anticipated for a self-motivated, hardworking individual, with strong facility management, visitor services, protection, and maintenance experience to fill a Park Service Specialist position at Lake Louisa State Park located a short drive from Orlando.

This is a semi-specialized position responsible for the resource management program at Lake Louisa State Park. The primary duty of this position includes but is not limited to natural systems management allowing for the preservation, interpretation and restoration of the parks natural and cultural resources.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Resource Management - Takes the lead role in planning, coordinating, and implementing all resource management and restoration projects within the park, including but not limited to all facets of prescribed burning, upland restoration, hydrological restoration, control of non-native invasive plants using mechanical and chemical means and animal species and monitoring populations of designated species such as eastern indigo snake, Sherman fox squirrel and gopher tortoise. Participate in the execution of all facets of prescribed fire including line prep, equipment maintenance, and planning. Act as the onsite coordinator for, and assign tasks to AmeriCorps members.

Visitor Service - Performs all morning and evening ranger station duties including using point of sale systems, answering phones, explaining facilities, and resolving visitor issues.

Maintenance - Assists with maintenance, repairs and improvements of all park facilities, grounds, support buildings, trails, firebreaks, fences, gates, roads, vehicles and equipment. Conducts routine inspections to ensure proper maintenance standards are met and identifies and prioritizes needs. Completes basic repair tasks and construction in all trade skills. Cleans restrooms and park areas as directed.

Administration - Abides by fiscal and purchasing guidelines. Acquires bids, quotes, and proposals for projects and equipment. Purchases of materials, tools, and equipment. Plans and leads work projects with employees, volunteers, and interns. Completes reports, timesheets, vehicle logs, P-Card purchasing, tracking sheets, wildlife sightings, invasive removal reports, etc. using a variety of computer applications.

Interpretation - Conducts educational and outreach activities to better acquaint the general public and resource users with the natural resources and resource protection needs of the park. Activities include conducting interpretive programs and field trips.

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.

Performs other park-related duties as required

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of resource preservation, restoration and resource management techniques; technical report writing; compiling, organizing and analyzing data.

Skill in producing photographs; preventative maintenance techniques and procedures; effective verbal and written communication principles and techniques; facility repairs and improvements.

Ability to: successfully meet position specific DRP Burn Standards for Prescribed fire, successfully complete ranger academy, maintain a valid driver’s license, maintain effective working relationships with others; perform basic computer-based assignments and operation; research, plan, prepare and effectively present educational and interpretive programs; operate various maintenance equipment, mowers, tractors, UTV’s and 4x4 vehicles

• Valid driver’s license
• Successful completion of background/fingerprint check
• Successful completion of modified Pack Test prior to employment

Passing of moderate pack test must be completed prior to employment, and annually thereafter complete a light pack test. Prior to being hired, applicants will be given a single opportunity to take and successfully complete a supervised moderate pack test at a date and location to be announced. The 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.

Additional reviews may be performed to screen for preferred qualifications, experience and education. You may be contacted to participate in an additional selection process which may consist of written exercises, work samples, skills tests, and interviews. Support for knowledge, skills, and abilities should be demonstrated on the application, in the education, in the work experience, in the work sample, in the interview and/or during reference checks.

Pay:

$3500.00 monthly/$42,000 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:

Lake Louisa State Park

7305 US Highway 27

Clermont, FL 34714

The natural theme park of Lake Louisa State Park showcases a diversity of wildlife, including deer, bobcat, gopher tortoises, fox squirrel and flighted creatures like bald eagles and osprey.

The park is home to 11 distinct natural plant communities and lies within the eastern boundary of the Green Swamp Area of Critical State Concern and the northern boundary of the Lake Wales Ridge.

The park’s three major lakes, Louisa, Hammondand Dixie, transformidle observers into active participants with opportunities for canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding. Bicycling is popular on the park’s sevenmiles of paved roads over rolling hills and on the 20 miles of unpaved multi-use trails.

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 to answer 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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.