PARK RANGER - 37000532

Requisition No: 862448

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: PARK RANGER - 37000532

Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37000532

Salary:  $2,896.67/monthly

Posting Closing Date: 11/10/2025

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Park Ranger (37000532)

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

Open Competitive

This position is located in Milton, FL

Closing Date:  11/10/2025

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

Blackwater 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:

This is moderately independent work providing Visitor Services, Resource Management, Maintenance, Administration and Protection of Blackwater River State Park, Blackwater Heritage State Trail, and Yellow River Marsh Preserve State Park.  This position may also be utilized at other park units for various duties.

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, preventative, and corrective maintenance practices. Constructs, cleans, maintains, and repairs park grounds, facilities and equipment utilizing appropriate tools and equipment. Conduct 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 incidents. Answers telephone, operates computer and various office equipment. Conducts purchasing and fiscal activities in compliance with established procedures. Collects fees and reconciles receipts. Answers correspondence and maintains park files.

PROTECTION

Performs routine patrols and security checks; ensures adherence to the Park Protection Plan. Open 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 funds.

OTHER – 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

SKILL IN:

Communicating effectively verbally and in writing

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

Work independently with minimal supervision

Speak in public

Clean park facilities, including but not limited to, cleaning restrooms and pick up trash

Work outdoors in inclement weather

Follow verbal and written instructions

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others

Lift 50lbs and assist in lifting heavier objects 100lbs or more

Develop and conduct interpretative 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

Work rotating shifts including weekends and holidays

Minimum Qualifications:

Valid Driver’s License

Successfully complete Ranger Academy

Take and pass CPR and First Aid certification within 6 months of employment

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:

$2,896.67/monthly

$34,760.00/annually

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:

Blackwater River State Park

7720 Deaton Bridge RoadMilton FL 32583

Float under the pines on a pristine river and timeless shifting sands. Blackwater River boasts an incredible array of activities for the outdoor enthusiast, many centered around the park’s namesake waterway.

Canoeing, kayaking, camping and picnicking are popular activities in the park along with strolling along forested nature 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).

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:

HR_VeteransPreference@dep.state.fl.us

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 (850) 245-2511. 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. 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.