PARK RANGER - 37000723

Requisition No: 870782

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: PARK RANGER - 37000723

Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37000723

Salary:  $34,760.00

Posting Closing Date: 03/09/2026

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

#37000723 PARK RANGER:

State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection This position is located in Big Pine Key, Florida

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.  In carrying out the duties of this position, the incumbent is expected at all times to be aware of and abide by the Department’s Standards of Conduct, as well as any and all departmental and/or work unit rules, directives, policies, procedures, and/or general orders applicable to performing the duties of this position.

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.  Provides natural and cultural history interpretive programs and services via tours, walks and campfire programs.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT:

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

MAINTENANCE:

Constructs, maintains and repairs small buildings, fences, trails, service roads, 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, ATVs, motor vehicles up to 2-ton class hauling debris, fill, etc.

ADMINISTRATION:

Uses computer software programs to prepare forms and reports on a wide range of subjects, including but not limited to:   fees, receipts, visitor use, visitor contacts, patrols, wildlife sightings and populations counts, accidents, crisis and miscellaneous incidents, vehicle, boat and equipment operations, property records, purchase orders and requisitions, etc.  Performs computer and cash register transactions.  Answers telephone, operates radio equipment, registers campers through Reserve America software 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.

• Performs related work as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

computers including Word and Excel software carpentry, electrical and mechanical repairs and general maintenance of facilities and equipment resource management techniques and ability to participate in all aspects of resource management

KNOWLEDGE OF AND ABILITY TO:

• perform routine inspections
• identify and investigate problems and maintain facilities and equipment
• handle computer and cash register transactions and reconciliation of receipts

SKILL IN:

using various handle tools, small engines and power tools operation of vehicles

ABILITY TO:

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

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 various environmental and cultural history interpretive programs and services
• handle money and balance cash receipts

learn two-way radio communication equipment

Minimum Qualifications:

Valid Driver’s License

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 plus $95.33 Competitive Area Differential monthly/$34,760.00 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:

BAHIA HONDA STATE PARK:

36850 Overseas Highway Big Pine Key, Florida 33043

#37000723 PARK RANGER (non-resident)

Along with its iconic Florida Keys scenery, sandy beaches, gin-clear waters and magnificent sunsets, the park is known for balmy sea breezes that caress the shores year-round.

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 with its iconic Florida scenery — palm-lined beaches, gin-clear waters and magnificent sunsets — the park is known for balmy sea breezes that caress the shores year-round.

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.

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);

Flexible Spending Accounts; Tuition waivers; And more!

For a more 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.