Park Ranger - 37001053
State of FloridaRequisition No: 859605
Agency: Environmental Protection
Working Title: PARK RANGER - 37001053
Pay Plan: Career Service
Position Number: 37001053
Salary: $34,760.00
Posting Closing Date: 09/11/2025
Total Compensation Estimator Tool
PARK RANGER #37001053
State of Florida
Department of Environmental Protection
This position is located in Key West, 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.
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 displays.
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT - 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. Assists in the maintenance of marine resources and navigational aids. Maintains historical structure using DHR guidelines.
MAINTENANCE - Constructs, maintains and repairs small buildings, fences, trails, service roads, boardwalks, picnic sites, and all other necessary facilities. Maintains cleanliness of grounds and facilities. Operates a variety of equipment including chainsaws, lawn mowers, tractors and motor vehicles.
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. Collects fees for park admission and retail sales, balances cash drawer and makes deposits. Uses purchasing card and follows Department rules, policies and procedures.
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:
- Florida history
KNOWLEDGE OF AND ABILITY TO:
- perform routine inspections
- identify and investigate problems and maintain facilities and equipment
- prepare and keep accurate reports
KNOWLEDGE OF, SKILL IN AND ABILITY TO:
- perform house and grounds keeping duties and apply maintenance trades
SKILL IN AND ABILITY TO:
- perform basic electrical skills, including but not limited to, switching out a breaker or receptacle
- perform basic plumbing skills, including but not limited to, repairing hose bibs, irrigation systems or waterline repair
- perform basic mechanical skills, including but not limited to, oil changes or troubleshooting a fuel system
- perform basic equipment maintenance skills, including but not limited to, sharpen chainsaw or lawn mower blades or replacing lawn mower blades
- tactfully and effectively enforce rules, policies and procedures
- efficiently and accurately perform cash register transactions including cash handling and making correct change
- perform basic carpentry skills, including but not limited to, boardwalk or fence repairs
- perform basic building maintenance, including but not limited to, painting or changing air filters
- utilize a computer and software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite
- perform basic facilities maintenance skills, including but not limited to, cleaning public restrooms, trash and litter removal or beach cleanup
- perform physical labor utilizing power/electrical/gas tools and equipment, including but not limited to, lawn mowers, weed eaters and hedge trimmers
- perform public speaking to small or large groups
SKILL IN:
- operating cash registers and point of sale computer systems
- operating trucks, tractors, vehicles up to 2-ton level
- operating mowers, chainsaws, standard power and manual tools
ABILITY TO:
- communicate verbally and in writing
- deal with people and maintain good public relations
- enforce rules and regulations
- develop and conduct interpretive programs
- work rotating shifts including nights, holidays and weekends
- maintain a valid driver’s license
- follow verbal and written instructions
- establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
- deal with visitor inquiries in a tactful, efficient and courteous manner
- understand and apply rules, directives, policies, laws and regulations
- handle money and balance cash receipts
- lift 40 pounds
- work outside in extreme conditions, including but not limited to, heat, cold, wind, rain, etc., as well as continuously work outdoors in conditions of extremely high humidity, heat, sunlight and exposure to insects, snakes, etc.
- participate in resource management activities, including but not limited to, reforestation, or non-native plant and/or animal removal
Minimum Qualifications:
- Valid Driver’s License
- Successful 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:
$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:
FORT ZACHARY TAYLOR HISTORIC STATE PARK
601 Howard England Way
Key West, Florida 33040
#37001053 PARK RANGER (non-resident)
SUPERVISOR
Matthew Meehan, 305-292-6713
A true one-of-a-kind experience, visiting Fort Taylor not only provides a magnificent natural setting to bird-watch or swim but also to immerse yourself in history.
On the southern edge of Key West, Fort Taylor predates the Civil War and is a National Historic Monument housing the largest cache of Civil War armament in the world. Beyond its historical importance, the park is the southernmost state park in the continental United States.
Walk the red-brick corridors of Fort Zachary Taylor, past cannon and gun ports, and history becomes more real than books and photos can depict. One better grasps how soldiers lived as they defended the nation’s southeastern coastline.
Tour guides and interpretive panels explain how the fort played important roles in the Civil War and Spanish-American War.
History is front and center the third weekend of each month as local re-enactors conduct historic demonstrations.
The park also boasts Key West’s favorite beach, located at the southern end of the park, providing opportunities for picnicking, swimming, snorkeling, paddling and fishing.
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
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.