Ops Staff Assistant

Requisition No: 867424

Working Title:

OPS STAFF ASSISTANT -

This position is located in Jacksonville, FL

This is an excellent opportunity for a self‑motivated, hard‑working team player with strong resource management, visitor services, protection and maintenance experience seeking a challenging and rewarding position as a non‑resident OPS Staff Assistant at one of Florida's most dynamic state parks. The selected employee will be immersed in the operation of the Talbot Islands State Parks, including:
Little Talbot Island State Park, Big Talbot Island State Park, Amelia Island State Park, George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park, Ft. George Island Cultural State Park, Yellow Bluff Fort State Park and Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park.

This position will focus primarily on the resource management and data collection for sea turtle patrol and shorebird monitoring, including volunteer management and recruitment through community outreach and building and directing a strong team of local volunteers to assist with these programs.

• Florida’s natural and cultural resources
• Basic arithmetic
• Good public relations
• Methods of data collection
• Work independently

• Developing and distributing all forms of outreach materials including brochures, flyers and guides using social media and direct contact
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing; prepare reports
• Notify the public of rules and regulations
• Prepare and keep accurate reports
• Operating & maintaining equipment such as UTV, 4x4 vehicles, canoes and kayaks

• Understand and apply rules, directives, policies, laws, and regulations
• Stand for long periods of time
• Work rotating shifts including nights, holidays and weekends
• Work outdoors in inclement weather
• Follow verbal and written instructions
• Perform other duties as required

Valid Driver’s License

At least 2 years of verifiable related experience in one of the physical or natural sciences.

$15.00 per hour

40 hours a week

Seasonal, February 1 – September 30, 2026

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.

Little Talbot Island State Parks

The Talbot Islands contain 6 barrier islands with miles of shoreline and the most pristine beaches in Northeast Florida; cultural resources with 5,000 to 7,000 years of continuous habitation representing all major periods of Florida history; an upland ecology with approximately 4,300 acres of fire dependent communities; listed species including colonial shorebirds, heron rookeries, sea turtles, and numerous listed plant species.

These wonderfully rich recreational areas provide opportunities in hiking and biking, overnight camping, fishing, bird watching, and many other activities that attract over 500,000 visitors a year.

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s benefits package for eligible OPS employees includes:

• Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements*).
• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan, for more information, please visit Corebridge Financial).

* Seasonal and part‑time OPS employees (less than 30 hours average per week) refer to the links above for detailed eligibility requirements.

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…