Park Services Specialist

PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST -

This is moderately independent specialized work providing Visitor Services, Resource Management, Maintenance, Administration and Protection of Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park.

Visitor Services:
Explains facilities and services provided for public use, enjoyment, and education; meets visitors, answers questions, provides information and directions and enforces FPS dive policies. Attempts to resolve visitor complaints while maintaining good public relations. Provides natural and cultural history interpretive programs and services via tours, walks, and other means.

Administration:
Conducts revenue collection and reporting. Prepares forms and reports on a wide range of subjects including visitor use, visitor contacts, patrols, wildlife sighting and population counts, accidents, incidents, vehicle and equipment operations, property records, p-cards, purchase orders and requisitions, etc. Answers telephone, operates radio equipment, personal computer and maintains logs. Answers correspondence and maintains park files. Assists with volunteer and citizen support organization coordination.

Acts as liaison between park and District Park Programs Development Specialist.

Maintenance:
Construct, maintain and repair small buildings, fences, trails, service roads, fire lanes, boardwalks, picnic sites, tools and equipment and all other necessary facilities. Maintain cleanliness of grounds and facilities. Performs routine inspections to ensure proper maintenance standards are met.

Resource Management:
Participates in the execution of all facets of prescribed fire. Understands issues with non-native species and implements vegetation and wildfire management plans; recognizes communities and maintains optimum species control via natural, mechanical, and chemical means. Implements site restoration projects such as reforestation and erosion control. Implements water resource management plans. Collects and records resource management data.

Protection:
Performs routine patrols and ensures visitors safety and enjoyment by enforcing park rules pertaining to all natural, historical, and archaeological facilities and resources. Opens and/or secures park facilities as appropriate. The duties of this position require the incumbent to reside on the property.

Perform other related duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:
Methods and techniques used in repair and/or maintenance of park facilities, equipment, and grounds maintenance;
Administrative practices to include but not limited to daily and monthly reports, collection of park fees and purchasing policies and understanding of the principles of natural resource management and its application; FPS diving policies.

Skill in:
Using a variety of hand and power tools/equipment;
Maintenance of facilities and grounds;
The operation and use of various kinds of equipment including tractors, zero radius mower, etc.;
Using a state computer and associated software programs, e‑mail, internet, cash register and calculator.

Ability to:
Successfully meet position‑specific DRP Burn Standards;
Work independently while balancing a wide variety of responsibilities;
Perform a variety of skilled trade functions;
Communicate effectively verbally and in writing;
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others;
Perform physical labor using assorted power/gas tools and equipment;
Participate in resource management tasks, including but not limited to prescribed fire activities, non‑native plant removal which may include application of herbicide;
Train and coordinate volunteer & staff projects;
Accurately prepare reports;
Collect fees;
Understand and apply rules and regulations;
Identify and investigate problems;
Successfully complete ranger academy.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid Driver’s License
• Reside on park property
• Work rotating shifts including evenings, weekends and holidays
• Successful completion of annual moderate pack test

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…