Ops Park Ranger

Position: OPS PARK RANGER - 37970606

Requisition No:882466

Working Title:

OPS PARK RANGER -

This position is located in Silver Springs, FL

Closing Date: 09.04.2026

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

Silver Springs State Park is looking for a self-motivated park service professional to fill an OPS Park Ranger (Spray Tech) position, providing resource management technician functions along with administrative and maintenance tasks. The applicant must be able to work rotating shifts including evenings, weekends and holidays. This position currently runs from 09/01/2026 to 06/30/2027 with possible extension.

DUTIES 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.

This is moderately independent work providing Resource Management, Maintenance, Administration and Protection of Silver Springs State Park.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT–Primarily works to accomplish annual exotic plant management goals through survey and removal of non-native plant species by chemical and/or mechanical means. Other resource management duties may include, but are not limited to, data collection and implementation of resource management objectives.
MAINTENANCE
– Performs preventative and corrective maintenance on all equipment and assigned vehicles daily. Communicates equipment maintenance needs to management.
ADMINISTRATION–Tracks daily progress on data sheets and enters into database. This will include the accurate reporting of resource management data as well as hours worked, and tasks completed.
OTHER
–Performs other related duties as required. Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge:

Florida natural communities, including both native and exotic plants; land management techniques used to control invasive exotic species; the terminology, principles, and analytical techniques of the physical and natural sciences.

Skills:

Skill in the operation of Global Positioning Systems (GPS), MS office, and Adobe Software.

Familiarity with tools and equipment used in natural resource survey (e.g. Avenza maps and othersurvey applications) and invasive plant control, including hand, power/ gas tools, herbicidesprayers, and all-wheel drive equipment.

Abilities:

Ability to perform assigned field work despite excessive heat, cold, biting insects, and other adverse environmental conditions. Ability to carry heavy backpacks while traversing uneven terrain. Ability to work as a team member or independently. Ability to maintain a valid driver’s license. Ability to work rotating shifts.

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:

$17 per hour

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: SILVER SPRINGS STATE PARK

1425 N.E. 58th Avenue

Ocala, FL 34470

Located in the Central Florida city of Ocala, Silver Springs State Park is considered one of America’s largest and best loved springs. The parks’ main spring is surrounded by serene gardens and historic structures reminiscent of the days when Silver Springs was a major destination for Northerners arriving by steamship!

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 eligible OPS…