Park Services Specialist

Working Title:

PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST -

Requisition No:879581

An opportunity is anticipated for a self‑motivated, hard‑working team player, with strong resource management, visitor services, protection, and maintenance experience to fill a Park Service Specialist position at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park 25 miles northwest of Okeechobee, Florida. This preserve protects the largest remaining stretch of Florida dry prairie, home to an array of endangered plants and animals.

The park offers excellent seasonal birding opportunities and is home to the endangered Florida grasshopper sparrow, as well as the Crested Caracara and Sand‑Hill Crane. Over 110 miles of dirt roads allow hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians to explore prairies, wetlands, and shady hammocks. Ranger‑led buggy tours take visitors to remote areas of the park.

This position is responsible for establishing and maintaining resource management activities; for providing visitor education and services; for maintaining and improving operations and facilities; and for establishing and maintaining good public and volunteer relations.

Participates in planning and conducting of resource management activities by implementing resource management techniques required in managing and restoring natural communities, which includes but is not limited to participating in prescribed burning.

Assists with the assessing, planning and implementation of maintaining and improving park operations and facilities.

Provide research planning, coordination and conducts the interpretation of the natural and cultural resources within the park, including but not limited to guided walks, campfire programs, tours, recreation skills programs and special events.

Performs other related park duties as required including but not limited to visitor services such as checking in of campers, sale of merchandise, disseminate information, and provide assistance to campers.

Plans and conducts community outreach activities to expand public understanding of the Florida Park Service resource management and protection objectives. Represents the park and Florida Park Service to outside agencies and organizations, disseminating information and promoting outdoor recreational opportunities provided by the park.

Assists in designing and organizing volunteer recruitment for service programs and special events. Monitors and defines suitable park volunteer needs. Plans and conducts volunteer orientation and training sessions. Plans, organizes and conducts in‑service training programs to meet the needs of the park's employees.

Researches the history of this facility, both cultural and natural, and develops plans for restoration and implementation. Advises on the preservation, restoration, and appearance of historical and archeological sites.

Performs related work as required.

Knowledge of: Florida ecosystems and resource management techniques required to manage and or restore natural communities; cultural resource preservation and restoration techniques; effective verbal and written communication principles and techniques; facility repairs and improvements.

Skilled in: carpentry to be able to carry out facility repairs and improvements and cultural resource preservation and restoration.

Ability to: participate in prescribed burning; research, plan, prepare and effectively present educational and interpretive programs; operate an airboat; tractors, ATVs and 4x4 vehicles operate personal computers: successfully meet position‑specific DRP Burn Standards for Prescribed Fire

• Valid Driver's License
• Successfully complete background/fingerprint check
• Successfully complete Pack Test

Passing of moderate pack test must be completed prior to employment, and annually thereafter complete light pack test. Prior to being hired, applicants will be given a single opportunity to take and successfully complete a supervised moderate pack test at a date and location to be announced. The pack test requires applicant to complete a two‑mile walk while carrying 25 pounds in under 30 minutes.

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