PARK RANGER

PARK RANGER -

Eden Gardens State Park is looking for a self‑motivated park service professional to fill a Park Ranger position, providing visitor services, maintenance, protection, administration, and resource management. The applicant must possess good visitor service and maintenance skills, be able to work independently and can perform a variety of skilled trade functions using assorted equipment and tools. The applicant must be able to work rotating shifts including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

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.

VISITOR SERVICES – Explains facilities and services provided for public use, enjoyment, and education; meets visitors, answers questions, provides information and directions, and attempts to resolve visitor complaints while maintaining good public relations. Provides natural and cultural history interpretive programs and services via tours and walks.

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 data collection and implementation of resource management objectives.

MAINTENANCE – Maintains park structures, facilities, equipment and grounds through routine, preventative and corrective maintenance practices. Conducts routine inspections to ensure proper maintenance standards are met. Maintains cleanliness of grounds and facilities and cleans restrooms and park areas as directed.

ADMINISTRATION – Prepares forms and reports on a wide range of subjects. Answers telephone, operates radio equipment and maintains logs. Processes cash funds and performs computer/cash register transactions and reconciliation of receipts.

PROTECTION – Ensures adherence to the Park Protection Plan. Interprets park rules pertaining to all natural and cultural resources and facilities for the safety and enjoyment of the visitor.

OTHER – Performs other related duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Assorted power/gas tools and equipment to perform physical labor
• Computer and cash register transactions and reconciliation of receipts
• Good public relations and ability to deal with people effectively

SKILL IN:

• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing
• Operating a cash register and reconciling receipts
• Accurately preparing reports
• Performing grounds and building maintenance (mowing, weed eating, pressure washing, painting)
• Utilizing power tools (chain saws, drills)
• Basic plumbing (repairing hose bibs, waterline repair, irrigation system checks)
• Basic electrical work (replacing outlets and circuit breakers)
• Basic carpentry (boardwalk and fence repairs)
• Using computer software such as Microsoft Office Suite

ABILITY TO:

• Identify and investigate problems
• Understand and apply rules, directives, laws, regulations, and policies
• Prepare reports
• Perform a variety of skilled trade functions
• Conduct various environmental and cultural history interpretive programs and services
• Effectively communicate verbally and in writing
• Effectively work with others
• Open and close park gate and secure facilities
• Work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Maintain a valid driver’s license
• Successfully complete ranger academy
• Successfully complete a background and fingerprint check

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid Driver’s License
• Successful completion of Ranger Academy (One week, Orlando)

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.

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.…