OPS AMERICORPS PARK RANGER - 37979162

Requisition No: 819636 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS AMERICORPS PARK RANGER - 37979162

 Pay Plan: AmeriCorps

Position Number: 37979162 

Salary:  Monthly Living Stipend: $1,600.00 

Posting Closing Date: 01/10/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

OPS AMERICORPS PARK RANGER 

State of Florida 

Department of Environmental Protection 

 

 

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 land. The vision of DEP is to create strong community partnerships, safeguard Florida’s natural resources and enhance its ecosystem.   

 

The mission of the Florida Conservation Corps is to develop natural and cultural resource leaders by connecting them to areas of critical need in conservation, preservation, interpretation and resource based recreation.  

 

The Work You Will Do: 

The Florida Conservation Corps (FLCC) AmeriCorps program is a 25-year-old program administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Florida Park Service with members serving at state parks throughout Florida.  

 

Members help to reduce invasive exotic plant infestations through various land management techniques but also educate park visitors and surrounding communities through outreach and interpretation, as well as recruit volunteers to support their exotic plant management endeavors. FLCC AmeriCorps members for this position will report daily to onsite park management, and submit service data to FLCC staff based in Gainesville, FL   

Members are required to serve 1,700 hours between February 2024 – December 31, 2024. This equates to approximately 35 – 40 hours per week.  

 

Project R.O.A.R. members are placed regionally throughout Florida and work directly with DEP staff to identify parks in need of volunteer recruitment and outreach. Members may create outreach material, while learning to navigate and manage DEP volunteer tracking systems. In addition, these members work with FLCC’s other project areas to assist members with volunteer and outreach goals. 

 

To find out more about AmeriCorps, National Service, and the program 

 you can visit:  

 

https://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps/what-americorps  

https://www.floridastateparks.org/FLCC  

 

What you can expect from your service 

 

• Professional development  

• Introduction to federal and state policy and guidelines  

• Experience entering data and retrieving reports for progress tracking   

• Organize and/or participate in strike teams and service projects  

• Network and build relationships with natural resource professionals   

• Volunteer Recruitment  

• Work with park staff to identify volunteer needs 

• Recruit volunteers locally to support program and park objectives 

• Network and build relationships with volunteers  

• Community Outreach  

• Flyer and graphic design and development  

• Opportunity to recruit volunteers and lead volunteer projects  

• Table at community events  

• Interact and educate park visitors  

• Participate in disaster response recovery efforts  

 

 

 

The Difference You Will Make: 

This position will directly impact the Florida State Parks by working toward improvement of natural communities, volunteer recruitment, education, and trail enhancement.  

 

How You Will Grow: 

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:  

Ichetucknee Springs State Park 

 

Traveling the pristine waters of the Ichetucknee River is the perfect outing, whether you’re looking for a vigorous adventure or a relaxing day on the water. 

 

Although well-known for its warm weather tubing, Ichetucknee Springs State Park is a 2,669-acre wildlife haven where beaver, otter, gar, softshell turtle, wild turkey, wood duck and limpkin all find a home. The main draw is the park’s eight major crystal-clear springs that join to create the 6-mile Ichetucknee River. 

 

The upper portion within the state park is a National Natural Landmark, perhaps the most pristine spring run in the state and best enjoyed by canoe or kayak during the cooler months. 

 

Three nature trails guide visitors through the lush park forest or a majestic sandhill environment with towering longleaf pines. 

 

 

The Benefits of Working for the Florida Conservation Corps AmeriCorps Program:  

 

• Loan deferment  

• $6,895.00 Education award after the completion of service  

• Monthly Living Stipend: $1,600.00  

• No cost insurance premium (deductibles still required)   

• Access to Member Assistance Program  

• Free access to all 175 state parks  

 

Pay: 

Monthly Living Stipend: $1,600.00 

 

Your Specific Responsibilities: 

 

• Table at park and community events 

• Contact and recruit potential volunteers 

• Serve 1,700 hours before December 31st 

• Assist with outreach goals as assigned 

• Complete monthly timesheet 

• Complete quarterly report  

• Complete required training 

• Create interpretive programs 

• Attend mandatory FLCC events 

 

 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

 

KNOWLEDGE OF: 

• Florida ecosystems and resource management techniques 

• Recreation principles  

• Volunteer recruitment and outreach principles 

 

SKILL IN: 

• communicating effectively verbally and in writing 

• utilizing a computer including, but not limited to software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite  

ABILITY TO: 

• attend In-person orientation March 11th-15th 2024 

• complete 1,700 hours between February 5th – December 31st, 2024 

• successfully complete background and fingerprint check 

• accurately prepare reports 

• interact with all internal and external customers and the general public in a professional, tactful, and courteous manner 

• utilize a computer including, but not limited to software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite  

• participate in resource management tasks, including but not limited to non-native plant removal which may include application of herbicide 

• follow verbal and written instructions/directions 

• establish and maintain effective working relationships 

• work outdoors in inclement weather 

• perform physical labor 

• lift 40 pounds and assist in transporting items or other supplies 100 pounds or more 

• properly wear uniform  

 

Other Job-Related Requirements for this position:  

• Must successfully pass background check 

 

This position is designated as a Position of Special Trust in accordance with DEP-422 (Positions of Special Trust or Responsibility). Any applicant being considered for employment must successfully complete a Level 2 State and National criminal history check as a condition of employment before beginning employment, and also be screened in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 435, F.S.  No applicant may begin employment until the background screening results are received, reviewed for any disqualifying offenses, and approved by the Agency.   

                                                                                            

DEP is committed to successfully recruiting and onboarding talented and skilled individuals into its workforce. We recognize the extensive training, experience, and transferrable skills that veterans and individuals with disabilities bring to the workforce. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact our recruiter for guidance and answers to questions through the following email addresses: 

 

HR_VeteransPreference@dep.state.fl.us 

HR_Recruitment@FloridaDEP.gov 

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.