PARK RANGER - 37000757

Requisition No: 835574 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: PARK RANGER - 37000757

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37000757 

Salary:  $33,760.00 

Posting Closing Date: 08/29/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

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 advance Florida’s position as a world leader in protecting natural resources while growing the state’s economy. 

 

The Work You Will Do:

PARK RANGER 37000757 (non-resident)

 

Hugh Taylor Birch 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 administrative skills, be able to work independently and have the ability to 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.  

 

SUPERVISOR
Eric Kiefer, Assistant Park Manager, 954-468-2791

 

The Difference You Will Make:

Florida state parks are managed and preserved for enjoyment by all through providing appropriate resource-based recreational opportunities, interpretation and education that help visitors connect to the Real Florida. 

 

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:

HUGH TAYLOR BIRCH STATE PARK
3109 East Sunrise Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304

 

Fort Lauderdale’s “Central Park” was gifted to the city by Hugh Taylor Birch, for whom the urban oasis is named.

 

The ocean-side city of Fort Lauderdale has a population density of 4,761 people per square mile. These residents are fortunate to have their own slice of wilderness amid the highly developed Miami metro area.

 

Hugh Taylor Birch is the city’s own "Central Park," complete with gopher tortoises and boat access from the intracoastal waterway. It’s easy to see why Hugh Taylor Birch wanted to preserve his estate for future generations to enjoy — it’s an oasis perfect for relaxation and exercise.

 

The park is a vibrant center for the community of Fort Lauderdale, and residents take pleasure in activities from inline skating to reading under the shade of palms and oaks.

 

Picnic areas overlook the channel; pavilions with water and electricity are available for rental. A group/youth campground is available to organized groups.

 

The Terramar Visitor Center features displays regarding the area's natural and cultural history.

 

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 employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits;
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year;
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options;
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions (For more information, please click www.myfrs.com);
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Tuition waivers;
• And more!

For a more complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.

 

Pay:

Base salary $2,813.33 plus $95.33 Competitive Area Differential monthly/$33,760.00 annually

 

Your Specific Responsibilities:

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.  In carrying out the duties of this position, the incumbent is expected at all times to be aware of and abide by the Department’s Standards of Conduct, as well as any and all departmental and/or work unit rules, directives, policies, procedures, and/or general orders applicable to performing the duties of this position.

 

MAINTENANCE - Maintains park structures, facilities, equipment and grounds through routine, preventive, and corrective maintenance practices. Conducts routine inspections to ensure proper maintenance standards are met. Maintains cleanliness of grounds and facilities. Read and follow all labels on all chemicals, etc.  Clean and service all tools, vehicles and equipment at shift end.  Notify a supervisor immediately when a piece of equipment needs repair, service and/or is missing.  Perform minor repairs in the areas of carpentry, plumbing, and electrical.  Construct maintain and repair buildings, fences, trails, service roads, fire lanes, boardwalks, campsites, picnic sites, picnic tables and all other facilities.  Return and secure all tools, equipment and vehicles.

 

VISITOR SERVICES – Explains facilities and services provided for public use, enjoyment and education; meets visitors, answers questions, provides information and directions in an accurate and professional manner.  Attempts to resolve visitor complaints while maintaining good public relations.  Provides natural and cultural history interpretive programs and services via presentations, walks and other programs and unit specific services as directed.

 

ADMINISTRATION – Collect applicable park fees.  Balance cash receipts and reconcile ticket and register sales.  Prepare deposits of daily receipts.  Handle and account for all monetary transactions.  Operate Point of Sale system, credit card machine, calculator and other office equipment. Answers telephone and operates park radio. Maintain all reservation systems.  Make requests for re-supply.  Comply with administrative policies and procedures.  Maintain park bank and inventories at the close of shift. Answers correspondence and maintains park files. Prepares forms and reports on a wide range of subjects including visitation, vehicle usage, purchase requests and accidents.  Conducts purchasing and fiscal activities in compliance with established procedures. 

 

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT – Recognizes biological communities and the natural processes required for their maintenance. Learn, understand and be able to explain the Department’s Resource Management Goals and Philosophies.  Participate in the park’s exotic removal program.  Conduct regular plant surveys of your zone in order to track the growth and removal of exotics.  Report all findings in writing to a supervisor.  Report in writing all observations of natural, cultural, flora and/or fauna that appear unusual or new. Observes, maintains and protects the natural, cultural, historic and archaeological resources of the park.  Implements vegetation and wildlife management plans, maintains optimum species control via natural and chemical means.  Implements site restoration projects such as reforestation and erosion control.  Implements water resources management plans.  Collects and records resource management data.

 

PROTECTION - Be responsible for cash fund security.  Performs routine patrols and security checks; ensures adherence to the Park Protection Plan.  Opens and/or secures park facilities as appropriate. Secures park vehicles, tools and equipment as appropriate. Interprets and enforces park rules pertaining to all natural and cultural resources and facilities and use thereof for the safety and enjoyment of the visitor.  Document incidents on Incident Report.  Report incidents to a supervisor immediately.  Provide interpretive information and relate the need to protect the flora and fauna of Florida.  Provide emergency assistance when necessary.

 

Perform related work duties as required.

 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

 KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Florida’s natural and cultural resources
• basic arithmetic
• good public relations

 

SKILL IN:

• communicating effectively verbally and in writing
• operating a cash register and reconciling receipts
• accurately preparing reports
• interacting with all internal and external customers and the general public in a professional, tactful and courteous manner
• performing grounds and building maintenance including, but not limited to, mowing, weed eating, pressure washing, and painting
• utilizing power tools, including but not limited to, chain saws and drills
• basic plumbing, including but not limited to, repairing hose bibs, waterline repair
• basic electrical work, including but not limited to, replacing outlets and circuit breakers
• basic carpentry, including but not limited to, boardwalk and fence repairs
• utilize a computer including, but not limited to, software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite

 

ABILITY TO:

• 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
• work independently with minimal supervision
• establish and maintain effective working relationships
• speak in public
• understand and apply rules, directives, policies, laws and regulations
• conduct routine inspections, identify and investigate problems
• clean park facilities, including but not limited to, cleaning restrooms and picking up trash
• work outdoors in inclement weather
• perform physical labor
• lift 40 pounds and assist in transporting items or other supplies 100 pounds or more
• work rotating shifts including nights, weekends and holidays
• successfully complete ranger academy
• successfully complete background and fingerprint check
• maintain a valid driver license
• properly wear uniform

• comply with male and female hair grooming standards and boy art and piercing restrictions

 

 Other Job Related Requirements for this position: 

• Valid driver license
• Successful completion of ranger academy

POSITION OF SPECIAL TRUST REQUIREMENT:

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.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE.  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement. 

Salary : $33,760