OPS PARK RANGER - 37970588

State of Florida • LAKELAND, FL

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is hiring an OPS Park Ranger at Colt Creek State Park in Lakeland, Florida. The role requires strong visitor-service and administrative skills, the ability to work independently, and the ability to perform varied skilled-trade tasks using tools and equipment. The ranger works rotating shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

The position supports visitor services, resource management, park maintenance, administration, and protection. Duties include providing information and directions to visitors; helping protect natural, cultural, historic, and archaeological resources; maintaining facilities, grounds, and equipment; preparing reports and handling transactions; and conducting patrols and security checks while enforcing park rules. The position also involves outdoor work in inclement weather and physical labor.

The position pays $15 per hour. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a background and fingerprint check are required. This is designated as a Position of Special Trust and requires background screening.

Requirements

• Valid driver’s license.
• Successful completion of a background and fingerprint check.
• Knowledge of Florida’s natural and cultural resources and good public relations.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing and prepare reports accurately.
• Ability to interact professionally, tactfully, and courteously with internal and external customers and the public.
• Skill in cleaning park facilities and performing grounds and building maintenance, including mowing, weed eating, pressure washing, and painting.
• Skill in using power tools, including chainsaws and drills.
• Basic plumbing skills, including hose-bib and waterline repair.
• Basic electrical skills, including replacing outlets and circuit breakers.
• Ability to maintain gas-powered lawn, farm, and marine equipment.
• Basic carpentry skills, including boardwalk and fence repairs.
• Ability to use computers and software such as Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to participate in resource-management tasks, including prescribed-fire activities and non-native plant removal that may involve herbicide application.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions, work independently with minimal supervision, and establish effective working relationships.
• Ability to speak in public and understand and apply rules, directives, policies, laws, and regulations.
• Ability to conduct routine inspections and identify and investigate problems.
• Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather and perform physical labor.
• Ability to lift 40 pounds and assist with transporting items or supplies weighing 100 pounds or more.
• Ability to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to properly wear the uniform and comply with hair-grooming standards and restrictions on body art and piercings.

Responsibilities

• Explain park facilities and services; answer visitor questions and provide accurate information and directions.
• Address visitor complaints while maintaining positive public relations.
• Observe, maintain, and protect the park’s natural, cultural, historic, and archaeological resources.
• Assist with species control using natural and chemical methods, and participate in resource-management activities such as prescribed fire and non-native plant removal.
• Maintain park structures, facilities, equipment, and grounds through routine, preventive, and corrective maintenance.
• Inspect facilities and grounds, maintain cleanliness, and clean restrooms and park areas as directed.
• Prepare forms and reports; answer telephones; operate park radios, computers, and office equipment.
• Collect fees, operate point-of-sale equipment, reconcile receipts, and maintain security of cash funds.
• Order, sell, and inventory resale merchandise.
• Conduct routine patrols and security checks, follow the Park Protection Plan, and open or secure facilities as appropriate.
• Interpret and enforce park rules concerning resources, facilities, and visitor use.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Benefits

• State group insurance for eligible OPS employees, subject to eligibility requirements.
• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax-deferred retirement savings plan).
• Flexible Spending Accounts.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed