PARK RANGER - 37002218 1

State of Florida • Alachua, FL

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This is moderately independent work providing visitor services, resource management, maintenance, administration, and protection of Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park. This position is assigned to the wildlife care operation of the park.

VISITOR SERVICES - Explains facilities and services provided for public use, enjoyment, and education; meets visitors, answers questions, provides information and directions. Attempts to resolve visitor complaints while maintaining good public relations. Provides natural and cultural history interpretive programs and unit specific services via boat/tram tours, guided walks, and lecture programs. Provides visitor services in conjunction with other parks staff and volunteers.

MAINTENANCE - Maintain 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.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT - Recognizes biological communities and the natural processes required for their maintenance. Observes, maintains, and protects the natural, cultural, historic, and archaeological resources of the park. Implements vegetation and wildlife management plans; recognizes communities and maintains optimum species control via natural and chemical means. Implements site restoration projects. Collects and records resource management data.

ADMINISTRATION - Prepares forms and reports on a wide range of subjects including visitation, vehicle usage, purchase requests and accidents. Answer’s telephone operates park radio, computer, and various office equipment. Conducts purchasing and fiscal activities in compliance with established procedures. Collects fees, performs cash register transactions, and reconciles receipts. Orders, sells, and inventories resale merchandise. Answer’s correspondence and maintains park files.

PROTECTION - Performs routine patrols and security checks; ensures adherence to the Park Protection Plan. Opens and/or secures park facilities 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. Responsible for security of cash fund.

Performs other related duties as required.

Requirements

• Knowledge of Florida’s natural and cultural resources
• Knowledge of basic arithmetic
• Knowledge of good public relations
• Knowledge of working with sick/injured wildlife
• Knowledge of general maintenance and mechanical techniques and repairs
• Skill in communicating effectively verbally and in writing
• Skill in operating a cash register and reconciling receipts
• Skill in accurately preparing reports
• Skill in interacting with all internal and external customers and the general public in a professional, tactful and courteous manner
• Skill in performing grounds and building maintenance which includes but is not limited to mowing, weed eating, pressure washing, and painting
• Skill in utilizing power tools, including but not limited to, chain saws and drills
• Skill in basic plumbing, including but not limited to, repairing hose bibs, waterline repair
• Skill in basic electrical work, including but not limited to, replacing outlets and circuit breakers
• Skill in basic carpentry, including but not limited to, boardwalk and fence repairs
• Skill in utilizing 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, prescribed fire activities, non-native plant removal which may include application of herbicide
• Ability to perform animal husbandry for resident Wildlife (Class I, II and III)
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions/directions
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to speak in public
• Ability to understand and apply rules, directives, policies, laws and regulations
• Ability to conduct routine inspections, identify and investigate problems
• Ability to clean park facilities, including but not limited to, cleaning restrooms and picking up trash
• Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather, including but not limited to heat, cold, wind, rain, high humidity and sunlight
• Ability to work with exposure to insects, dangerous animals, snakes
• Ability to work in an environment with animal waste and the potential for zoonotic diseases
• Ability to perform physical labor
• Ability to lift 50 pounds and assist in transporting animals, items or other supplies 100 pounds or more
• Ability to conduct interpretive programs on a daily basis
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple priorities
• Ability to operate boats and trams/trucks
• Ability to provide visitor assistance services
• Ability to operate two-way radio
• Ability to properly wear uniform
• Valid Driver’s License
• Completion of Ranger Academy
• Take and pass CPR and First Aid certification within 6 months of employment

Responsibilities

• Provide visitor services, resource management, maintenance, administration, and protection of Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park.
• Explain facilities and services provided for public use, enjoyment, and education.
• Meet visitors, answer questions, provide information and directions, and resolve visitor complaints.
• Provide natural and cultural history interpretive programs and unit-specific services via boat/tram tours, guided walks, and lecture programs.
• Maintain park structures, facilities, equipment, and grounds through routine, preventive, and corrective maintenance practices.
• Conduct routine inspections to ensure proper maintenance standards are met.
• Maintain cleanliness of grounds and facilities.
• Recognize biological communities and the natural processes required for their maintenance.
• Observe, maintain, and protect the natural, cultural, historic, and archaeological resources of the park.
• Implement vegetation and wildlife management plans.
• Implement site restoration projects.
• Collect and record resource management data.
• Prepare forms and reports on a wide range of subjects including visitation, vehicle usage, purchase requests, and accidents.
• Answer telephone, operate park radio, computer, and various office equipment.
• Conduct purchasing and fiscal activities in compliance with established procedures.
• Collect fees, perform cash register transactions, and reconcile receipts.
• Order, sell, and inventory resale merchandise.
• Answer correspondence and maintain park files.
• Perform routine patrols and security checks.
• Ensure adherence to the Park Protection Plan.
• Open and/or secure park facilities as appropriate.
• Interpret and enforce park rules pertaining to all natural and cultural resources and facilities.
• Responsible for security of cash fund.

Benefits

• 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
• Tuition waivers

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed