PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST - 37001837

State of Florida • DE LEON SPRINGS, FL

5d • Onsite

About The Position

An opportunity is anticipated for a self-motivated, hard-working team player, with strong resource management, visitor services, protection, and maintenance experience to fill a Park Service Specialist position at DeLeon Springs State Park.

Requirements

• Knowledge of Florida ecosystems and resource management techniques required to manage/restore natural communities; cultural resources preservation and restoration techniques; technical report writing and effective verbal and written communication principles and techniques; cultural resource preservation and restoration.
• Ability to research, plan, prepare, and effectively present educational and interpretive programs; compile, organize and analyze data, programs and proposed projects; operate personal computer, Successfully complete Ranger Academy; work rotating shifts including nights, weekends and holidays; produce and edit photographic images and work with multi-media.
• Valid Driver’s License
• Successfully complete background/fingerprint check

Responsibilities

• Communicates effectively both in writing and verbally. Collects, maintains and transmits various monthly and quarterly reports such as manpower augmentation report, interpretive tracking reports, etc. Formulate, track budget and operating expenses involving interpretive and community outreach and volunteer needs. Works closely with the park’s Citizen Support Organization overseeing their operations and assisting management in coordinating and ensuring the group’s compliance. Enters and submits flex schedule and work hours in People First in a timely manner. Utilize the DEP email system to provide additional communication. Performs a wide variety of other administrative tasks, as needed.
• Develops and coordinates a comprehensive Interpretive Services Program, including guided walks, nature talks, guided recreational activities, roving interpreters, curriculum-based programs, and community outreach programs & coordinates two special events per year. Evaluate existing interpretive programs to identify areas for improvement to more effectively promote natural and cultural resource stewardship. Coordinate staff and volunteer schedules to conduct interpretive programs on and off site as well as schedule private programs for diverse groups. Provide leadership through coaching and training of park staff and volunteers to develop, research and present original interpretive programs and non-personal displays and materials. Plan, develop, and write a variety of interpretive media, such as waysides, exhibits, self-guided tours, publications, social media, websites, articles, newsletters, and press releases to disseminate information about the park to the public, staff, and volunteers. Conceptualize and coordinate preparation of proposals and grant requests for interpretive project funding from partner agencies and grant sources if additional funding is desired for a project. Performs a wide variety of other interpretive and education-related tasks, as needed.
• Represents DeLeon Springs State Park and the Florida Park Service to outside agencies and organizations, disseminating information and promoting all opportunities provided by the park. Coordinates park staff and/or volunteers to provide presentations and/or attend local community organization meetings, special events, fairs and festivals to expand public understanding of the Florida Park Service and promote the park. Maintains and updates visitor information kiosks and other printed park materials throughout the park. Coordinate Parkwide events which feature interpretive events, tours, media events and volunteer workdays. Implement the park's communications plan which includes creating content for park websites, newsletters, social media, graphics, presentations, magazine articles, press releases, public service announcements, building relationships with reporters, conducting radio, TV and written interviews, and creating printed materials for diverse audiences. Serves as the park's information officer during media events. Books pavilions and special permit activities and maintains the park’s master calendar. Attempts to resolve visitor complaints while maintaining good public relations. Explain the facilities and services provided for public use, enjoyment and education; meet visitors, answers questions, provide information and directions, operate cash register/POS system when needed.
• Develops and coordinates a comprehensive volunteer program, including resident volunteers and local volunteers. Evaluate existing volunteer programs to identify areas for improvement to more effectively meet the park's management objectives. Monitors and defines suitable park volunteer needs and coordinates volunteer placement depending upon the park's management objectives. Develops and maintains volunteer job descriptions, procedural manuals, personnel records and evaluations. Plans and oversees all volunteer schedules. Maintains appropriate records, files and databases to track volunteers. Conducts all necessary correspondence to recruit, interview, train and place volunteers. Designs, plans and conducts volunteer meetings, training activities, workshops and volunteer orientation sessions. Track volunteer hours, prepare appropriate reports and coordinates awards programs. Ensure all required reports and documents are submitted in compliance with established schedules. Serves as liaison between volunteers and park administration. Assist park management in coordinating and overseeing Citizen Support Organization for the park.
• Knowledgeable of natural resource activities such as listed species management, recognize natural communities, exotic removal programs, wildlife monitoring and other related activities. Participates in the parks exotic control program; report results as required. Observes, maintains and protects the natural, cultural, historic and archaeological resources of the park. Researches the history of the park, both cultural and natural, and assists in developing plans for restoration, preservation and interpretation. Assists with imperiled species monitoring when needed. Artifacts & cultural resources management and inventory.
• Coordinate training of staff and volunteers to promote a safe work environment. Maintain and conduct patrols of Park for security to gates, entrances and facilities. Responsible for cash fund security and bank deposits when necessary. Inform visitors of possible hazards. Enforce Park rules, regulations and other related guidelines in a courteous manner. Investigates and prepares forms and reports on safety and miscellaneous incidents. Prevent accidents and injuries by timely reporting and correcting hazards.
• Performs other related duties as required.

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
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition waivers

What This Job Offers

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