PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST - 37020695

State of Florida • OKEECHOBEE, FL

8d • 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 Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park 25 miles northwest of Okeechobee, Florida. This preserve protects the largest remaining stretch of Florida dry prairie, home to an array of endangered plants and animals. The park offers excellent seasonal birding opportunities and is home to the endangered Florida grasshopper sparrow, as well as the Crested Caracara and Sand-Hill Crane. Over 110 miles of dirt roads allow hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians to explore prairies, wetlands, and shady hammocks. Ranger-led buggy tours take visitors to remote areas of the park.

Requirements

• Valid Driver’s License
• Successfully complete background/fingerprint check
• Successfully complete Pack Test
• Passing of moderate pack test must be completed prior to employment, and annually thereafter complete light pack test.
• The pack test requires applicant to complete a two-mile walk while carrying 25 pounds in under 30 minutes.

Nice To Haves

• Strong resource management experience
• Visitor services experience
• Protection experience
• Maintenance experience
• Experience operating an airboat
• Experience operating tractors, ATVs and 4x4 vehicles

Responsibilities

• Establishing and maintaining resource management activities.
• Providing visitor education and services.
• Maintaining and improving operations and facilities.
• Establishing and maintaining good public and volunteer relations.
• Participating in planning and conducting of resource management activities by implementing resource management techniques required in managing and restoring natural communities, which includes but is not limited to participating in prescribed burning.
• Assisting with the assessing, planning and implementation of maintaining and improving park operations and facilities.
• Provide research planning, coordination and conducts the interpretation of the natural and cultural resources within the park, including but not limited to guided walks, campfire programs, tours, recreation skills programs and special events.
• Performing other related park duties as required including but not limited to visitor services such as checking in of campers. sale of merchandise, disseminate information, and provide assistance to campers.
• Planning and conducting community outreach activities to expand public understanding of the Florida Park Service resource management and protection objectives.
• Representing the park and Florida Park Service to outside agencies and organizations, disseminating information and promoting outdoor recreational opportunities provided by the park.
• Assisting in designing and organizing volunteer recruitment for service programs and special events.
• Monitoring and defining suitable park volunteer needs.
• Planning and conducting volunteer orientation and training sessions.
• Planning, organizing and conducting in-service training programs to meet the needs of the park's employees.
• Researching the history of this facility, both cultural and natural, and develops plans for restoration and implementation.
• Advising on the preservation, restoration, and appearance of historical and archeological sites.
• Performing related work 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