PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST - 37020406

State of Florida

2d • $3,176 • 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.

This position is responsible for establishing and maintaining resource management activities; for maintaining and improving park operations and facilities; for establishing and maintaining good public relations; for carrying out public information and visitor service programs; for carrying out professional training programs for the 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; facility repairs and improvements; carpentry skills to be able to carry out facility repair and improvements and cultural resource preservation and restoration. 
• Ability to: perform prescribed burning and must be able to meet and maintain minimum Burning Standards for Personnel Training in order to be able to fill, at minimum, the Crew Level Fire Position; research, plan, prepare, and effectively present educational and interpretive programs; compile, organize and analyze data, programs and proposed projects; operate an airboat, tractors, ATV’s and 4x4 vehicles; operate personal computer.
• 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.  Prior to being hired, applicants will be given a single opportunity to take and successfully complete a supervised moderate pack test at a date and location to be announced.  The pack test requires applicant to complete a two mile walk while carrying 25 pounds in under 30 minutes.

Responsibilities

• Participates in planning and conducting resource management activities by implementing resource management techniques required to manage and restore natural communities, which includes but not limited to prescribe burning.
• Assists with the assessment, planning and implementation of maintaining and improving park operations and facilities.
• Performs 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
• 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.
• Plans and conducts community outreach activities to expand public understanding of the Florida Park Service resource management and protection objectives.  Represents the park and Florida Park Service to outside agencies and organizations, disseminating information and promoting outdoor recreational opportunities provided by the park.
• Assist in designing and organizing volunteer recruitment, special events and service programs.  Monitors and defines suitable park volunteer needs.  Plans and conducts volunteer orientation and training sessions.  Plans, organizes and conducts in-service training programs to meet the needs of this park’s employees.
• Researches the history of this division facility, both cultural and natural, and develops plans for restoration and implementation. Advises on the preservation, restoration, and appearance of historical and archeological sites.
• 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 (For more information, please click www.myfrs.com);
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Tuition waivers;

What This Job Offers

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