Requisition No: 791949

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS PARK RANGER - 37979120

Position Number: 37979120

Salary: $18.00 per hour

Posting Closing Date: 02/06/2023

OPS Park Ranger – Maintenance Worker (non-resident)
State of Florida
Department of Environmental Protection

Our Organization and Mission:
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the state’s lead agency for environmental management and stewardship - protecting our air, water and land. The vision of DEP is to create strong community partnerships, safeguard Florida’s natural resources and enhance its ecosystem.

The Work You Will Do:
OPS PARK RANGER #37979120 (non-resident)

Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park is looking for a self-motivated park service professional to fill an OPS Park Ranger position. The applicant must possess good landscaping skills, exceptional visitor service, and a strong work ethic. The applicant will work with other members of the team, or independently.

SUPERVISOR
Larry Thurow, Assistant Park Manager, 305-664-4339

The Difference You Will Make:
Florida state parks are managed and preserved for enjoyment by all through providing appropriate resource-based recreational opportunities, interpretation and education that help visitors connect to the Real Florida.

How You Will Grow:
DEP encourages its leaders to constantly innovate and seek efficiencies. We believe in supporting and encouraging you as you take on important and often complex projects while offering you the opportunity to gain valuable experience quickly.

Where You Will Work:
LIGNUMVITAE KEY BOTANICAL STATE PARK
77200 Overseas Highway
Islamorada, Florida 33037

The virgin tropical hardwood hammock that thrives on this island was once common on most of Florida's Upper Keys.

In 1919, William J. Matheson, a wealthy Miami chemist, bought this tiny island and built a caretaker's home with a windmill for electricity and a cistern for rainwater. Today, his hideaway is the visitor center for this island forest.

Ranger-guided tours are currently unavailable. However, there is a self-guided tour brochure that visitors can use to learn about the home and other features that dot the lawn.

Lignumvitae Key is accessible by boat or kayak only. Boat and kayak rentals are available through local vendors.

• Seasonal and part-time OPS employees (less than 30 hours average per week) refer to the links above for detailed eligibility requirements.

Pay:
$18.00 per hour

Your Specific Responsibilities:

POSITION DESCRIPTION:
Position assigned to Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park, but duties will include work at the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail (FKOHT) and Islamorada Area State Parks to include Windley Key and Indian Key Island Parks, and San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve.

Must be suited to the Keys high cost of living

The Florida Park Service is currently seeking a full-time Maintenance Worker individual to join our Park Ranger team. The applicant must report to Islamorada, Florida for daily duties. The applicant must be suited to working outdoors 8 hours a day, weekends and holidays when required. Must also be suited to the Florida Keys high cost of living. Pay is $18.00 per hour at 40 hours per week with health benefits. Applicant must possess landscaping skills, exceptional visitor service, and a strong work ethic. The applicant will work with other members of the team, or independently, to perform the following duties:

MAINTENANCE
Maintains cleanliness of grounds and facilities including heavy trash and litter cleanup. Operates a variety of equipment including lawn mowers, weed eaters, blowers, boats, motor vehicles up to 2-ton class hauling debris, fill, etc. Constructs, maintains, and repairs small buildings, fences, trails, boardwalks, picnic sites, boat ramps, docks and all other necessary facilities. Maintains park vehicles and equipment. Maintains 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.

VISITOR SERVICES
Explains the facilities and services provided for public use, enjoyment and education. Meets visitors, answers questions, and provides information and directions. Attempts to resolve visitor complaints while maintaining good public relations. Interprets the trail’s natural and cultural history.

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, maintains optimum species control via natural and chemical means. Implements site restoration projects such as reforestation and erosion control. Implements water resources management plans. 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. Answers telephone, operates park cell phone, computer and various office equipment. Conducts purchasing and fiscal activities in compliance with established procedures. Collects fees, performs cash register transactions and reconciles receipts. Sells and inventories resale merchandise. Answers 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 related work as required.

Other daily responsibilities include, but are not limited to, extensive driving, pulling and backing trailers, and minor administrative duties. Assist with non-native plant removal by physical and chemical means, and boat operation.

DEP is committed to successfully recruiting and onboarding talented and skilled individuals into its workforce. We recognize the extensive training, experience, and transferrable skills that veterans and individuals with disabilities bring to the workforce. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact our recruiter for guidance and answers to questions through the following email addresses:

HR_VeteransPreference@dep.state.fl.us
HR_Recruitment@dep.state.fl.us

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

Nearest Major Market: Key Largo

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.