PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST

Requisition No: 808419

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST - 37002403

Position Number: 37002403

Salary: $2,730 monthly; $32,760 annually

Posting Closing Date: 08/13/2023

PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

Anticipated Vacancy

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:

PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST (37002403) FIRE POSITION

PAYNES PRAIRIE PRESERVE STATE PARK

The position needs a self-motivated park service professional to fill a park services specialist position, providing visitor services, maintenance, protection, administration, and resource management. The applicant must possess good visitor service and administrative skills, be able to work independently and have the ability to perform a variety of skilled trade functions using assorted equipment and tools. The applicant must be able to work rotating shifts including evenings, weekends and holidays.

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. SM

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:

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

100 Savannah Boulevard

Micanopy, FL 32667

Far from the Far West, herds of wild horses and bison roam the prairie in this surprisingly diverse preserve south of Gainesville. Paynes Prairie is unique in many ways. Nowhere else in Florida can visitors experience wild-roaming bison and horses. Nearly 300 species of birds also frequent the park along with alligators, deer and many other animals.

The park’s eight trails, including the 16-mile paved Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail, allow one to explore the park’s interior and observe wildlife, while a 50-foot high observation tower provides for panoramic views.

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:

• 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;
• And more!

For a more complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.

Pay:

$2,730 month/$32,760 annual

Your Specific Responsibilities:

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Compliance with the processing requirements of Chapter 215.422, F.S. is mandatory. Persistent failure to comply with this section by any agency of the state shall constitute good cause for discharge of employees duly found responsible, or predominantly responsible, for failure to comply.

This is moderately independent work providing Visitor Services, Resource Management, Maintenance, Administration, and Protection of the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail. This position may also be utilized at other park units for various duties. 40-hour work week to be primarily spent working on operational issues associated with the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail and will occasionally support operational functions at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park as assigned.

VISITOR SERVICES – Provides information regarding facilities and services provided for public use, and enjoyment and education. Attempts to resolve visitor complaints while maintaining good public relations. Provides natural and cultural resource interpretive programs and unit specific services as directed. Works cooperatively with a variety of governmental agencies, media groups, Citizens Support Organizations, and other community service groups.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT – Participates in the execution of all facets of prescribed fire. 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.

MAINTENANCE - Constructs, cleans, maintains, and repairs trail and trailheads, facilities and equipment utilizing appropriate tools and equipment. Makes routine inspections to ensure proper maintenance standards are met. Performs and assists in Maintenance Sensitivity program. Plans and implements universal accessibility projects. Operates a variety of maintenance equipment including tractors, mowers, chain saws, and various other skilled trade tools

ADMINISTRATION - Prepares forms and reports on a wide range of subjects. Answers telephones, utilizes unit communications equipment, office equipment and maintains logs. Supervises and coordinates with OPS staff and volunteer staff on daily trail operations, projects, and special events. Answers correspondence and maintains current trail files. Serves as liaison between Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail and local government, non-profits, and other entities. Makes policy recommendations relative to trail management to Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Manager.

PROTECTION – Performs routine patrols and takes appropriate action to ensure visitor safety and adherence to trail rules. Opens and/or secures trail facilities as appropriate. Assists park management with attaining voluntary compliance of rules, monitors visitor behavior, assists in accident reports and management of incidents.

OTHER – Performs other related duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• natural resource management techniques such as exotic species removal, prescribed fire, plant community restoration

SKILL IN:

• using various hand tools, small engines, power tools & operation of vehicles

ABILITY TO:

• follow verbal & written instructions/directions
• communicate effectively verbally & in writing
• prepare reports; establish & maintain effective working relationships with others
• perform physical labor utilizing power/electrical/gas tools & equipment
• operate radio equipment
• operate cash registers
• follow instructions related to cash, receipts & preparation of related reports
• work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends & holidays
• deal with visitor inquiries in a tactful, efficient & courteous manner
• understand & apply rules, directives, policies, laws & relations
• work outdoors; present interpretive programs, participate in all aspects of resource management
• perform routine inspections
• utilize personal computers
• maintain a valid driver’s license
• successfully complete a background & fingerprint check
• successfully meet position-specific DRP Burn Standards for Prescribed Fire
• successfully complete Ranger Academy

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid driver’s license.
• Successful completion of annual moderate pack test.

BACKGROUND SCREENING REQUIREMENT: This position is a Position of Trust. Any applicant being considered for employment must successfully complete a Level 2 State and National criminal history check as a condition of employment before beginning employment, and also be screened in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 435, F.S. No applicant may begin employment until the background screening results are received, reviewed for any disqualifying offenses, and approved by the Agency.

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

Contact: Joy Cotton

Joy.Cotton@FloridaDEP.gov

352-258-9310

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.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.