OPS PARK RANGER - 37979260 Date: Jan 15, 2025 The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on our E-Verify Website (http://www.dms.myflorida.com/workforce\_operations/human\_resource\_management/for\_job\_applicants/e\_verify) . Requisition No: 844888 Agency: Environmental Protection Working Title: OPS PARK RANGER - 37979260 Pay Plan: Temp Position Number: 37979260 Salary: $16 - $18 per hr Posting Closing Date: 01/31/2025 Total Compensation Estimator Tool (https://compcalculator.myflorida.com/) OPS PARK RANGER State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection OPS Job Vacancies OPEN COMPETITIVE CLOSING DATE- 01/31/2025 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- 37979142 and 37979260 2 positions available Contact: Justin Teall, Park Manager Justin.Teall@FloridaDEP.gov St. Sebastian Preserve State Park is looking for self-motivated park service professionals to fill 2 vacant OPS Park Ranger positions, 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: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park 1000 Buffer Preserve Drive Fellsmere, FL 32948 St. Sebastian River State Park is situated in Southern Brevard and Northern Indian River county. The park totals almost 22,000 acres protecting critical habitats of imperiled species. The park provides quality resource-based recreation, with over 60 miles of multi-use trail for hiking, biking, horseback riding and nature study and access to more than ten miles of the St. Sebastian River and its tributaries for paddling, boating, and fishing. Click on the link to preview this beautiful park: https://www.floridastateparks.org/St-Sebastian The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida: Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s benefits package for eligible OPS employees includes: + Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements*). For more details consult with People First at 877-562-7287 or go to: https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/health/eligibility\_and\_enrollment/ops\_employees + Participation in the Florida Deferred Compensation Plan (457b). For additional details and online enrollment visit MyFloridaDeferredComp.com (https://www.myfloridacfo.com/DeferredComp/) + State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan). (For more information, please click Social Security Alternative Plan (aigrs.com) (https://opsfl.aigrs.com/plan-details/social-security-alternative-plan) and read OPS Social Security Alternative Plan; + Flexible Spending Accounts; For more benefits information, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com. *Seasonal and part-time OPS employees (less than 30 hours average per week) refer to the links above for detailed eligibility requirements. Pay: $16-18 per hour Your Specific Responsibilities: VISITOR SERVICES - Explains facilities and services provided for public use, enjoyment and education; occasionally meets visitors, answers questions, provides information and directions in an accurate and professional manner. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT – Participates in the execution of all facets of prescribed fire.Recognizes biological communities and the natural processes required for their maintenance. Works to survey and identify non-native invasive plants and treat identified infestations through appropriate mechanical or chemical treatment. 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. Additional opportunities to survey and/or monitor with imperiled species may be available based on interest and skill set. MAINTENANCE - 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. Maintains shop readiness for quick efficient repairs. Maintains herbicide storage shed and herbicide and equipment inventory. ADMINISTRATION – Data collection andtracks daily progress using data sheets and MS Excel Databases. Prepare forms and reports. Answers telephone, operates park radio, computer, and various office equipment. 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. OTHER –Performs other related duties as required. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: KNOWLEDGE OF: + Florida’s natural and cultural resources + basic arithmetic + good public relations + Basic plant identification + Florida ecosystems and plant communities, specifically invasive plant species + Basic equipment operation, maintenance, and safety + Herbicide storage, mixing, and application. SKILL IN: + communicating effectively verbally and in writing + interacting with all internal and external customers and the general public in a professional, tactful and courteous manner + performing grounds and building maintenance which includes but is not limited to mowing, weed eating, pressure washing, and painting + utilizing power tools, including but not limited to, chain saws and drills + basic plumbing, electrical and carpentry skills. + Invasive plant control tools (eg., herbicide sprayers, small pumps, chain saws, power tools, ect.) + Field navigation, map reading, orienteering + Data collection, database management, and reporting + Computer programs including Microsoft Office Products, Avenza and ESRI Field Maps. ABILITY TO: + successfully meet position specific DRP Burn Standards for Prescribed Fire + ability to complete the annual moderate pack test (walk 2 miles with 25lbs pack in <30 minutes) and fire shelter deployment test. S130/S190 certification preferred. + Read and follow a map. + Safely work with various herbicides (from storage to mixing to spraying while wearing proper PPE) + Work outdoors in extreme field conditions (heat, biting insects, thunderstorms, dangerous wildlife) while maintaining a positive attitude + Work in remote and isolated locations independently + Perform physical labor with minimal supervision + Lift and carry heavy objects (at least 40 lbs) while traversing uneven terrain + Differentiate between native and non-native plant species + Operate ATVs, UTVs, 4WD trucks, swamp buggies, and other equipment in variable trail conditions + Maintain vehicles, tools, and equipment. Communicates equipment maintenance needs to management. + participate in resource management tasks, including but not limited to, prescribed fire activities, non-native plant removal which may include application of herbicide + follow verbal and written instructions/directions + establish and maintain effective working relationships + speak in public + understand and apply rules, directives, policies, laws and regulations + conduct routine inspections, identify and investigate problems + clean park facilities, including but not limited to, cleaning restrooms and picking up trash + work rotating shifts including nights, weekends and holidays + maintain a valid driver's license + properly wear uniform Minimum Qualifications: + Valid Driver’s License + Successful outcome of background/fingerprint check 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_ER@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. Location: FELLSMERE, FL, US, 32948 Nearest Major Market:Vero Beach