PARK RANGER

Park Ranger

An opportunity is available for a self-motivated, hardworking individual to fill the position of Park Ranger at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park. Flexibility and a high level of commitment are required for this position. Professionalism and the ability to perform as part of a close-knit team are essential attributes for any applicant to this position.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Visitor Services: Represents Wakulla Springs and the Florida Park Service to outside agencies and organizations, disseminating information and promoting all opportunities provided by the park. Conducts environmental education programs, interpretive programs, and services via boat tours, guided walks, evening programs, and other presentations.
• Resource Management: Be knowledgeable of natural resource activities such as prescribed burning plan for the fire type plant communities; recognizes communities, water monitoring, exotic removal, erosion control, timber management, upland and aquatic plant restoration, wildlife monitoring and other related activities. Remain informed of the cultural resource management activities such as archaeological monitoring, cultural landscapes, and obtaining historical information for the park archives. Monitor historic facilities and objects for detrimental actions, and other related activities.
• Maintenance: Performs routine maintenance, cleaning, and repairs to buildings, fences, trails, service roads, fire lanes, boardwalks, docks and all other facilities as necessary. Completes and submits work orders for repairs unable to complete. Demonstrates skill, proficiency and safety while operating numerous types of power, handheld and heavy equipment.
• Administration: Prepares forms and reports on a wide range of subjects including fees, receipts, visitor use, visitor contacts, patrols, wildlife sightings and population counts, accidents, crisis and miscellaneous incidents, vehicle, boat, and equipment operations, property records, purchase orders and requisitions, etc. Answers telephone, operates radio equipment and maintains logs. Answers correspondence and maintains park files. Perform computer and cash register transactions and reconciliation of receipts.
• Protection: Interprets Park rules pertaining to all natural, historical, and archaeological facilities, and resources and use thereof for the enjoyment of the visitor. Opens Park gates and entrance building. Secures buildings and gates before departing at closing time. It is responsible for cash fund security. Informs visitors of possible hazards in unimproved areas.
• Other: Performs other related duties as required

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of assorted power/gas tools and equipment to perform physical labor. Computer and cash register transactions and reconciliation of receipts. Good public relations and ability to deal with people effectively
• Skill in communicating effectively verbally and in writing. Operating a cash register and reconciling receipts. Accurately preparing reports. 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, including but not limited to, repairing hose bibs, waterline repair. Basic electrical work, including but not limited to, replacing outlets and circuit breakers. Basic carpentry, including but not limited to, boardwalk and fence repairs. Utilize a computer including, but not limited to software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to identify and investigate problems. Understand and apply rules, directives, laws, regulations, and policies. Prepare reports. Perform a variety of skilled trade functions. Conduct various environmental and cultural history interpretive programs and services. Effectively communicate verbally and in writing. Effectively work with others. Open and close park gate and secure facilities. Work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Operate department equipment, vehicles, and vessels. Maintain a valid driver's license. Successfully complete ranger academy. Successfully complete a background and fingerprint check. Complete boaters' safety education course; safely operate watercraft

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid Driver's License
• Successful completion of Ranger Academy
• Take and pass CPR and First Aid certification within 6 months of employment
• Background screening requirement: This position is designated as a Position of Special Trust in accordance with DEP Directive 422, Positions of Special Trust or Responsibility. Successful completion of background screening will be required for this position.

Our Organization and Mission

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the state's leading agency for environmental management and stewardship - protecting our air, water and land. The vision of DEP is to advance Florida's position as a world leader in protecting natural resources while growing the state's economy. 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

Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park 465 Wakulla Park Drive Crawfordville, FL, 32327 Home to one of the world's largest and deepest freshwater springs, the sapphire water of Wakulla Springs boasts manatees, alligators and a host of diverse wildlife that can be viewed from a riverboat or the diving platform. Visitors can also marvel at a 1930s Spanish style lodge with its period furniture, original elevator and colorful painted ceilings that depict wildlife and Old Florida scenes.

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 ). Tuition waivers. Total Compensation Estimator Tool And more! For a complete list of benefits, visit