Community Outreach Specialist

Florida Conservation Corps (FLCC) - AmeriCorps Regional Outreach Awareness Recruiters (R.O.A.R)The Florida Conservation Corps (FLCC) AmeriCorps program is a 30-year-old program administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Florida Park Service with AmeriCorps Members serving at state parks throughout Florida. AmeriCorps Members serving under FLCC Project A.N.T. (AmeriCorps Nonnative plant Terminators) serve as pairs in approximately 25 state parks, focused on habitat restoration through the management of invasive exotic plants. AmeriCorps Members help to reduce invasive exotic plant infestations through various land management techniques but also educate park visitors and surrounding communities through outreach and interpretation, as well as recruit members to support their exotic plant management endeavors. FLCC AmeriCorps Members for this position will report daily to onsite park management, and submit service data to FLCC staff based in Gainesville, FL AmeriCorps Members are required to serve 1,700 hours between September 2026 – July 31, 2027. This equates to approximately 35 – 40 hours per week. Project R.O.A.R. Members are placed throughout Florida and work directly with DEP staff to identify parks in need of member recruitment and outreach. AmeriCorps Members may create outreach material, while learning to navigate and manage DEP member tracking systems. In addition, work with FLCC's other project areas to assist with member and outreach goals.What you can expect from your service:Professional developmentIntroduction to federal and state policy and guidelinesExperience entering data and retrieving reports for progress trackingOrganize and/or participate in strike teams and service projectsNetwork and build relationships with natural resource professionalsMember Recruitment:Work with park staff to identify member needsRecruit members locally to support program and park objectivesNetwork and build relationships with membersCommunity Outreach:Flyer and graphic design and developmentOpportunity to recruit members and lead member projectsTable at community eventsInteract and educate park visitorsParticipate in disaster response recovery effortsThis position will directly impact the Florida State Parks by working toward improvement of natural communities, member recruitment, education, and trail enhancement.Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Knowledge of Florida ecosystems and resource management techniquesRecreation principlesMember recruitment and outreach principlesSkill in communicating effectively verbally and in writingUtilizing a computer, including but not limited to software programs such as Microsoft Office SuiteAbility to attend in-person orientation October 2026Complete 1,700 hours between September 1 – July 31st, 2027Successfully complete background and fingerprint checkAccurately prepare reportsInteract with all internal and external customers and the general public in a professional, tactful, and courteous mannerParticipate in resource management tasks, including but not limited to non-native plant removal which may include application of herbicideFollow verbal and written instructions/directionsEstablish and maintain effective working relationshipsWork outdoors in inclement weatherPerform physical laborLift 40 pounds and assist in transporting items or other supplies 100 pounds or moreProperly wear uniformOther Job-Related Requirements for this position:Must successfully pass background checkMinimum Qualifications: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.Your Specific Responsibilities:Remove non-native invasive plants using various techniquesServe 1,700 hours before July 31stAssist with outreach goals as assignedComplete monthly timesheetComplete quarterly reportComplete grant required trainingAttend mandatory FLCC eventsPay: Monthly Living Stipend: $2,200.00Our 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 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. The mission of the Florida Conservation Corps is to develop natural and cultural resource leaders by connecting them to areas of critical need in conservation, preservation, interpretation and resource based recreation.Where You Will Work:Explore the diverse island habitats by hiking Blackrock Trail to the shoreline, Big Pine Trail to the marsh, or Old Kings Highway and Jones Cut through the maritime forest. Launch a boat from the north end of the island to fish and tour the salt marsh, or rent a kayak and take a guided paddle tour with PADL, View phone number on click.appcast.io. Kayak tours require advance reservation. Visit the bluffs and enjoy a picnic at one of the pavilions overlooking the water or take a quick stroll down the trail to Boneyard Beach. The beach is famous for the salt-washed skeletons of live oak and cedar trees that once grew near the shore. Bring a bicycle, in-line skates or a stroller and enjoy the 3.9-mile off-road paved multi-use Timucuan Trail that runs parallel to A1A with breathtaking overlooks of Spoonbill Pond at the northern boardwalk section. Stop along the way to read about the park's natural and cultural resources at the interpretive panelsThe Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:Loan deferment $7,395Education award after the completion of serviceMonthly Living Stipend: $2,200.00No cost insurance premium (deductibles still required)Access to Assistance ProgramFree access to all 175 state parksAnd more!Special Notes:DEP is committed to successfully recruiting and onboarding talented and skilled individuals into its workforce. We recognize the extensive training, experience, and transferable 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: View email address on click.appcast.io View email address on click.appcast.io An individual with a disability is qualified if he or she satisfies the skills, experience, and other job-related requirements for a position and can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must contact the DEP Human Resources (HR) Office at View phone number on click.appcast.io. DEP requests applicants notify HR in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.Location: JACKSONVILLE, FL, US, 32226