Full Time Interpretive Park Ranger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Requisition No: 881278 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: PARK RANGER - 37001364

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37001364 

Salary:  $3,333.34/month $40,000.00/annually 

Posting Closing Date: 08/20/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Park Ranger (37001364)

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

ANTICIPATED VACANCY

This position is located in Alachua, FL

Position Overview 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 San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park. This position may also be utilized at other park units for various duties.

VISITOR SERVICES – Explains facilities and services provided for public use, enjoyment and education; meets visitors, answers questions, provides information and directions in an accurate and professional manner. Attempts to resolve visitor complaints while maintaining good public relations. Provides natural and cultural history interpretive programs and services via presentation, walks and other programs and unit specific services as directed.

REOSURCE 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.

MAINTENANCE – Maintains park structures, facilities, equipment and grounds through routine, preventative, and corrective maintenance practices. Conducts routine inspections to ensure proper maintenance standards are met. Maintains cleanliness of grounds and facilities. Assists in maintain 60 miles of Park recreational trails including brush removal and trail alterations.

ADMINISTRATION – Prepares forms and reports on a wide range of subjects including visitation, vehicle usage, purchase requests and accidents. Answers telephone operates park radio, computer and various office equipment. Conducts purchasing and fiscal activities in compliance with established procedures. Collects fees, performs ach register transactions and reconciles receipts. 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.

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

SKILLED 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:

Participate in resource management tasks, including but not limited to, non-native plant removal which may include application of herbicide

Follow verbal and written instructions/directions

Work independently with minimal supervision

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 outdoors in inclement weather

Perform physical labor

Lift 40 pounds and assist in transporting items or other supplies 100 pounds or more

Properly wear uniform

Comply with male and female hair grooming standards and body art and piercing restrictions

Minimum Qualifications:

Valid Driver’s License

Completion of Ranger Academy

Work rotating shifts including nights, weekends and holidays

Take and pass CPR and First Aid certification within 6 months of employment

Position of Special Trust 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.

Pay:

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 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:

San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park

13201 San Felasco Parkway

Alachua, FL 32615

Outstanding birding opportunities, the area’s best off-road biking, stunning scenery and a rich historic past are a few of the preserve’s highlights. The preserve is named for the Mission San Francisco de Potano, the primary town of the Potano-Timucua at the time of Spanish contact as well as the location of the mission that was built in 1606.

The limestone outcrops and extreme changes in elevation provide ideal conditions for many species of hardwood trees, including several champion trees. The park offers outdoor adventure to hikers, off-road bicyclists, horseback riders and nature lovers. To ensure solitude and quiet for a true wilderness experience, the southern two-thirds of the park are designed for hiking only.

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);
• Tuition waivers;
• Total Compensation Estimator Tool
• And more!

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

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:

HR_VeteransPreference@dep.state.fl.us

HR_Recruitment@FloridaDEP.gov

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 (850) 245-2511. 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 (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.