Full Time Park Ranger Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Requisition No: 883211
Agency: Environmental Protection
Working Title: PARK RANGER - 37020553
Pay Plan: Career Service
Position Number: 37020553
Salary: $40,000
Posting Closing Date: 09/25/2026
Total Compensation Estimator Tool
#37020553 PARK RANGER (NON-RESIDENT)
State of Florida
Department of Environmental Protection
This position is located in Islamorada, Florida
Position Overview and Responsibilities:
Islamorada Area State Parks is seeking a self-motivated park service professional to join our team as a full-time Park Ranger. This position will provide visitor services, maintenance, resource protection, administrative support, and resource management across Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park, Windley Key Geological State Park, Indian Key Historical State Park, and San Pedro Archeological Preserve State Park. The applicant must possess good visitor service and administrative skills, be able to work independently and the ability to perform a variety of skilled trade functions using assorted equipment and tools.
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.
MAINTENANCE
Constructs, maintains and repairs small buildings, fences, trails, service roads, boardwalks, picnic sites, boat ramps, docks and all other necessary facilities. Maintains cleanliness of grounds and facilities. Operates a variety of equipment including chainsaws, lawn mowers, ATVs, tractors, boats, motor vehicles up to 2-ton class hauling debris, fill, etc. Travel to and from areas of the park only accessible by water. Makes necessary underwater repairs to boats and maintain buoys (above/under water) in inland waterway.
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. Collects fees for park admission and retail sales, balances cash drawer and makes deposits. Answers the telephone, operates radio equipment and maintains logs.
VISITOR SERVICES
Explains facilities and services provided for public use, enjoyment and education; meets visitors, answers questions, provides information and directions. Attempts to resolve visitor complaints while maintaining good public relations. Provides natural and cultural history interpretive programs and services via tours, walks and displays.
PROTECTION
Ensures park rules are enforced pertaining to all natural, historical and archaeological facilities and resources and use thereof for the enjoyment of the visitor.
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Identifies natural communities and exotic species for removal. Follows park exotic management plan through removal of exotic plants and animals in accordance with DEP policies. Assists in the maintenance of marine resources and navigational aids. Maintains historical structures using DHR guidelines.
Dives as directed.
Performs related work as required.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
KNOWLEDGE OF AND ABILITY TO:

• accurately and completely fill out forms and/or reports
• develop and conduct interpretive programs

SKILL IN:

• effective customer service and conflict resolution

SKILL IN AND ABILITY TO:

• safely operate boats up to 30' in length with outboard motors
• perform basic carpentry skills, including but not limited to, boardwalk or fence repairs
• perform basic plumbing skills, including but not limited to, repairing hose bibs, irrigation systems or waterline repair
• perform basic electrical skills, including but not limited to, switching out a breaker or receptacle
• perform basic mechanical skills, including but not limited to, oil changes or troubleshooting a fuel system
• perform basic building maintenance, including but not limited to, painting or changing air filters
• perform basic facilities maintenance skills, including but not limited to, cleaning public restrooms, trash and litter removal or beach cleanup
• perform basic equipment maintenance skills, including but not limited to, sharpen chainsaws or lawn mower blades or replacing lawn mower blades
• utilize a computer and software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite
• tactfully and effectively enforce rules, policies and procedures
• efficiently and accurately perform cash register transactions including cash handling and making correct change
• perform physical labor with power/electric/gas tools
• communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• speak in public in large and small groups

ABILITY TO:

• lift 40 pounds
• swim and work on, in, and under water
• perform routine inspections
• work effectively with others
• follow verbal and written instructions
• participate in resource management activities, including but not limited to, reforestation, or non-native plant and/or animal removal
• work outside in extreme conditions including but not limited to, heat, cold, wind, rain, etc., as well as continuously work outdoors in conditions of extremely high humidity, heat, sunlight and exposure to insects, snakes, etc.
• understand and apply rules, directives, policies, and regulations
• successfully complete and maintain current certifications/trainings in: Open Water SCUBA certification, First Aid, CPR, Emergency Oxygen Administration and Blood Borne Pathogen Training

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid driver's license
• Must successfully complete Ranger Academy

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.
Applicable Job-Specific License or Certifications:
Must be approved to SCUBA Dive in accordance with FDEP Diving Safety Manual, and DEP Underwater Manual
Incumbent of this position will participate in the DEP Medical Monitoring Program for DEP divers
Pay:
$3,333.34 plus $95.33 Competitive Area Differential Monthly/$40,000.00 annually
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:
Islamorada Area State Parks c/o Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park
77200 Overseas Highway
Islamorada, Florida 33037
SUPERVISOR
Daniel Yglesias, Assistant Park Manager, 305-797-1811
The state parks in the Islamorada area, along with approximately 10,000 acres of submerged lands under state management, offer visitors opportunities to experience the natural beauty, history, and cultural heritage of the Florida Keys. Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park preserves a rare tropical hardwood hammock, while Windley Key Geological State Park highlights the area's fossilized coral formations and historic quarry operations. Indian Key Historic State Park preserves the remains of a historic shipwreck salvage community, and San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park protects the remains of a 1733 shipwreck, offering opportunities for diving and snorkeling. Together, these parks showcase the unique natural, geological, and maritime resources of the Islamorada area.
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.
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