Interpretive Ranger Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Requisition No: 879110 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: PARK RANGER - 37020401

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37020401 

Salary:  $2,896.67 month/$34,760.00 annual 

Posting Closing Date: 07/24/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Park Ranger (37020401)

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

Anticipated Vacancy

Employee-Owned RV Site Available

This position is in Panama City Beach, FL

Closing Date:07/24/2026

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

Park Ranger - 37020401

Camp Helen State Park is looking for a self-motivated park service professional to fill a Park Ranger position, providing visitor services, maintenance, protection, administration, and resource management. The applicant must possess good visitor service and maintenance skills, be able to work independently and can 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.

DUTIES 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.

VISITOR SERVICES - Explains facilities and services provided for public use, enjoyment, and education; meet visitors, answers question, 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 and walks.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT – Primarily works to accomplish annual exotic plant management goals through survey and removal of non-native plant species by chemical and/or mechanical means.  Other resource management duties may include, but are not limited to, data collection and implementation of resource management objectives.

MAINTENANCE - Maintains Park structures, facilities, equipment and grounds through routine, preventative and corrective maintenance practices. Conduct routine inspections to ensure proper maintenance standards are met. Maintains cleanliness of grounds and facilities. Cleans restrooms and park areas as directed.

ADMINISTRATION - Prepares forms and reports on a wide range of subjects. Answers telephone, operates radio equipment and maintains logs. Process cash funds and perform computer/cash register transactions and reconciliation of receipts.

PROTECTION - Ensures adherence to the Park Protection Plan.  Interprets 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:

•             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

SKILLS 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 public in a professional, tactful, and courteous manner

•             Performing grounds and building maintenance which includes but is not limited to mowing, weed trimming, 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, irrigation system checks

•             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.

•             Maintain a valid driver’s license

•             Successfully complete ranger academy

•             Successfully complete a background and fingerprint check

Minimum Qualifications:

•             Valid Driver’s License

•             Successful completion of 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.

Pay:

$2,896.67 month/$34,760.00 annual

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:

Camp Helen State Park

23937 Panama City Beach Pkwy.

Panama City Beach, FL 32413

Camp Helen State Park is located in Bay County and is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and by Lake Powell, the largest coastal dune lake in Florida. This 180-acre park has a recreation area, trail system and prehistoric middens and mounds.

 Click the attached link to learn more about this beautiful park: 

https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/camp-helen-state-park

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 to answer 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.

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.

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.

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.