Interpretive Ranger Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Requisition No: 882831
Agency: Environmental Protection
Working Title: PARK RANGER - 37000788
Pay Plan: Career Service
Position Number: 37000788
Salary: $40,000.00
Posting Closing Date: 09/13/2026
Total Compensation Estimator Tool
37000788 PARK RANGER
State of Florida
Department of Environmental Protection
This position is located in Layton, Florida
Anticipated Vacancy
Closing 09/13/26
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.
VISITOR SERVICES
Explains the 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 campfire programs. Operates point-of-sale computer system and cash register.
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Recognizes plant communities. Implements vegetation and wildlife management plans, recognizes communities and maintains optimum species control via natural and chemical means. Implements site restoration projects such as reforestation and erosion control. Implements water resources management plan.
MAINTENANCE
Constructs, maintains and repairs small buildings, fences, trails, service roads, boardwalks, campsites, boat ramps, docks and all other necessary facilities. Maintains cleanliness of grounds and facilities. Operates a variety of equipment including chainsaws, lawn mowers, ATVs, motor vehicles up to 2-ton class hauling debris, fill, etc.
ADMINISTRATION
Prepares forms and reports on a wide range of subjects including fees, receipts, visitor use, patrols, wildlife sightings and population counts, accidents, crisis and miscellaneous incidents, vehicle, boat and equipment operations. Answers telephone, operates radio equipment and maintains logs.
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.
May volunteer to snorkel.
Performs related work as required.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
KNOWLEDGE OF, SKILL IN AND ABILITY TO:

• perform house and grounds keeping duties and apply maintenance trades

KNOWLEDGE OF AND ABILITY TO:

• perform routine inspections
• identify and investigate problems and maintain facilities and equipment

SKILL IN:

• operating cash registers and point-of-sale computer systems
• operating trucks, tractors, vehicles up to 2-ton level
• operating mowers, chainsaws, standard power and manual tools

ABILITY TO:

• participate in voluntary snorkeling activities that support the operational needs of the park
• communicate verbally and in writing
• deal with people and maintain good public relations
• safely and effectively handle various watercraft
• prepare and keep accurate reports
• develop and conduct interpretive programs
• work rotating shifts including nights, holidays and weekends
• maintain a valid driver's license
• follow verbal and written instructions
• participate in exotic plant and animal controls
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• perform physical labor utilizing power/electrical/gas tools and equipment
• deal with visitor inquiries in a tactful, efficient and courteous manner
• understand and apply rules, directives, policies, laws and regulations
• handle money and balance cash receipts
• successfully complete ranger academy
• successfully complete background and fingerprint check

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid driver's license
• Completion of Ranger Academy
• Must have prior approval and pass DEP approved training course to snorkel. Must abide by the DEP underwater operations manual.

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:
$3,333.34 plus $95.33 Competitive Area Differential month /$40,0000 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:
Long Key and Curry Hammock State Parks
Base address is 67400 Overseas Highway, Layton, Florida 33001
SUPERVISOR
Michael Hurst, Assistant Park Manager 305-644-4815
Ready to make an impact on one of Florida's most unique coastal parks? Apply today and help preserve a natural treasure while living where you work.
Attention Candidates:
To be considered for an interview/position with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection:

• All fields in the Candidate Profile must be completed (an attached resume is not a substitution for the information required on the candidate profile).
• Work history, duties and responsibilities, hours worked, supervisor and formal education fields, etc. must be filled out to determine qualifications for this position.
• If applicable, responses to Qualifying Questions must be completed in the candidate's profile.

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.
Location: