Ops Park Ranger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Requisition No: 880080 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS PARK RANGER - 37970426

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 37970426 

Salary:  $15.00 Hourly 

Posting Closing Date: 08/12/2026 

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OPS Park Ranger

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

Open Competitive

This position is located in Milton, FL

Closing Date: 08/12/2026

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

OPS PARK RANGER (37970426)

Blackwater Heritage State Trail is looking for a self-motivated park service professional to fill an OPS Park Ranger position, providing visitor services, maintenance, protection, administration, and resource management. The applicant must possess good visitor service and 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:

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.

MAINTENANCE - Maintains park structures, facilities, equipment, and grounds through routine, preventive, and corrective maintenance practices. Conducts routine inspections to ensure proper maintenance standards are met. Maintains cleanliness of grounds and facilities.

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.

OTHER-Performs related work as required.

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 create strong community partnerships, safeguard Florida's natural resources and enhance its ecosystem. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Basic computer skills to be able to complete a time sheet

• Grounds keeping

• Good public relations

SKILLS IN:

• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing
• 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,

and waterline repair

• 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:

• Follow verbal and written instructions/directions
• Work independently with minimal supervision
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Effectively communicate verbally and in writing
• 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.
• Work rotating shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Maintain a valid driver's license

Minimum Qualifications:

Valid driver's license

Pay:

$15/hour

24 hours a week

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.

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:

Blackwater Heritage State Trail
5533 Alabama Street
Milton, FL 32570

This westernmost state rail-trail winds through the historic town of Milton.  The 8.1-mile paved trail offers an enjoyable trip through a quaint North Florida town and out into the countryside where wooden bridges cross several creeks and native wildflowers dot the landscape Biking, running, walking, and skating, along with picnicking and bird watching are popular activities along the trail.

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State's benefits package for eligible OPS employees includes:

• Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements*).  
• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan, for more information, please visit Corebridge Financial).
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• And more!

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

*Seasonal and part-time OPS employees (less than 30 hours average per week) refer to the links above for detailed eligibility requirements.

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.