Park Ranger Interpretation Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Requisition No: 880159 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: PARK RANGER - 37002427

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37002427 

Salary:  $3,333.34 plus $95.33 Competitive Area Differential monthly/$40,000.08 annually 

Posting Closing Date: 08/16/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

#37002427 PARK RANGER (non-resident)

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in North Palm Beach, Florida

Anticipated Vacancy

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

John D. MacArthur Beach 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 administrative skills, be able to work independently and have the ability to 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. 

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 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 tours, walks and kayak tours, roving interpretation, and education programs.

RESOURCE 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, recognizes plant communities, and maintains optimum species control via natural and chemical means.  Implements site restoration projects such as reforestation and erosion control.  Performs turtle index nesting survey.  Collects and records resource management data.

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.  Operates a variety of equipment including chainsaws, lawn mowers, ATVs, UTVs, boats, motor vehicles up to 1 ton class hauling debris, fill, etc.  Check on and maintain the islands that are part of the park property.

ADMINSTRATION

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.  Answers telephone, operates radio equipment and maintains logs. Conducts purchasing and fiscal activities in compliance with established procedures.  Collects fees, performs cash register transactions, and reconciles receipts.  Answers correspondence and maintains park files.

PROTECTION

Performs routine park 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.

May volunteer to snorkel.

Performs related work as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• basic arithmetic
• general maintenance and mechanical techniques and repairs

KNOWLEDGE OF AND ABILITY TO:

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

SKILL IN:

• utilizing motor vehicles
• operating lawn equipment

ABILITY TO:

• successfully complete background and fingerprint check
• successfully complete ranger academy
• follow verbal and written instructions/directions
• communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• accurately prepare reports
• establish and maintain effective working relationships
• perform physical labor utilizing power/electrical/gas tools and equipment in maintenance and repair work
• deal with visitor inquiries in a tactful, efficient and courteous manner
• understand and apply rules, directives, policies, laws and regulations
• work rotating shifts including nights, holidays and weekends
• maintain a valid driver's license
• develop and conduct guided tours, kayak tours, and recreational skill programs
• handle money and balance cash receipts
• operate cash registers and office machines
• work on and around water and safely operate boats of up to 30' in length with outboard motor, in all types of conditions on a daily basis
• participate in voluntary snorkeling activities that support the operational needs of the park

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:

$3,333.34 plus $95.33 Competitive Area Differential monthly/$40,000.08 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:

JOHN D. MACARTHUR BEACH STATE PARK

10900 Jack Nicklaus Drive

North Palm Beach, Florida 33408

SUPERVISOR

Brendon Kerkela, Assistant Park Manager, 561-262-0252 

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park offers visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of coastal South Florida.

A scenic boardwalk crosses the Lake Worth Lagoon and leads to a beautiful 1.6-mile stretch of Atlantic beach, where visitors can swim, snorkel, surf, fish, beachcomb or simply relax by the water.

Visitors can explore nature trails, paddle through the lagoon and discover the park's diverse plants and wildlife. The park is also one of the most important nesting areas for loggerhead, green and leatherback sea turtles in the Florida Park System.

Accessible by boat or paddle craft, Munyon Island offers visitors another way to explore the estuary, with opportunities for fishing, picnicking, wildlife viewing and enjoying the island's natural surroundings.

The Nature Center features educational exhibits and programs that help visitors learn more about the park's unique coastal ecosystems.

The park also offers an array of school field trip programs that give students hands-on opportunities to explore and learn about South Florida's natural environment.

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.