Park Service Ranger Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Requisition No: 876867 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: PARK RANGER - 37000609

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37000609 

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

Posting Closing Date: 06/11/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Park Ranger – FIRE POSITION (37000609)

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

PREVIOUS APPLICANTS WILL NEED TO REAPPLY TO BE CONSIDERED

This position is located in Micanopy, FL

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.”

This is moderately independent work providing Visitor Services, Resource Management, Maintenance, Administration and Protection of Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

VISITOR SERVICE - 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. Provides natural and cultural history interpretive programs and services via presentations, walks and other programs and unit specific services as directed.

MAINTENANCE - Maintains Park structures, facilities, equipment and grounds through routine, preventive, and corrective maintenance practices. Conduct routine inspections to ensure proper maintenance standards are met. Maintains cleanliness of grounds and facilities. Ability to move or transport Heavy Equipment, meeting all DOT standards and license requirements.

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. Participates in the execution of all facets of prescribed fire. Implements vegetation and wildlife management plans; maintains optimum species control via natural and chemical means. Implement site restoration projects. Participate in water resources management plans. Collects and records resource management data.

ADMINISTRATION - Prepares forms and reports on a wide range of subjects including visitation, vehicle usage, purchase requests and accidents. Answers a telephone, operates park radio and various office equipment. Conducts purchasing and fiscal activities in compliance with established procedures. Collects fees, performs cash register transactions, and reconciles receipts. Orders, sell and inventories resale merchandise. Answers correspondence and maintains park files.

PROTECTION - Performs routine patrols and security checks; ensures adherence to the Park Protection Plan. Open 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 funds.

Other related duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Florida’s natural and cultural resources

Basic arithmetic

Good public relations

General methods and techniques used in the repair and/or maintenance of park facilities, sites, equipment and grounds

Basic math computations

SKILL 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 general public in a professional, tactful and courteous manner

Using a variety of hand and power tools and equipment including but not limited to, chain saws and drills

Basic plumbing, including but not limited to, repairing hose bibs, waterline repair

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

Maintenance of facilities and grounds which includes but is not limited to mowing, weed eating, pressure washing, and painting

The operation and use of various kinds of vehicles and heavy equipment including tractors and bulldozers

ABILITY TO:

Participate in resource management tasks, including but not limited to, prescribed fire activities, non-native plant Removal which may include application of herbicide

Follow verbal and written instructions/directions

Work independently with minimal supervision

Conduct inspections and maintain park facilities, equipment and grounds

Communicate effectively verbally and in writing

Identify and investigate problems

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others

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 100 pounds or more

Perform physical labor using assorted power/gas tools and equipment

Understand and apply rules and regulations

Provide visitor assistance services

Conduct interpretive programs

Properly wear uniform

Work with large animals

Minimum Qualifications:

Valid Class A Driver License

Work rotating shifts including but not limited to nights, weekends, and holidays

Upon appointment must successfully complete ranger academy

Upon employment, successfully meet position specific DRP Burn Standards for Prescribed Fire

Passing of moderate pack test must be completed prior to employment, and then annually thereafter complete the light pack test

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/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:

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

100 Savannah Blvd.

Micanopy, FL 32667

Far from the Far West, herds of wild horses and bison roam the prairie in this surprisingly diverse preserve south of Gainesville. Paynes Prairie is unique in many ways. Nowhere else in Florida can visitors experience wild-roaming bison and horses. Nearly 300 species of birds also frequent the park along with alligators, deer and many other animals.

The park’s eight trails, including the 16-mile paved Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail, allow one to explore the park’s interior and observe wildlife, while a 50-foot high observation tower provides for panoramic views. During a visit to Paynes Prairie, one can easily understand why Seminole Indians once occupied a village along this vast savannah.

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.