Wildlife Park Ranger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Requisition No: 882908 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS PARK RANGER - 37915014

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 37915014 

Salary:  $18.00 per hour 

Posting Closing Date: 09/18/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

#37915014 OPS PARK RANGER (NON-RESIDENT)

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Islamorada, Florida

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

Islamorada Area State Parks is seeking a self-motivated park service professional to join our team as a part-time OPS Park Ranger.  This position will provide visitor services, maintenance, resource protection, administrative support, and resource management across Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park, Windley Key Geological State Park, Indian Key Historical State Park, and San Pedro Archeological Preserve State Park.  The applicant must possess good visitor service and administrative skills, be able to work independently and the ability to perform a variety of skilled trade functions using assorted equipment and tools.  The applicant must be able to work 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and be suited to the Florida Keys high cost of living. 

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.  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, UTVs, boats, motor vehicles up to 1 ton class hauling debris and boat trailers.

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 and maintain 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:

• Florida’s natural and cultural resources
• basic arithmetic
• good public relations

SKILL IN:

• general maintenance and mechanical techniques and repairs
• operating motorized vehicles and vessels
• operating lawn equipment

ABILITY TO:

• work 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays including holidays
• successfully complete background and fingerprint check
• 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
• maintain a valid driver’s license
• develop and conduct guided tours and kayak tours
• 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 weather conditions on a daily basis
• participate in voluntary snorkeling activities that support the operational needs of the park
• perform routine inspections, identify and investigate problems and maintain facilities and equipment

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid driver’s license
• Must have prior approval and pass DEP approved training course to snorkel

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:

$18.00 per hours (24 hours per work week).

Does not include benefits or insurance.

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:

Islamorada Area State Parks c/o Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park

77200 Overseas Highway

Islamorada, Florida 33037

SUPERVISOR

Daniel Yglesias, Assistant Park Manager, 305-797-1811 

The state parks in the Islamorada area, along with approximately 10,000 acres of submerged lands under state management, offer visitors opportunities to experience the natural beauty, history, and cultural heritage of the Florida Keys.  Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park preserves a rare tropical hardwood hammock, while Windley Key Geological State Park highlights the area’s fossilized coral formations and historic quarry operations. Indian Key Historic State Park preserves the remains of a historic shipwreck salvage community, and San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park protects the remains of a 1733 shipwreck, offering opportunities for diving and snorkeling.  Together, these parks showcase the unique natural, geological, and maritime resources of the Islamorada area.

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.