Wildlife Ranger Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Requisition No: 881222 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: PARK RANGER - 37002031

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37002031 

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

Posting Closing Date: 08/17/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Park Ranger 37002031 

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

Open Competitive

This position is in Crawfordville, FL

CLOSING DATE 8/17/2026

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

Park Ranger - 37002031

An opportunity is available for a self-motivated, hardworking individual to fill the position of Park Ranger at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park. Flexibility and a high level of commitment are required for this position. Professionalism and the ability to perform as part of a close-knit team are essential attributes for any applicant to this position. 

DUTIES 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 - Represents Wakulla Springs and the Florida Park Service to outside agencies and organizations, disseminating information and promoting all opportunities provided by the park. Conducts environmental education programs, interpretive programs, and services via boat tours, guided walks, evening programs, and other presentations. Complies with scheduled tour times and boat assignments. Attempts to resolve visitor complaints while maintaining good public relations.  Implement emergency program procedures. Demonstrates a teamwork ethic and treats park visitors and co-workers with respect.  

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT – Be knowledgeable of natural resource activities such as prescribed burning plan for the fire type plant communities; recognizes communities, water monitoring, exotic removal, erosion control, timber management, upland and aquatic plant restoration, wildlife monitoring and other related activities. Remain informed of the cultural resource management activities such as archaeological monitoring, cultural landscapes, and obtaining historical information for the park archives. Monitor historic facilities and objects for detrimental actions, and other related activities.  

MAINTENANCE - Performs routine maintenance, cleaning, and repairs to buildings, fences, trails, service roads, fire lanes, boardwalks, docks and all other facilities as necessary. Completes and submits work orders for repairs unable to complete. Demonstrates skill, proficiency and safety while operating numerous types of power, handheld and heavy equipment. 

ADMINISTRATION - 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. Answers correspondence and maintains park files. Perform computer and cash register transactions and reconciliation of receipts.

PROTECTION - Interprets Park rules pertaining to all natural, historical, and archaeological facilities, and resources and use thereof for the enjoyment of the visitor. Opens Park gates and entrance building. Secures buildings and gates before departing at closing time. It is responsible for cash fund security. Informs visitors of possible hazards in unimproved areas.

OTHER – Performs other related duties as required

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

•  Assorted power/gas tools and equipment to perform physical labor.
• Computer and cash register transactions and reconciliation of receipts.
• Good public relations and ability to deal with people effectively

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
• Performing grounds and building maintenance which includes but is not limited to mowing, weed eating, 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, 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

ABILITY TO:

•  Identify and investigate problems
•  Understand and apply rules, directives, laws, regulations, and policies.
•  Prepare reports
•  Perform a variety of skilled trade functions
•  Conduct various environmental and cultural history interpretive programs and services
•  Effectively communicate verbally and in writing
•  Effectively work with others
•  Open and close park gate and secure facilities
•  Work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
•  Operate department equipment, vehicles, and vessels

•  Maintain a valid driver’s license
•  Successfully complete ranger academy
•  Successfully complete a background and fingerprint check
• Complete boaters’ safety education course; safely operate watercraft

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid Driver’s License
• Successful completion of Ranger Academy
• Take and pass CPR and First Aid certification within 6 months of employment

BACKGROUND SCREENING 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 annual 

Our Organization and Mission:

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the state’s leading 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:

Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park

465 Wakulla Park Drive

Crawfordville, FL, 32327

Home to one of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs, the sapphire water of Wakulla Springs boasts manatees, alligators and a host of diverse wildlife that can be viewed from a riverboat or the diving platform. Visitors can also marvel at a 1930s Spanish style lodge with its period furniture, original elevator and colorful painted ceilings that depict wildlife and Old Florida scenes. 

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

TO APPLY TO THIS POSITION ON PEOPLE FIRST: https://jobs.myflorida.com/job-invite/854375/

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 to answer questions through the following email addresses:

HR_VeteransPreference@dep.state.fl.us

Special Notes:

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.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

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. 

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.