Wildlife Ranger Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Requisition No: 874821 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: PARK RANGER - 37020269

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37020269 

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

Posting Closing Date: 07/21/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Park Ranger 37020269

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

Open Competitive

This position is in Santa Rosa Beach, FL

Closing Date: 07/16/2026

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

Park Ranger - 37020269

Topsail Hill Preserve 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 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

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 facilities and services provided for public use, enjoyment and education; meets visitors, answers questions, provides information and directions. Attempts to resolve visitor complaints while maintaining good public relations. Prepares and conducts natural and cultural history interpretive programs and services via tours, walks, and campfire programs. Assist with the planning of and participate in special events as directed by park management. At all times present a professional Florida Park Service public image.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT- Implements ecological burning plan for fire type plant communities; recognizes communities, utilizes prescribed fire techniques and maintains fire lanes. Implements vegetation and wildlife management plans; recognizes communities and maintains optimum species control via natural and chemical means. Implements site restoration projects such as reforestation and erosion control. Implements water resources management plans.

MAINTENANCE - Constructs, maintains, and repairs small buildings, fences, trails, service roads, fire lanes, boardwalks, campsites, picnic sites, boat ramps, docks and other park facilities. Maintains cleanliness of grounds and facilities. Maintains/repairs equipment, including small engines, vehicles, tractors, appliances, water, sewer and electric facilities.

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. Uses office machines, including but not limited to cash register, 2-way radio, calculator, fax, copier and computer. Maintains time and attendance information through People First; uses Outlook for e-mail communications. Performs 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. Perform routine patrols and security checks. Maintain a constant lookout for safety concerns and take appropriate action to correct any observed concerns in a timely, effective manner.

Other-Performs other related duties.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Florida's natural and cultural resources
• Basic arithmetic
• Good public relations.

SKILLS 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;
• Utilizing a computer including, but not limited to software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite.

 ABILITY TO:

• Participate in resource management tasks, including but not limited to; prescribed fire, non-native plant removal which may include application of herbicide
• Follow verbal and written instructions/directions
• Work independently with minimal supervision
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Speak in public
• Understand and apply rules, directives, policies, laws and regulations
• Conduct routine inspections, identify and investigate problems
• 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
• Properly wear uniform and comply with male and female hair grooming standards and body art and piercing restrictions.
• Successfully complete ranger academy
  Successfully complete a background and fingerprint check

Minimum Qualifications:

Valid Driver's License

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 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:

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

7525 W. County Hwy. 30A

Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is in Walton County.  The park consists of 1,638 acres to include 16 distinct upland natural community types on the narrow strip of land between Choctawhatchee Bay and the Gulf of America.  The Park has 3.2 miles of pristine beach along the Gulf of America and contains four coastal dune lakes entirely within the park boundaries.  The Park is home to the largest campground in the Florida State Park system.  Facilities include 156 campsites, 34 cabins, 22 tent campsites, 3 bathhouses, laundry facility, beach tram operation, 15 miles of trails, clubhouse, and amphitheater.  The Park is a very popular spot for bicycling, beach combing, swimming, picnicking, canoeing, wildlife viewing, and fishing.  The Park has a large volunteer program.  Resource management activities include prescribed fire and invasive removal.

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.
• 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.

 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.