Wildlife Ranger Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Position: Neighborhood Services Beach Ranger

Reports to: Compliance & Security Manager

Emergency Classification: Essential

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Pay Grade: 103

Are you excited by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a community while enjoying the sea breeze? The Town of Fort Myers Beach is seeking a Neighborhood Services Beach Ranger to join our vibrant team! The ideal candidate will have a passion for our beach environment, excellent communication skills, and a proactive approach to building positive relationships between the town and its residents.

The Town of Fort Myers Beach is a community on a resilient journey. Working at the Town of Fort Myers Beach means contributing to a town's recovery, rebuilding its spirit, and creating a future that stands stronger than before. If the thought of using your experience, background and skill set to join our dynamic team in this pivotal time excites you, please review the job description below and apply through the job ad.

Town of FMB Benefit Package!

Health & Wellness: Comprehensive health insurance plans for you and your family with low deductibles and low annual maximums! The Town of FMB pays 100% of employee only coverage and 50% of dependent coverage.

Position Summary

The Neighborhood Services Beach Ranger is responsible for ensuring the safety, cleanliness, and efficient operation of municipal beach areas. This role involves patrolling designated areas, and serving as a resource for residents and visitors. The Neighborhood Services Beach Ranger is a full-time position (minimum of 40 hours per week) with an assigned schedule requiring one weekend day each week and nights as needed.

Responsibilities and Reporting During an Emergency Situation: If assigned, employees in this classification will be required to report and carry out duties as directed for the duration of an emergency. Depending on the nature of the emergency, this may require working around the clock for several days on short notice.

• Monitor beach areas to ensure compliance with local ordinances and safety regulations.
• Provide assistance to beachgoers, including offering directions, answering questions, and addressing safety concerns.
• Address disputes or concerns among beach visitors, aiming to resolve issues amicably and de-escalate potential conflicts. Seek assistance from management and/or law enforcement when necessary.
• Manage traffic flow in and around beach access points during peak hours or special events.
• Assist with parking enforcement and ensure adherence to parking regulations.
• Identify and report hazards, maintenance needs, or safety concerns to the appropriate department.
• Provide first aid or emergency response as necessary until professional help arrives.
• Patrol assigned Town locations to ensure safety and compliance, while identifying and citing infractions of Town Code as directed.
• Assist in the rescue and relocation of wildlife as needed, following established protocols and coordinating with wildlife professionals.
• Educate the public on respecting local wildlife and their habitats.
• Assist in the setup, coordination, and takedown of Town-related events or meetings.
• Work occasional evenings to support events, traffic control or public meetings.
• Serve as a friendly and approachable point of contact for residents and visitors.
• Educate the public on beach regulations, environmental preservation, and safety guidelines.
• Maintain accurate records of daily activities, incidents, and interactions.
• Submit reports on safety issues, maintenance needs, or other observations.
• Operate Town vehicles including all-terrain vehicles to assigned location safely and while following all state traffic laws.
• Serve as an ambassador for the Town, embodying its values and conveying a welcoming and community-oriented image to residents and visitors.
• Monitor the assigned area for potential safety hazards, unsafe behavior, missing signage or emergencies on the beach and report them promptly to relevant authorities.
• Issues parking summonses when appropriate to ensure compliance with parking ordinances.
• Monitor and address littering and trash disposal issues, encouraging proper disposal and recycling practices.
• Ensure all Town-owned or leased equipment and vehicles are always maintained properly and in a safe operating condition.
• Assist as directed in response to emergency situations that occur in Town as needed and in conjunction with law enforcement.
• Perform emergency response tasks and assignments as directed.
• Attend all assigned meetings and events.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other job-related duties as required.)

Education, Certification, and Experience:

• High school diploma/GED; and
• Five (5) years of community or customer service related experience.
• Experience in parking and or beach operations preferred.
• Must obtain a certification as a Parking Enforcement Specialist in the State of Florida within 6 months of employment and maintain that certification.
• Must possess a valid Florida Driver's License with an acceptable driving record.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of local laws and regulations applicable to beach activities, parking, and community services.
• Knowledge of the tasks, tools and materials associated with parking and vehicle maintenance, supply, inventory and equipment management.
• Knowledge and application of safety standards and precautions pertaining to the use of tools and equipment.
• Skill in the use of standard office equipment and Microsoft Office Suite, spreadsheets and Outlook, SharePoint or equivalent.
• Skills in customer relations and proven customer service ability.
• Basic conflict resolution skills
• Ability to read and follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to work cooperatively with other employees and the general public.
• Maintain a high standard of personal and professional integrity at all times.
• Customer service-oriented with the ability to handle sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Able to speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with support staff, staff from other departments and other local, state and federal government agencies.
• Ability to give and receive instructions and apply consistent courtesy and tact in public contact and/or confrontational situations.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and review with emphasis in achieving results.
• Ability to analyze and interpret problems and draw conclusions.
• Ability to exhibit physical fitness levels to patrol the beach and walk extended distances.

Physical Requirements:

• Significant standing, walking, moving, climbing, carrying, bending, and kneeling. Ability to walk and patrol the beach for extended periods, including on sandy terrain.
• Some crawling, reaching, handling, sitting, pushing, and pulling, bending, stooping, and digging.
• Capable of lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds of equipment or beach debris.
• Physical capability to effectively use and operate various related vehicles and machinery associated with job requirements.
• Mobility to navigate beach areas, including uneven surfaces and sand dunes.

Environmental Requirements:

• Ability to perform strenuous work in varying and adverse weather conditions including heat, cold, rain and potentially dangerous environments.

Sensory Requirements:

• Task requires sound perception and discrimination.
• Task requires visual perception and discrimination.
• Task requires oral communications ability.

The Town of Fort Myers Beach is an EOE and DFW.

Employment at the Town of Fort Myers Beach is contingent upon your successful completion of the following:

1. Pre-employment drug screening, pursuant to the Drug-Free /Alcohol-Free Employment Policy as outlined in the Town's Employee Handbook adopted by Council effective January 2022.

1. General background verification.