Requisition No: 871824
Agency: Environmental Protection
Working Title: OPS PARK RANGER - 37970753
Pay Plan: Seasonal
Position Number: 37970753
Salary: $18.00 hourly
Posting Closing Date: 04/27/2026
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OPS Park Ranger (37970753)
State of Florida
Department of Environmental Protection
This position is located in Niceville, FL
CLOSING DATE: 04/24/2026
and Responsibilities:
This is a unique opportunity within the Florida Park Service. An opportunity is available for a self-motivated park service professional to fill an OPS Park Ranger position, providing visitor services, maintenance, protection, administration, and resource management. The applicant must possess good visitor service and administration skills, be able to work independently. The applicant must be able to work rotating shifts including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
VISITOR SERVICES – 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.
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, assists with maintaining optimum species control via natural and chemical means.
MAINTENANCE – Maintains Park structures, facilities, equipment, and grounds through routine, preventative, and corrective maintenance practices. Conduct routine inspections to ensure proper maintenance standards are met. Maintains cleanliness of grounds and facilities. Cleans restrooms and park areas as directed.
ADMINISTRATION – Prepares forms and reports. Answers the telephone, operates park radio, computer, and various office equipment. Collects fees, operates cash register/point of sale system, and reconciles receipts.
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.
Required 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/point of sale system, 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 not limited to mowing, weed trimming, 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:
Participate in resource management tasks, including but not limited to, 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 40lbs and assist in transporting items or other supplies 100lbs or more
Minimum Qualifications:
Valid Driver’s License
Work rotating shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays
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/hour
29 hours a week
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:
Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park
4281 Highway 20
Niceville, FL 32578
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:
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
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.
Join Florida’s talented workforce to fulfill your professional goals and achieve a meaningful career. Our talented public servants work hard to serve more than 19 million residents across Florida, and you, too, can realize success in the Sunshine State.
Working in Florida’s state government means being responsive to the issues impacting the taxpayers of our state. Florida’s state government boasts both fast-paced work environments in which critical thinking and creative problem-solving are a must as well as steady employment opportunities that prize consistent service to our state’s residents. In some positions, state employment means being able to influence policy decisions and help implement change. In others, state employment means being the reliable resource that our taxpayers have come to expect from Florida’s public servants. All positions offer the ability to gain valuable experience quickly, improving your overall skillset. The State of Florida is seeking individuals with leadership skills, creativity and dedication to their fellow Floridians and individuals who recognize the professional development opportunities and achievements possible through state service.
Florida boasts the third largest population in the country and is richly diverse in both population and landscape. With an award-winning park system, warm weather and beautiful bodies of water, Florida is the perfect environment for recreational activities and outdoor enthusiasts. Our favorable tax climate means your income goes further and our business-friendly policies foster private sector growth. Joining Florida’s talented, diverse workforce provides the opportunity to achieve your professional goals while living in a state that values quality of life, culture and recreation. For employment opportunities with the State of Florida, visit https://jobs.myflorida.com.
