Requisition No: 877389
Agency: Environmental Protection
Working Title: OPS PARK RANGER - 37970779
Pay Plan: Temp
Position Number: 37970779
Salary: $17.00
Posting Closing Date: 06/22/2026
Total Compensation Estimator Tool
#37970779 OPS PARK RANGER ( NON-RESIDENT)
State of Florida
Department of Environmental Protection
and Responsibilities:
Curry Hammock and Long Key State Parks are looking for a self-motivated park service professional to fill an OPS Park Ranger position. The applicant must possess good landscaping skills, exceptional visitor service, and a strong work ethic. The applicant will work with other members of the team, or independently.
No more than 29 hours per week. Schedule adjusts based on park closing hours and does include weekends. Must work holiday if on scheduled day.
This is a seasonal position and does not include benefits or insurance.
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. This is moderately independent work providing visitor services, resource management, maintenance, administration and protection of Curry Hammock and Long Key State Parks.
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. Provides natural and cultural history interpretive programs and services via presentations, walks and other programs and unit specific services as directed.
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, maintains optimum species control via natural and chemical means. Implements site restoration projects such as reforestation and erosion control. Implements water resources management plans. 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.
ADMINISTRATION
Prepares forms and reports on a wide range of subjects including visitation, vehicle usage, purchase requests and accidents. Answers telephone, operates park radio, computer and various office equipment. Conducts purchasing and fiscal activities in compliance with established procedures. Collects fees, performs cash register transactions and reconciles receipts. Orders, sells and inventories resale merchandise. Answers correspondence and maintains park files.
PROTECTION
Performs routine 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.
Performs related work as required
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
KNOWLEDGE OF:
SKILL IN:
ABILITY TO:
Minimum Qualifications:
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:
$17.00 per hour
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:
Curry Hammock State Park
56200 Overseas Highway
Marathon, Florida 33050
and
Long Key State Park
67400 Overseas Highway
Long Key, Florida 33001
SUPERVISOR
Mike Hurst, Assistant Manager, 305-731-6367
Curry Hammock State Park is the largest undeveloped parcel of land between Key Largo and Big Pine Key. Striking in its seclusion along a stretch of the Keys known for development, this untarnished sanctuary will entice even the most seasoned travelers.
Curry Hammock and Long Key provides vital habitat for many local and migrating species and hosts record numbers of peregrine falcons every fall.
On calm days, paddlers come and go finding their own quiet slice of paradise, and on windy, wild days, Curry Hammock park bubbles with the activity and excitement of kiteboarders.
Both parks protect large areas of mangrove swamp, rockland hammocks and seagrass beds essential to the Florida Keys ecosystem.
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
*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
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.
