Requisition No: 869699
Agency: Environmental Protection
Working Title: OPS PARK RANGER - 37971390
Pay Plan: Temp
Position Number: 37971390
Salary: $16.00 hr
Posting Closing Date: 02/19/2026
Total Compensation Estimator Tool
OPS PARK RANGER- 37971390
State of Florida
Department of Environmental Protection
This position is located at St Sebastian River Preserve State Park
Job Vacancy
Open Competitive
Closing date: 02.19.2026
and Responsibilities:
A challenging opportunity is available for self-motivated, hardworking team players to fill anon-resident OPS Resource Management Technician position to help St Sebastian River Preserve State Park restore their native ecosystems. This opportunity is available for a self-motivated, hardworking individual with strong resource management, visitor services, protection, and maintenance experience to work in Brevard and Indian River.
This position requires a person motivated to learn all aspects of prescribed fire and attend training to assist in implementing the preserves annual burn plan. Works to accomplish annual invasive plant management goals through mechanical and/or chemical means. This includes direct efforts as well as ongoing training and surveying to meet the demands of a constantly evolving workplace. May include other resource management activities. Communicates and coordinates treatments and surveys with park team. Stewardship responsibilities for all park operations as needed. Qualified applicants must be willing to work rotating shifts including evenings, weekends and holidays. Medical benefits are available.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT:
Works to accomplish annual invasive plant management goals by correctly identifying and removing non-native plants that are identified by the FISC as Category I and II and those identified by CISMA local Early Detection, through mechanical and/or chemical means. This includes direct efforts as well as ongoing training and surveying to meet the demands of a constantly evolving workplace. May include other resource management activities including restoration and prescribed burning. Communicates and coordinates treatments with park team.
MAINTENANCE:
Performs preventive and corrective maintenance on all equipment and assigned vehicles daily. Constructs, maintains, and repairs small buildings, fences, trails, service roads, fire lanes, boardwalks, campsites, picnic sites, boat ramps, docks and all other necessary facilities. Maintains neat and orderly appearance and cleanliness of grounds and facilities. Communicates equipment maintenance needs to management.
ADMINISTRATION:
Prepares forms and reports on a wide range of subjects equipment and maintains logs. Answers correspondence and maintains park files
PROTECTION:
Ensures Park rules are enforced pertaining to all natural, historical and archaeological facilities and resources and use thereof for enjoyment of the visitor.
VISITOR SERVICES:
Explains facilities and services provided for public use, enjoyment and education; meets visitors, answers questions, provides information and directions.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge: Florida natural communities, including both native and non-native plants; land management techniques used to control invasive species; basic equipment operation and safety; natural systems management; prescribed fire.
Skills Familiarity with tools and equipment used in natural resource survey (e.g. GPS devices, Avenza maps and other survey applications) and invasive plant control, including hand, power/ gas tools, herbicide sprayers, all-wheel drive equipment, and tractors. Operating heavy equipment within its operational limits; strong trailering experience and skills with equipment maintenance and repair; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Ability to: to perform assigned field work despite excessive heat, cold, biting insects, and other adverse environmental conditions while walking across uneven terrain. Ability to differentiate between native plant species and invasive plant species. Ability to operate 4x4 trucks and ATV/UTVs in variable terrain. Ability to work as a team or independently. Ability to follow verbal and written instructions; to read and follow a map; deal with others in a positive manner and maintain good public relations; to work in remote and isolated locations independently: perform physical labor with minimal supervision; operate and maintain vehicles, tools, and equipment.
Minimum Qualifications:
Pay:
$16-$19 per hour, commensurate with experience
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:
St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park
1000 Buffer Preserve Drive
Fellsmere FL,32948
St. Sebastian River State Park is situated in Southern Brevard and Northern Indian River County. The park totals almost 22,000 acres protecting critical habitats of imperiled species. The park provides quality resource-based recreation, with over 60 miles of multi-use trail for hiking, biking, horseback riding and nature study and access to more than ten miles of the St. Sebastian River and its tributaries for paddling, boating, and fishing.
Click on the link to preview this beautiful park: https://www.floridastateparks.org/St-Sebastian
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 on 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.
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.
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.
