Requisition No: 867424
Agency: Environmental Protection
Working Title: OPS STAFF ASSISTANT - 37970820
Pay Plan: Seasonal
Position Number: 37970820
Salary: $15/hr
Posting Closing Date: 01/12/2026
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OPS Staff Assistant (37970820)
State of Florida
Department of Environmental Protection
This position is located in Jacksonville, FL
and Responsibilities:
This is an excellent opportunity for a self-motivated, hard-working team player with strong resource management, visitor services, protection and maintenance experience seeking a challenging and rewarding position as a non-resident OPS Staff Assistant at one of Florida's most dynamic state parks. The selected employee will be immersed in the operation of the Talbot Islands State Parks, including: Little Talbot Island State Park, Big Talbot Island State Park, Amelia Island State Park, George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park, Ft. George Island Cultural State Park, Yellow Bluff Fort State Park and Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park.
This position will focus primarily the resource management and data collection for sea turtle patrol and shorebird monitoring, including volunteer management and recruitment through community outreach and building and directing a strong team of local volunteers to assist with these programs.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
KNOWLEDGE IN:
Florida’s natural and cultural resources
Basic arithmetic
Good public relations
Methods of data collection
Work independently
SKILL IN:
Developing and distributing all forms of outreach materials including brochures, flyers and guides using social media and direct contact
Communicate effectively verbally and in writing; prepare reports
Notify the public of rules and regulations
Prepare and keep accurate reports
Operating & maintaining equipment such as UTV, 4x4 vehicles, canoes and kayaks
ABILITY TO:
Understand and apply rules, directives, policies, laws, and regulations
Stand for long periods of time
Work rotating shifts including nights, holidays and weekends
Work outdoors in inclement weather
Follow verbal and written instructions
Performs other duties as required
Minimum Qualifications:
Valid Driver’s License
Preferred Qualifications:
At least 2 years of verifiable related experience in one of the physical or natural sciences.
Pay:
$15.00 per hour
40 hours a week
Seasonal, February 1 – September 30, 2026
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:
Little Talbot Island State Parks
12157 Heckscher Dr
Jacksonville, FL 32226
The Talbot Islands contain 6 barrier islands with miles of shoreline and the most pristine beaches in Northeast Florida; cultural resources with 5,000 to 7,000 years of continuous habitation representing all major periods of Florida history; an upland ecology with approximately 4,300 acres of fire dependent communities; listed species including colonial shorebirds, heron rookeries, sea turtles, and numerous listed plant species. These wonderfully rich recreational areas provide opportunities in hiking and biking, overnight camping, fishing, bird watching, and many other activities that attract over 500,000 visitors a year.
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.
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.
