Requisition No: 868535
Agency: Environmental Protection
Working Title: PARK RANGER - 37000922
Pay Plan: Career Service
Position Number: 37000922
Salary: $2,896.67 monthly / $34,760.00 annually
Posting Closing Date: 01/30/2026
Total Compensation Estimator Tool
PARK RANGER(37000922)
State of Florida
Department of Environmental Protection
OPEN COMPETITIVE
This position is located in Port St. Joe, FL
Closing Date: 01/30/2026
Previous Applicants Must Reapply to be Considered
and Responsibilities:
PARK RANGER 37000922
William J Rish Recreation Area is looking for a self-motivated park service professional to fill a park ranger position, providing visitor services, maintenance, protection, administration, and resource management. The applicant must possess good visitor service and administrative skills, be able to work independently and have the ability to perform a variety of skilled trade functions using assorted equipment and tools. The applicant must be able to work rotating shifts including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
This is moderately independent work providing Visitor Services, Resource Management, Maintenance, Administration and Protection of William J Rish Recreation Area.
VISITOR SERVICES - Explains facilities and services provided for public use, enjoyment, and education; meets visitors, answers questions, provides information and directions. Attempts to resolve visitor complaints while maintaining good public relations. Provides natural and cultural history interpretive programs and services via tours, walks, and campfire programs. Ensures all park facilities and programs meet all ADA Standards and Regulations.
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT – Implements ecological burning plan for fire type plant communities; recognizes communities, utilizes control burning techniques and maintains fire lanes. Implements vegetation and wildlife management plans; recognizes communities and maintains optimum species control via natural and chemical means. Implements site restoration projects such as reforestation and erosion control. Implements water resources management plans.
MAINTENANCE - 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 cleanliness of grounds and facilities.
ADMINISTRATION - Prepares forms and reports on a wide range of subjects including fees, receipts, visitor use, visitor contacts, patrols, wildlife sightings, and population counts, accidents, crisis and miscellaneous incidents, vehicle, boat, and equipment operations, property records, purchase orders and requisitions, etc. Answers telephone, operates radio equipment and maintains logs. Answers correspondence and maintains park files. Perform computer and cash register transactions and reconciliation of receipts.
PROTECTION - Interprets park rules pertaining to all natural, historical, and archaeological facilities and resources and use thereof for the enjoyment of the visitor. Opens park gates and entrance building. Secures buildings and gates before departing at closing time. Is responsible for cash fund security. Informs visitors of possible hazards in unimproved areas.
OTHER – Performs other related duties as required.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
KNOWLEDGE OF:
SKILL IN:
ABILITY TO:
Minimum Qualifications:
Valid Driver’s License
Travel
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:
Base salary: $2,896.67 monthly/ $34,760 annually
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:
William J Rish Recreation Area (WJRRA) is located in Port St. Joe, in the community of Cape San Blas. This Recreation Area manages 100 acres of land on both the Gulf of America and on St. Joseph's Bay. This recreation area is designed and designated to serve those with disabilities. Currently WJRRA is open for day use and offers access to the beach, the bay, and an Olympic-sized swimming pool. The park will one day provide overnight amenities to include 8 accessible cabins. There will also be a fully operational concessionaire, a dock that will provide access to the bay for those with disabilities and other amenities. This is a chance to be a part of something exciting, a barrier-free Florida State Park! There will also be opportunities for resource management and wildlife monitoring.
The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:
Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:
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.
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.
VETERANS’ PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.
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.
