Requisition No: 876259
Agency: Environmental Protection
Working Title: PARK RANGER - 37002218 1
Pay Plan: Career Service
Position Number: 37002218
Salary: $2,896.67/monthly $34,760.00/annually
Posting Closing Date: 06/10/2026
Total Compensation Estimator Tool
Park Ranger (37002218)
State of Florida
Department of Environmental Protection
Pool Requisition
This position is located in Homosassa, FL
and Responsibilities:
“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 comply.”
This is moderately independent work providing visitor services, resource management, maintenance, administration, and protection of Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park. This position is assigned to the wildlife care operation of the park.
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 unit specific services via boat/tram tours, guided walks, and lecture programs. Provides visitor services in conjunction with other parks staff and volunteers.
MAINTENANCE - Maintain 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.
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; recognizes communities and maintains optimum species control via natural and chemical means. Implements site restoration projects. Collects and records resource management data.
ADMINISTRATION - Prepares forms and reports on a wide range of subjects including visitation, vehicle usage, purchase requests and accidents. Answer’s 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. Answer’s 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 other related duties as required.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Florida’s natural and cultural resources
Basic arithmetic
Good public relations
Working with sick/injured wildlife
General maintenance and mechanical techniques and repairs
SKILL IN:
Communicating effectively verbally and in writing
Operating a cash register 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 is not limited to mowing, weed eating, 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, prescribed fire activities, non-native plant Removal which may include application of herbicide
Perform animal husbandry for resident Wildlife (Class I, II and III)
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, including but not limited to heat, cold, wind, rain, high humidity and sunlight
Work with exposure to insects, dangerous animals, snakes
Work in an environment with animal waste and the potential for zoonotic diseases
Perform physical labor
Lift 50 pounds and assist in transporting animals, items or other supplies 100 pounds or more
Conduct interpretive programs on a daily basis
Work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple priorities
Operate boats and trams/trucks
Provide visitor assistance services
Operate two-way radio
Properly wear uniform
Minimum Qualifications:
Valid Driver’s License
Completion of Ranger Academy
Work rotating shifts including weekends and holidays
Take and pass CPR and First Aid certification within 6 months of employment
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:
$2,896.67/monthly
$34,760.00/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:
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
4150 S Suncoast Blvd.
Homosassa, FL 34446
Discover the wild side of Florida with endangered Florida panther, red wolf, manatee and whooping crane, plus black bear, bobcat and, of course, alligators.
When Homosassa Springs was a popular train stop in the early 1900s, passengers could picnic and take a dip in the spring while train cars were being loaded up with cedar, crabs, fish and spring water. On a 1924 visit, Bruce Hoover of Chicago called it “the most beautiful river and springs in the world.” In this regard, Homosassa Springs hasn’t changed much.
The park also features a variety of captive animals such as alligators, black bears, red wolf, Key deer, flamingos and whooping cranes. The native wildlife that reside in the park serve as ambassadors for their species, providing visitors face-to-face connections with the animals and their habitats. Each with a unique life story, all of the animal inhabitants are here for the same reason - they are unable to survive in the wild on their own.
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.
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.
