OPS PARK RANGER - 37971134 1

About the role

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• OPS PARK RANGER - 37971134 1
• Date: Nov 4, 2026

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• Requisition No: 886955
• Agency: Environmental Protection
• Working Title: OPS PARK RANGER - 37971134 1
• Pay Plan: Temp
• Position Number: 37971134
• Salary: $15 PER HOUR
• Posting Closing Date: 11/10/2026
• Total Compensation Estimator
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• OPS Park Ranger (37971134)
• State of Florida
• Department of Environmental Protection
• This position is located in Wimauma, FL

Position Overview and Responsibilities

Little Manatee State Park is looking for a self-motivated park service professional to fill an OPS 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 a 40 hour per week position.

Duties 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 to comply.

This is moderately independent work providing Visitor Services, Resource Management, Maintenance, Administration and Protection of Lake Manatee State Park.

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

• Participates in the execution of all facets of prescribed fire.

Additional information

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.

Other

• Performs other related duties as required

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of

Florida’s natural and cultural resources basic arithmetic good public relations

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 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 perform physical labor lift 40 pounds and assist in transporting items or other supplies 100 pounds or more work rotating shifts including nights, weekends and holidays maintain a valid driver's license successfully complete background & fingerprint check properly wear uniform comply with male and female hair grooming standards and body art and piercing restrictions

Minimum Qualifications

Valid Driver’s License

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

$15 per hour

Additional reviews may be performed to screen for preferred qualifications, experience and education. You may be contacted to participate in an additional selection process which may consist of written exercises, work samples, skills tests, and interviews. Support of knowledge, skills, and abilities should be demonstrated on the application, in the education, in the work experience, in the work sample, in the interview and/or during reference checks.

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: Little Manatee River State Park
• 215 Lightfoot Road
• Wimauma, FL 33598

The Little Manatee River begins in a swampy area near Fort Lonesome and flows almost 40 miles before emptying into Tampa Bay. Visitors can fish along the banks of the river or rent canoes at the ranger station. Wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy hiking the 6.5 mile trail through the park’s northern wilderness area. The park has equestrian trails and equestrian campsites. Located five miles south of Sun City, off US 301 on Lightfoot Road.

Benefits

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:

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits.
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year.
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options.
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions (For more information, please click
• Tuition waivers.
• Total Compensation Estimator Tool
• And more!

For a complete list of benefits, visit

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:

• Location: WIMAUMA, FL, US, 33598
• Nearest Major Market: Tampa
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