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OPS PARK RANGER (INVASIVE SPECIES TECHNICIAN)
State of Florida
Department of Environmental Protection
OPEN COMPETITIVE
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 create strong community partnerships, safeguard Florida’s natural resources and enhance its ecosystem.
The Work You Will Do:
OPS Park Ranger- Invasive Species Technician (37970082)
The Florida Park Service is seeking a self-motivated individual to assist with resource management activities, with a primary focus on removing invasive species to restore habitat at Silver Springs State Park, which encompasses 4,750 acres. The Park is located near Ocala, Florida. The applicant should be prepared to work under strenuous and uncomfortable outdoor conditions which can occur in north-central Florida environments.
Contact: Nicky Aiken, Assistant Park Manager (352-286-8283)
Nicky.Aiken@FloridaDEP.gov
The Difference You Will Make:
The Division of Recreation and Parks provides resource-based recreation while preserving, interpreting and restoring natural and cultural resources. Florida state parks are managed and preserved for enjoyment by all through providing appropriate resource-based recreational opportunities, interpretation and education that help visitors connect to the Real Florida. SM
How You Will Grow:
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. You will attain a working knowledge of the active management of Florida’s natural habitats.
Where You Will Work:
Silver Springs State Park
Silver Springs State Park, featuring world famous historic glass bottom boats touring one of the largest crystal-clear springs, is just minutes from downtown Ocala. This park is beloved by visitors for observing abundant wildlife both while hiking on the trails and paddling down the meandering river.
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:
- Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements*).
- Participation in the Florida Deferred Compensation Plan (457b).
- State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan).
- Flexible Spending Accounts.
For more benefits information, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.
Pay:
$15.00 per hour
Your Specific Responsibilities:
- Assists with invasive plant and animal removal and data entry.
- Tracks daily progress on data sheets and enters into database.
- Assists with biological surveys as needed.
- Assists with prescribed fire if able.
- Performs other tasks when needed.
- Performs preventative and corrective maintenance on all equipment and assigned vehicles daily.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge:
- Florida natural communities, including both native and invasive plants.
- Basic equipment operation and safety.
- Natural systems management.
- Prescribed fire.
- Basic knowledge of office software (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint).
Skills:
- Familiar with tools and equipment used in natural resource survey.
- Operating heavy equipment within its operational limits.
- Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Abilities:
- Ability to perform assigned field work despite excessive heat, cold, biting insects and other adverse environmental conditions.
- 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.
Minimum Qualifications:
- A valid driver’s license.
- Successful completion of background/fingerprinting check.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Preference will be towards individuals that possess previous experience/working knowledge of Florida native and invasive flora and fauna.
DEP is committed to successfully recruiting and onboarding talented and skilled individuals into its workforce. We recognize the extensive training, experience, and transferrable skills that veterans and individuals with disabilities bring to the workforce.
