Falling Waters State Park is looking for a self‑motivated park service professional to fill a Park Services Specialist position, providing visitor services, maintenance, protection, administration, and resource management. This position serves as the park's Volunteer Coordinator.
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.
Plans and conducts volunteer meetings, training, workshops, and orientation sessions. Develops and maintains volunteer job descriptions, procedural manuals, and personnel records. Coordinates and creates the volunteer schedule. Tracks volunteer hours in VSYS, prepares appropriate reports, and coordinates awards programs. Serves as a liaison between the park and the District Park Programs Development Specialist and the Education & Training Specialists. The applicant must be able to work rotating shifts including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of: FPS volunteer policies and procedures; Florida’s ecosystems and resource management techniques required to manage/restore natural communities; Cultural resource preservation and restoration techniques; Florida’s natural and cultural resources; Good public relations; Technical report writing; Effective verbal and written communication principles and techniques; Computer operations and related software.
Skills in: Communicating effectively verbally and in writing; Operating a cash register and reconciling receipts; Accurately preparing reports; Interacting with internal and external customers; Performing grounds and building maintenance (mowing, weed eating, pressure washing, painting); Utilizing power tools (chainsaws, drills); Basic plumbing; Basic carpentry; Using computer software such as Microsoft Office suite.
Ability to: Successfully complete a background and fingerprint check; Participate in resource management tasks (prescribed fire activities, non‑native plant removal, herbicide application); Clean restrooms and pick up trash; Research, plan, and prepare educational, interpretive, and promotional materials; Work independently; Communicate effectively in writing and verbally; Work rotating shifts including evenings, weekends, and holidays; Maintain a valid driver’s license; Establish and maintain effective working relationships; Plan, organize and coordinate work assignments; Coordinate special events; Compile, organize and analyze data; Perform a variety of skilled trade functions; Travel occasionally.
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.
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.
Where You Will Work
Falling Waters Sink is a 100‑foot‑deep, 20‑foot‑wide cylindrical pit into which flows a small stream that drops 73 feet to the bottom of the sink. Only a few miles south of I‑10, the park provides travelers with a quiet, serene stop on their journey. Visitors can see beautiful native and migrating butterflies in the butterfly garden, take a dip in the lake or have a family picnic. Hikers can experience the verdant, gently sloping landscape of North Florida.
Benefits
Annual and sick leave benefits; nine paid holidays and one personal holiday each year; State Group Insurance coverage options (health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance); Retirement plan options with employer contributions; Tuition waivers; Additional benefits as listed on the State of Florida benefits website.
Special Notes
DEP is committed to recruiting and onboarding talented and skilled individuals. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact the recruiter for guidance. The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer. Drug‑Free workplace. Veterans’ Preference applies.