Position Overview and Responsibilities
- Position serves as the Division’s Fire Coordinator.
- Responsible for the coordination of the fire management program across Florida’s 175 state parks, including leadership roles in training, standards development, planning, implementation and support of prescribed burning, partnership development, program analysis, data management, equipment purchasing and maintenance, and development of current and future fire staff.
- Ensures needed fire management is taking place today while seeking solutions to future challenges.
- Reports to the Natural Resources Section lead within the Division’s Bureau of Natural and Cultural Resources.
- Works closely with Fire Coordinators in each of the Florida Park Service’s five district offices.
- May supervise one or more OPS staff.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of terminology, equipment, management principles and practices of prescribed fire and wildfire suppression techniques, applicable Florida laws, ecology of fire‑dependent natural communities and species, and the Incident Command System.
Skills in leadership, administration, organization, time and information management, written and oral communication, partnership building, program needs identification, and problem solving.
Ability to coordinate a complex fire management program, foster effective working relationships, use Microsoft Office Suite for word processing, information management, communications, and data management, travel (including overnight), and maintain a valid driver’s license.
Minimum Qualifications
- At least 5 years of verifiable related experience in wildland fire management. Post‑secondary degrees in the Natural Sciences (Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or Forestry) may be used as an alternative for the required experience on a year‑for‑year basis.
- Valid Driver’s License.
- Travel.
Applicable Job‑Specific License or Certifications
Expected to be a Florida Certified Prescribed Burn Manager or obtain the certification within the first year of employment.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience leading large, complex projects, especially related to fire or natural resources.
Our Organization and Mission
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the state’s lead agency for environmental management and stewardship—protecting air, water, and land. DEP’s vision is to advance Florida’s position as a world leader in protecting natural resources while growing the state’s economy. DEP encourages innovation, efficiency, and supports employees in taking on complex projects.
Where You Will Work
Tallahassee, Florida’s capital city, offers a blend of historic charm and modern pace, with two major universities and state government offices.
The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida
- Annual and Sick Leave benefits.
- Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year.
- State Group Insurance options (health, life, dental, vision, and supplemental).
- Retirement plan options with employer contributions.
- Tuition waivers.
- Additional benefits and resources available via the State’s benefits portal.
Special Notes
DEP is committed to recruiting and onboarding talented individuals, recognizing the valuable skills veterans and individuals with disabilities bring to the workforce. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact the recruiter for guidance.
Veterans’ Preference
Candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference for Career Service vacancies. Documentation requirements are available on the DEP website.
Equal Opportunity
The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and maintains a drug‑free workplace.
