Bald Point State Park and Ochlockonee River State Park are looking for a self-motivated park service professional to fill a 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.
Visitor Services
Explains facilities and services provided for public use, enjoyment, and education. Visitor interaction includes answering questions, providing information, assistance, and directions. Resolve customer complaints while maintaining good customer service and upholding the Florida Park Service image.
Resource Management
Monitors, maintains, and protects the natural and cultural resources of the park. Implements resource management plans. Plans and participates in invasive species control using chemical and mechanical means. Implements site restoration projects. Participates in hydrological resource restoration and monitoring. Collects, analyzes, and records data.
Maintenance
Constructs, cleans, maintains, and repairs park grounds, facilities, and equipment. Conducts routine inspections to ensure proper maintenance standards are met and identifies and prioritizes needs. Completes basic repair tasks and construction in all trade skills. Maintains Park roads, trails, and fire lines using tractors and chainsaws. Conducts preventative maintenance on all park equipment.
Interpretation
Completes interpretive training to meet established guidelines. Participates in education and outreach, special events and festivals, programs, and personal interpretation. Represents the Florida Park Service to outside agencies and organizations, disseminates information and promotes interpretive opportunities.
Administration
Abides by fiscal and purchasing guidelines. Acquires bids, quotes, and proposals for projects and equipment. Purchases materials, tools, and equipment. Plans and leads work projects with employees, volunteers, and interns. Completes reports, timesheets, vehicle logs, P-Card purchasing, tracking sheets, wildlife sightings, invasive removal reports, etc. using a variety of computer applications. Operates Point of Sale computer on an as-needed basis.
Protection
Provides protection of facilities and resources by applying rules, policies, regulations, and procedures. Takes appropriate action to ensure visitor safety and adherence to park rules, including identifying and investigating problems. Ensures adherence to Park Protection Plan. The duties of this position require the incumbent to reside on the property.
Volunteer Manager
Recruits, screens, trains, and manages volunteers. Utilizes established system to coordinate the park’s volunteer and manpower augmentation program. Determines Park needs and coordinates volunteer placement. Develops volunteer job descriptions, procedural manuals, and evaluations. Plans and oversees volunteer schedules, tracks hours, prepares reports, and coordinates.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of: Natural and cultural resource preservation and restoration techniques; Computer operations, point of sale systems, and basic arithmetic; Effective customer service and public relations methods.
Skill in: Communicating effectively verbally and in writing; Customer service, public relations, and public speaking; Use of assorted hand tools, power tools, equipment and operation of vehicles and heavy equipment including manual transmissions; Basic plumbing, electrical and carpentry.
Ability to: Work independently with minimal supervision; Establish and maintain effective working relationships; Perform physical labor; Work outdoors in inclement weather conditions; Collect fees, operate computer, and reconcile transactions; Communicate effectively verbally and in writing; Understand, apply, and follow applicable rules, directives, regulations, policies, and procedures; Conduct inspections, identify needs, and investigate problems; Operate a variety of equipment including 4WD vehicles, ATV’s, tractors, hand tools, and chainsaws; Complete interpretive training, present interpretive programs and coordinate special events; Implement invasive removal and restoration programs, including chemical and mechanical treatments; Accurately prepare reports, collect and analyze data; Troubleshoot and maintain facilities and equipment; Perform basic repairs in all trade skills; Maintain a valid driver’s license; Successfully complete ranger academy; Successfully complete background and fingerprint check; Work rotating shifts including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Minimum Qualifications
Valid Driver’s License; Completion of Ranger Academy; Take and pass CPR and First Aid certification within 6 months of employment; Must successfully meet position-specific DRP Burn Standards for Prescribed Fire. Passing of moderate pack test must be completed prior to employment, and then annually thereafter complete the light pack test.
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.