An exciting opportunity is available for a strong leader with a diversified Florida Park Service background to fill the position of Park Manager III at Choctaw Geo. This position manages the operations of two geographically separate parks, Henderson Beach and Fred Rocky Bayou State Parks. The staffing for these parks consists of 1 – Assistant Park Manger, 1 – Administrative Assistant, 2 – Park Services Specialists, and 4 – Park Rangers.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
ADMINISTRATION
Implements and enforces all laws, rules, operating policies, leases, agreements, and permits pertaining to this area. Provides for employee selection training, supervision, and discipline. Administers the terms of the collective bargaining agreement and maintains good employee relations. Prepares multi‑fund budget requests, provides for effective expenditure of appropriations, supervises the collection of fees, is responsible for all facility and equipment inventories, and implements established policies for fiscal control and accountability. Ensures preparation and implementation of work schedules and assignments for the staff. Manages concession and service contracts. Assists in development and management of grants. Sets realistic park goals and schedules and coordinates effectively to achieve.
VISITOR SERVICES
Implements and supervises interpretive programs. Meets the public, interprets the area's resources, facilities, and services; resolves visitor complaints; and provides for good public relations. Works cooperatively with a variety of governmental agencies, media groups, concessionaires. Citizens Support Organizations, and other community service groups. If a CSO is established in the future, oversee and direct fund raising efforts on behalf of the park and in cooperation with the park CSO. This will include the development of grant applications, fund proposals and development activities with the park CSO. In addition to paid staff, ensures that the park is staffed to optimum levels through the use of contract providers and park volunteers. Actively participates in all park CSO meetings and functions and ensures that the CSO is kept informed about all park issues and developments on an ongoing basis.
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Implements and guides the resource management plan for park units including ecological burning, water manipulation, native species propagation, erosion control, and exotic plant and animal removal. Operate various vehicles and equipment to assess resource management needs and oversee ecological burns. Ensures that the parks’ natural and cultural resources are managed to ensure the restoration and preservation of the resources in the park.
MAINTENANCE
Identifies and plans maintenance needs and provides management of the staff to maintain the facilities and support equipment for efficient operation of park units. Operates various vehicles between areas to assess maintenance needs and oversee operations. Ensures that the park’s facilities and grounds are maintained to a high level of public expectations.
PROTECTION
Ensures park rules are enforced pertaining to all natural, historical and archaeological facilities and resources and use thereof, for the enjoyment of the visitor. Performs other duties as required.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of: Natural resource management practices to include appropriate methods for control of invasive plants and animals; Florida Park Service Operations Manual; Routine, preventive and corrective maintenance necessary to meet FPS standards; Appropriate cultural resource management practices.
Skill in: Personnel management, quality visitor services and customer relations.
Ability to: Understand and apply appropriate resource management practices both natural and cultural. Conduct routine inspections. Identify and investigate problems. Communicate effectively verbally and in writing; prepare reports. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, volunteers and community interest groups. Prepare budget requests and provide for effective expenditures and tracking of appropriations; understand and apply rules and regulations. Maintain facilities and equipment. Meet with the public in a tactful and professional manner. Supervise others.
Minimum Qualifications
Residency, Valid Driver’s License, Successfully complete a background check, Position of Special Trust Requirement.
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 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
Henderson Beach State Park, 17000 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin, FL 32541. Henderson Beach State Park is in Okaloosa County and is named after the Henderson Family and is known for its high, picturesque dunes, and blue‑green waters. The park provides one and a half miles of white quartz‑sand beaches, a home to threatened endangered sea turtles, and dune systems.
Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park is the centerpiece of Rocky Bayou, the trailing arm of Choctawhatchee Bay, popular for boating and fishing. Visitors also enjoy hiking, biking, canoeing and observing the park’s diverse wildlife communities.
