Park Services Specialist
State of Florida
Department of Environmental Protection
OPEN COMPETITIVE
State of Florida
Department of Environmental Protection
OPEN COMPETITIVE
EMPLOYEE-OWNED TRAILER SITE AVAILABLE
CLOSING DATE 03/19/2023
TO APPLY TO THIS POSITION ON PEOPLE FIRST: PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST - 37020281
CLOSING DATE 03/19/2023
TO APPLY TO THIS POSITION ON PEOPLE FIRST: PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST - 37020281
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:
Park Services Specialist (37020281)
Camp Helen State Park
23937 Panama City Beach Parkway
Panama City Beach, FL 32413
Contact: Wesley Myers, Park Manager
Wesley.Myers@FloridaDEP.gov
This is an exciting opportunity to work as a Park Services Specialist for Camp Helen State Park and Eden Gardens State Park. The selected applicant will be required to coordinate and implement all facets of the park volunteer program, plan and coordinate the park’s interpretive program, assist park management with the planning of special events, assist the park manager in the operation of the park’s Citizen Support Organization (CSO).
The Difference You Will Make:
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.
Where You Will Work:
Camp Helen State Park is located in Bay County and is bordered by the Gulf of Mexican and by Lake Powell, the largest coastal dune lake in Florida. This 180-acre park has a recreation area, trail system and prehistoric middens and mounds. The focal point of Eden Gardens State Park is a beautifully renovated two-story house with elegant white columns and wrap-around porch. In a setting of moss-draped live oaks, the 1897 mansion recalls a prosperous era before the virgin forests of longleaf pine and cypress were exhausted in this part of the state.
Click the attached link to learn more about these beautiful parks:
Camp Helen State Park
Eden Gardens State Park
The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:
Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:
- Annual and Sick Leave benefits;
- Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year;
- State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options;
- Retirement plan options, including employer contributions (For more information, please click www.myfrs.com);
- Flexible Spending Accounts;
- Tuition waivers;
- And more!
Pay:
$2,600 month/$31,200 year
Your Specific Responsibilities:
Compliance with the processing requirements of Chapter 215.422, F.S. is mandatory. Persistent failure to comply with this section by any agency of the state shall constitute good cause for discharge of employees duly found responsible, or predominantly responsible, for failure to comply.
This is moderately independent work providing Visitor Services, Resource Management, Maintenance, Administration and Protection of Camp Helen State Park and Eden Gardens State Park.
ADMINISTRATION - Communicates effectively both in writing and verbally. Collects, maintains and transmits various monthly and quarterly reports such as manpower augmentation report, interpretive tracking reports, etc. Formulate, track budget and operating expenses involving interpretive and community outreach and volunteer needs. Enters and submits flex schedule and work hours in People First in a timely manner. Utilize the DEP email system to provide additional communication. Works closely with the park’s Citizen Support Organization overseeing their operations and assisting management in coordinating and ensuring their compliance. Performs a wide variety of other administrative tasks, as needed.
INTERPRETATION & EDUCATION - Develops and coordinates a comprehensive Interpretive Services Program, including guided walks, nature talks, guided recreational activities, roving interpretation, curriculum-based programs, and community outreach programs. Evaluates existing interpretive programs to identify areas for improvement to more effectively promote natural and cultural resource stewardship. Coordinate staff and volunteer schedules to conduct interpretive programs on and off site as well as schedule private programs for diverse groups. Provide leadership through coaching and training of park staff and volunteers to develop, research and present original interpretive programs and non-personal displays and materials. Plan, develop, and write a variety of interpretive media, such as waysides, exhibits, self-guided tours, publications, social media, websites, articles, newsletters, and press releases to disseminate information about the park to the public, staff, and volunteers. Conceptualize and coordinate preparation of proposals and grant requests for interpretive project funding from partner agencies and grant sources if additional funding is desired for a project. Performs a wide variety of other interpretive and education related tasks, as needed.
VISITOR SERVICES - Represents Camp Helen State Park and Eden Gardens State Park to outside agencies and organizations, disseminating information and promoting all opportunities provided by the park. Coordinates park staff and/or volunteers to provide presentations and/or attend local community organization meetings, special events, fairs and festivals to expand public understanding of the Florida Park Service and promote the park. Maintains and updates visitor information kiosks and other printed park materials throughout the park. Coordinate park wide events which feature interpretive events, tours, media events and volunteer work days. Implement the park's communications plan which includes creating content for park website, newsletters, social media, graphics, presentations, magazine articles, press releases, public service announcements, building relationships with reporters, conducting radio, TV and written interviews, and create printed materials for diverse audiences. Serves as the park's information officer during media events. Assists the event coordinator with booking weddings, pavilions and special event permit activities. Attempts to resolve visitor complaints while maintaining good public relations. Explains the facilities and services provided for public use, enjoyment and education; meets visitors, answers questions, provides information and directions, operates cash register/POS system when needed.
VOLUNTEER COORDINATION - Develops and coordinates a comprehensive volunteer program, including resident volunteers, local volunteers and community service workers. Evaluate existing volunteer program to identify areas for improvement to more effectively meet the park's management objectives. Monitors and defines suitable park volunteer needs and coordinates volunteer placement dependent upon the park's management objectives. Develops and maintains volunteer job descriptions, procedural manuals, personnel records and evaluations. Plans and oversees all volunteer schedules. Maintains appropriate records, files and databases to track volunteers. Conducts all necessary correspondence to recruit, interview, train and place volunteers. Designs, plans and conducts volunteer meetings, training activities, workshops and volunteer orientation sessions. Track volunteer hours, prepares appropriate reports and coordinates awards programs. Ensures all required documents are submitted in compliance with established schedules. Serves as liaison between volunteers and park administration. Assists park management in coordinating and overseeing Citizen Support Organization for the park. Serves as team leader to accomplish work projects and provide oversight of park operations in the absence of the Park Manager and Assistant Park Manager.
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT - Knowledgeable of natural resource activities such as listed species management, recognize natural communities, exotic removal programs, wildlife monitoring and other related activities. Participates in the parks exotic control program; report results as required. Observes, maintains and protects the natural, cultural, historic and archaeological resources of the park. Researches the history of the park, both cultural and natural, and assists in developing plans for restoration, preservation and interpretation. Assists with imperiled species monitoring when needed.
PROTECTION - Coordinate training of staff and volunteers to promote a safe work environment. Maintain and conduct patrols of park for security to gates, entrances and facilities. Responsible for cash fund security and bank deposits when necessary. Inform visitors of possible hazards. Enforce park rules, regulations and other related guidelines in a courteous manner. Investigates and prepares forms and reports on safety and miscellaneous incidents. Prevent accidents and injuries by timely reporting and correction of hazards.
Performs related park duties as required.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of:
- Florida ecosystems and resource management techniques required to manage/restore natural communities
- Cultural resource preservation and restoration techniques
- Technical report writing
- Effective verbal and written communication principles and techniques
- Computers and related software
- FPS volunteer and CSO policies and procedures.
- Use office equipment and personal computers and related software programs
- Public speaking and program presentation
- Interact with all internal and external customers and the general public in a professional, tactful and courteous manner
- research, plan and prepare educational, interpretive and promotional materials and programs
- work independently
- plan, organize and coordinate work assignments
- establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
- travel occasionally
- work rotating shifts including evenings, weekends and holidays
- coordinate special events
- compile, organize and analyze data, programs and proposed projects
- perform a variety of skilled trade functions
- learn two-way radio communications equipment
- maintain a valid driver’s license
- successfully complete background and fingerprint check
- Maintain valid driver’s license
This position is a Position of Trust. Any applicant being considered for employment must successfully complete a Level 2 State and National criminal history check as a condition of employment before beginning employment, and also be screened in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 435, F.S. No applicant may begin employment until the background screening results are received, reviewed for any disqualifying offenses, and approved by the Agency.
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. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact our recruiter for guidance and answers to questions through the following email addresses:
HR_VeteransPreference@dep.state.fl.us
HR_ER@dep.state.fl.us
TO APPLY TO THIS POSITION ON PEOPLE FIRST: PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST - 37020281