OPS PARK RANGER - 37970082 Date: Jan 9, 2025 The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on our E-Verify Website (http://www.dms.myflorida.com/workforce\_operations/human\_resource\_management/for\_job\_applicants/e\_verify) . Requisition No: 844096 Agency: Environmental Protection Working Title: OPS PARK RANGER - 37970082 Pay Plan: Temp Position Number: 37970082 Salary: $33,760.00-$91,750.28 Posting Closing Date: 01/23/2025 Total Compensation Estimator Tool (https://compcalculator.myflorida.com/) OPS PARK RANGER (INVASIVE SPECIES TECHNICIAN) State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection OPEN COMPETITIVE Closing Date: 01.23.2024 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: OPS Park Ranger- Invasive Species Technician (37970082) The Florida Park Service is seeking a self-motivated, individual to assist with resource management activities, with a primary focus on removing invasive species to restore habitat at Silver Springs State Park, which encompasses 4,750 acres. The Park is located near Ocala, Florida. This is a 28-hour per week position. The applicant should be prepared to work under strenuous and uncomfortable outdoor conditions which can occur in north-central Florida environments. Contact: Nicky Aiken, Assistant Park Manager (352-286-8283) Nicky.Aiken@FloridaDEP.gov The Difference You Will Make: The Division of Recreation and Parks provides resource-based recreation while preserving, interpreting and restoring natural and cultural resources. 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. You will attain a working knowledge of the active management of Florida’s natural habitats. Where You Will Work: Silver Springs State Park 1425 NE 58th Avenue Ocala, Florida 34470 Silver Springs State Park, featuring world famous historic glass bottom boats touring one of the largest crystal-clear springs, is just minutes from downtown Ocala. This park is beloved by visitors for observing abundant wildlife both while hiking on the trails and paddling down the meandering river. Click the attached link to learn more about this beautiful park: https://www.floridastateparks.org/silversprings The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida: Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s benefits package for eligible OPS employees includes: + Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements*). For more details consult with People First at 877-562-7287 or go to: https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/health/eligibility\_and\_enrollment/ops\_employees + Participation in the Florida Deferred Compensation Plan (457b). For additional details and online enrollment visit MyFloridaDeferredComp.com (https://www.myfloridacfo.com/DeferredComp/) + State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan). (For more information, please click Social Security Alternative Plan (aigrs.com) (https://opsfl.aigrs.com/plan-details/social-security-alternative-plan) and read OPS Social Security Alternative Plan; + Flexible Spending Accounts; For a more benefits information, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com . *Seasonal and part-time OPS employees (less than 30 hours average per week) refer to the links above for detailed eligibility requirements. Pay: $15.00 per hour 28 hours per week Your Specific Responsibilities: + Assists with invasive plant and animal removal and data entry + Tracks daily progress on data sheets and enters into database. This will include the accurate reporting of gross acreage covered, treated, treatment amount and type, hours, location, species and species coverage. + Assists with biological surveys as needed + Assists with prescribed fire if able (a moderate pack test is required to perform this duty) + Performs other tasks when needed + Performs preventative and corrective maintenance on all equipment and assigned vehicles daily. Communicates equipment maintenance needs to management. Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge : + Florida natural communities, including both native and invasive plants; land management techniques used to control invasive species. + Basic equipment operation and safety. + Natural systems management. + Prescribed fire. + Basic knowledge of office software (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint). Skills: + Familiar with tools and equipment used in natural resource survey (e.g. GPS devices, Avenza maps and other survey applications) and invasive plant control, including hand, power/gas tools, herbicide sprayers, all-wheel drive equipment and tractors. + Operating heavy equipment within its operational limits. + Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Abilities : + Ability to perform assigned field work despite excessive heat, cold, biting insects and other adverse environmental conditions while walking across uneven terrain. + Ability to differentiate between native plant species and invasive plant species. + Ability to operate 4x4 trucks and ATV/UTVs in variable terrain. + Ability to work as a team or independently. + Ability to follow verbal and written instructions. + To read and follow a map. + Deal with others in a positive manner and maintain good public relations. + To work in remote and isolated locations independently. + Perform physical labor with minimal supervision. + Operate and maintain vehicles, tools and equipment. + Ability to work nights, weekends and Holidays and rotating shifts as needed. Minimum Qualifications: + A valid driver’s license. + Successful completion of background/fingerprinting check Preferred Qualifications: + Preference will be towards individuals that possess previous experience/working knowledge of Florida native and invasive flora and fauna, as well as use of GPS and or GIS equipment and software. BACKGROUND SCREENING REQUIREMENT: 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_Recruitment@dep.state.fl.us The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act. Location: OCALA, FL, US, 34470 Nearest Major Market:Ocala