PARK Services Specialist - 37021030

Park Services Specialist - 37021030

William J Rish Recreation Area is looking for a self-motivated park service professional to fill a park services specialist 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.

Your specific responsibilities include compliance with the processing requirements of Chapter 215.422, F.S. This position is responsible for establishing and maintaining good public relations and for carrying out public information programs, developing and coordinating private and governmental manpower and financial support systems, visitor service and volunteer programs, assisting management with oversight of contractual service programs, assists in park maintenance and resource management programs.

Develops and presents guided walks, campfire, recreational skills, and other visitor service programs to park visitors, educational groups, and other citizen groups. Designs, researches, and develops park specific literature for public dissemination. Explains facilities and services provided for public use and attempts to resolve visitor complaints while maintaining good public relations. Plans, coordinates and participates in all aspects of the park's special events. Ensures all park facilities and programs meet all ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Standards and Regulations.

Develops and administers comprehensive volunteer program, including campground hosts and other resident volunteers, local volunteers, and Citizen Support Organization (CSO) Members. Conducts all necessary activities and correspondence to maintain volunteer program such as recruitment, interviewing, placement, training, and recognition of volunteers. Maintains volunteer records, files, and databases to properly track volunteer program and needs.

Provides research, development, and library of funding sources for the park via corporate/foundation and public support entities. Designs and implements public marketing relations program to encourage corporate/foundation and private support of the park. Prepares grant applications for park projects and possible funding sources.

Gathers and maintains cultural resource files, artifact inventories, and coordinates and participates in appropriate preservation of natural and cultural resources. Implements ecological burning for fire type communities; recognize communities and maintain optimum species control via natural and chemical means.

Constructs, maintains, and repairs small buildings, fences, trails, service roads, fire lanes, boardwalks, campsites, picnic sites, boat ramps, docks, and all other necessary facilities. Maintains cleanliness of grounds and facilities, ensuring all park facilities and programs meet all ADA Standards and Regulations.

Ensures all aspects of park security and safety are maintained at all times.

Serves as liaison with vendors providing contractual services to the park and assists management with oversight of contracts within the park. Serves as liaison between the park and the District Parks Program Development Specialist. Assists management with organization and training of park staff.

Prepares a wide variety of reports, forms and logs related to all aspects of park operations. Operates cash registers and reconciles receipts. Operates two-way radio equipment, computers, and other office equipment.

Performs other related duties as required.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities include knowledge of Florida ecosystems and resource management techniques, cultural resource preservation and restoration techniques, technical report writing and effective verbal and written communication principles, computers and related software, FPS volunteer and CSO policies and procedures. Skill in public speaking, writing, and program presentation, producing photographs and slides. Ability to use assorted power/gas tools and equipment to perform physical labor, handle cash register transactions and reconciliation of receipts, 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 license, successfully complete Ranger Academy, successfully complete background and fingerprint check.

Minimum qualifications include a valid driver's license.

Position of special trust requirement: 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.

Base salary $3,176.42 monthly, $38,117.04 annually.

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: William J Rish Recreation Area (WJRRA) is located in Port St. Joe, in the community of Cape San Blas. This Recreation Area manages 100 acres of land on both the Gulf of America and on St. Joseph's Bay. This recreation area is designed and designated to serve those with disabilities. Currently WJRRA is open for day use and offers access to the beach, the bay and an Olympic-sized swimming pool. The park will one day provide overnight amenities to include, 8 accessible cabins and 30 accessible campsites. There will also be a fully operational concessionaire, a dock that will provide access to the bay for those with disabilities and other amenities. This is a chance to be a part of something exciting, a brand-new Florida State Park! There will also be opportunities for resource management and wildlife monitoring.

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; tuition waivers; and more!