A Park Ranger leads informational programs for park visitors about the history and environmental features of public parks, and promote awareness of protecting park land. Welcomes and provides assistance to park visitors, assists with educational programs, oversees park events and activities and patrols park land.
09/17/2026 Total Compensation Estimator Tool OPS Park Attendant (37970240) State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection This position is located in
Homosassa, FL Position Overview and Responsibilities:
This is a unique opportunity within the Florida Park Service available for a self-motivated park service professional to fill an OPS Park Attendant position, providing visitor services, maintenance, protection, administration, and resource management. The applicant must possess good visitor service and administration skills, be able to work independently. 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; meets visitors, answers questions, provides information and directions in an accurate and professional manner. Attempts to resolve visitor complaints while maintaining good public relations.
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
•Recognizes biological communities and the natural processes required for their maintenance. Observes, maintains and protects the natural, cultural, historic and archaeological resources of the park, assists with optimum species control via natural and chemical means.
MAINTENANCE
•Maintains park structures, facilities, equipment and grounds through routine, preventative, and corrective maintenance practices. Conducts routines inspections to ensure proper maintenance standards are met. Maintains cleanliness of grounds and facilities. Cleans restrooms and park areas as directed.
ADMINISTRATION
•Prepares forms and reports. Answers the telephone, operates park radio, computer and various office equipment.
PROTECTION
•Performs routine patrols and security checks; ensures adherence to the park Protection Plan. Opens and/or secures park facilities as appropriate. Interprets and enforces park rules pertaining to all natural and cultural resources and facilities and use thereof for the safety and enjoyment of the visitor.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
KNOWLEDGE OF
Florida's natural and cultural resources Working with wildlife Basic arithmetic Good public relations General maintenance and mechanical techniques and repairs
SKILL IN
Animal husbandry Communicating effectively verbally and in writing Interacting with all internal and external customers and the general public in a professional, tactful and courteous manner Performing grounds and building maintenance which includes but is not limited to mowing, weed eating, pressure washing, and painting Utilizing power tools, including but not limited to, chain saws and drills Basic plumbing, including but not limited to, repairing hose bibs, waterline repair Basic electrical work, including but not limited to, replacing outlets and circuit breakers Basic carpentry, including but not limited to, boardwalk and fence repairs Utilize a computer including, but not limited to software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite
ABILITY TO
Perform animal husbandry for resident Wildlife (Class I, II and III) Follow verbal and written instructions/directions Work independently with minimal supervision Establish and maintain effective working relationships Speak in public Understand and apply rules, directives, policies, laws and regulations Conduct routine inspections, identify and investigate problems Clean park facilities, including but not limited to, cleaning restrooms and picking up trash Work outdoors in inclement weather, including but not limited to heat, cold, wind, rain, high humidity and sunlight Work with exposure to insects, dangerous animals, snakes Work in an environment with animal waste and the potential for zoonotic diseases Perform physical labor Lift 50 pounds and assist in transporting animals, items or other supplies 100 pounds or more Work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple priorities Provide visitor assistance services Operate two-way radio Properly wear uniform
Minimum Qualifications:
Valid Driver's License 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.
Pay:
$15/hour
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:
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park 4150 S Suncoast Blvd. Homosassa, FL 34446 Discover the wild side of Florida with endangered Florida panther, red wolf, manatee and whooping crane, plus black bear, bobcat and, of course, alligators. When Homosassa Springs was a popular train stop in the early 1900s, passengers could picnic and take a dip in the spring while train cars were being loaded up with cedar, crabs, fish and spring water. On a 1924 visit, Bruce Hoover of Chicago called it "the most beautiful river and springs in the world." In this regard, Homosassa Springs hasn't changed much. The park also features a variety of captive animals such as alligators, black bears, red wolf, Key deer, flamingos and whooping cranes. The native wildlife that reside in the park serve as ambassadors for their species, providing visitors face-to-face connections with the animals and their habitats. Each with a unique life story, all of the animal inhabitants are here for the same reason•they are unable to survive in the wild on their own. 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•). State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts; And more! For a complete list of benefits, 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.
Special Notes:
DEP is committed to successfully recruiting and onboarding talented and skilled individuals into its workforce. We recognize the extensive training, experience, and transferable 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@FloridaDEP.gov An individual with a disability is qualified if he or she satisfies the skills, experience, and other job-related requirements for a position and can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must contact the DEP Human Resources (HR) Office at (850) 245-2511. DEP requests applicants notify HR in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. 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.
