Ops Americorps Park Ranger - 37970834

Requisition No: 817232 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS AMERICORPS PARK RANGER - 37970834

 Pay Plan: AmeriCorps

Position Number: 37970834 

Salary:  Monthly Living Stipend: $1,600.00 

Posting Closing Date: 12/19/2023 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

OPS AMERICORPS PARK RANGER

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

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 mission of the Florida Conservation Corps is to develop natural and cultural resource leaders by connecting them to areas of critical need in conservation, preservation, interpretation and resource based recreation. 

The Work You Will Do:

The Florida Conservation Corps (FLCC) AmeriCorps program is a 25-year-old program administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Florida Park Service with members serving at state parks throughout Florida. 

Members serving under FLCC Project A.N.T. (AmeriCorps Nonnative plant Terminators) serve as pairs in approximately 25 state parks, focused on habitat restoration through the management of invasive exotic plants.

Members help to reduce invasive exotic plant infestations through various land management techniques but also educate park visitors and surrounding communities through outreach and interpretation, as well as recruit volunteers to support their exotic plant management endeavors. FLCC AmeriCorps members for this position will report daily to onsite park management, and submit service data to FLCC staff based in Gainesville, FL  

Members are required to serve 1,700 hours between February 2023 - December 31, 2023. This equates to approximately 35 - 40 hours per week. To find out more about AmeriCorps, National Service, and the program you can visit: 

https://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps/what-americorps 

https://www.floridastateparks.org/FLCC 

What you can expect from your service

• Natural Resource Skills  

• Plant identification  
• Chainsaw training and use 
• Training and use of large equipment 
• Tool maintenance (chainsaws, trail tools, herbicide application tools, hatchets, machetes, hand saw, vehicles, ATV, UTV) 

• Safe use of herbicide application 
• Participate in prescribed fire 
• Create/maintain/improve public trails 

• Professional development 

• Introduction to federal and state policy and guidelines 

• Experience entering data and retrieving reports for progress tracking  
• Organize and/or participate in strike teams and service projects 
• Network and build relationships with natural resource professionals  

• Community Outreach 

• Flyer and graphic design and development 

• Opportunity to recruit volunteers and lead volunteer projects 
• Table at community events 
• Interact and educate park visitors 
• Participate in disaster response recovery efforts 

The Difference You Will Make:

This position will directly impact the Florida State Parks by working toward improvement of natural communities, volunteer recruitment, education, and trail enhancement.

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:

Hillsborough River State Park

Just minutes from downtown Tampa, this diverse park offers a refuge from city life with seven miles of nature trails and wonderful wildlife viewing.

Come visit a breathtaking oasis of natural and historical significance. Stroll along the river rapids, enjoy camping, explore historic structures, share a picnic or view scenic landscapes.

Hillsborough River State Park provides many opportunities for outdoor recreation. From fishing in the Hillsborough River to hiking or biking on the trails or picnicking under pavilions built in the 1930s, there is something for everyone here.

Besides enjoying a living history lesson, visitors can view Class II river rapids, which are rare in Florida, and canoe or kayak along the scenic Hillsborough River. 

Camping is another popular activity at Hillsborough River State Park, just a short distance from the bustling city of Tampa.

The Benefits of Working for the Florida Conservation Corps AmeriCorps Program:

• Loan deferment 
• $6,895.00 Education award after the completion of service 
• Monthly Living Stipend: $1,600.00 
• No cost insurance premium (deductibles still required)  
• Access to Member Assistance Program 
• Free access to all 175 state parks 

Pay:

Monthly Living Stipend: $1,600.00

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Florida ecosystems and resource management techniques
• Recreation principles

SKILL IN:

• communicating effectively verbally and in writing
• utilizing a computer including, but not limited to software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite

ABILITY TO:

• attend In-person orientation March 11th-15th 2024
• complete 1,700 hours between February 5th - December 31st, 2024
• successfully complete background and fingerprint check
• accurately prepare reports
• interact with all internal and external customers and the general public in a professional, tactful, and courteous manner
• utilize a computer including, but not limited to software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite
• participate in resource management tasks, including but not limited to non-native plant removal which may include application of herbicide
• follow verbal and written instructions/directions
• establish and maintain effective working relationships
• work outdoors in inclement weather
• perform physical labor
• lift 40 pounds and assist in transporting items or other supplies 100 pounds or more
• properly wear uniform

Other Job-Related Requirements for this position: 

• Must successfully pass background check

This position is designated as a Position of Special Trust in accordance with DEP-422 (Positions of Special Trust or Responsibility). 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@FloridaDEP.gov

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.