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Form of workRequisition No: 819636
Agency: Environmental Protection
Working Title: OPS AMERICORPS PARK RANGER - 37979162
Pay Plan: AmeriCorps
Position Number: 37979162
Salary: Monthly Living Stipend: $1,600.00
Posting Closing Date: 01/10/2024
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 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 2024 - December 31, 2024. This equates to approximately 35 - 40 hours per week.
Project R.O.A.R. members are placed regionally throughout Florida and work directly with DEP staff to identify parks in need of volunteer recruitment and outreach. Members may create outreach material, while learning to navigate and manage DEP volunteer tracking systems. In addition, these members work with FLCC's other project areas to assist members with volunteer and outreach goals.
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
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
Volunteer Recruitment
Work with park staff to identify volunteer needs
Recruit volunteers locally to support program and park objectives
Network and build relationships with volunteers
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:
Ichetucknee Springs State Park
Traveling the pristine waters of the Ichetucknee River is the perfect outing, whether you're looking for a vigorous adventure or a relaxing day on the water.
Although well-known for its warm weather tubing, Ichetucknee Springs State Park is a 2,669-acre wildlife haven where beaver, otter, gar, softshell turtle, wild turkey, wood duck and limpkin all find a home. The main draw is the park's eight major crystal-clear springs that join to create the 6-mile Ichetucknee River.
The upper portion within the state park is a National Natural Landmark, perhaps the most pristine spring run in the state and best enjoyed by canoe or kayak during the cooler months.
Three nature trails guide visitors through the lush park forest or a majestic sandhill environment with towering longleaf pines.
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
Your Specific Responsibilities:
Table at park and community events
Contact and recruit potential volunteers
Serve 1,700 hours before December 31st
Assist with outreach goals as assigned
Complete monthly timesheet
Complete quarterly report
Complete required training
Create interpretive programs
Attend mandatory FLCC events
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Florida ecosystems and resource management techniques
Recreation principles
Volunteer recruitment and outreach 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.
