Park Services Specialist - 37000902

Requisition No: 790900 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST - 37000902

Position Number: 37000902 

Salary:  $31,200.00 

Posting Closing Date: 02/03/2023 

Park Services Specialist

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 Work You Will Do:

Park Services Specialist (37000902)

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

3540 Thomasville Rd.

Tallahassee, FL 32309

Contact: Matthew Bledsoe, Park Manager

850-245-2549

Matthew.Bledsoe@FloridaDEP.gov

This is an exciting opportunity to work as a Park Services Specialist for Alfred B Maclay Gardens State Park. The selected applicant will be required to coordinate and implement all facets of the park volunteer program, plan and coordinate the park's interpretive program, assist park management with the planning of special events, assist the park manager in the operation of the park's Citizen Support Organization (CSO).

The Difference You Will Make:

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.

Where You Will Work:

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park (1,169 acres) is located in Leon County within the city limits of Tallahassee with a recreation area, trail system and a 28-acre masterpiece of floral architecture.

The beautiful ornamental gardens were first planted in 1923 by Alfred B. and Louise Maclay after they purchased the property for their winter home. The gardens feature a picturesque brick walkway, secret garden, reflection pool, walled garden, and hundreds of camellias and azaleas. Peak blooming season is from January 1 through April 30, with the floral peak in mid-to-late March.

Lake Hall provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Pavilions and grills along the lakeshore provide the perfect setting for a picnic.

Two short nature trails meander through the woods overlooking the lake.

Hikers, bicyclists and equestrians can enjoy six miles of shared-use trails and five miles of designated biking trails winding through the woods surrounding Lake Overstreet.

Click the attached link to learn more about this beautiful park: 

https://www.floridastateparks.org/MaclayGardens

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 (For more information, please click www.myfrs.com);
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Tuition waivers;
• And more!

For a more complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com. 

Pay:

$2,600 month/$31,200 year

Your Specific Responsibilities: 

Compliance with the processing requirements of Chapter 215.422, F.S. is mandatory. Persistent failure to comply with this section by any agency of the state shall constitute good cause for discharge of employees duly found responsible, or predominantly responsible, for failure to comply. 

This is moderately independent work providing Visitor Services, Resource Management, Maintenance, Administration and Protection of Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park.

ADMINISTRATION - Communicates effectively both in writing and verbally.  Collects, maintains and transmits various monthly and quarterly reports such as manpower augmentation report, interpretive tracking reports, etc.  Formulate, track budget and operating expenses involving interpretive and community outreach and volunteer needs.  Enters and submits flex schedule and work hours in People First in a timely manner.  Utilize the DEP email system to provide additional communication.  Works closely with the park's Citizen Support Organization overseeing their operations and assisting management in coordinating and ensuring their compliance. Performs a wide variety of other administrative tasks, as needed. 

INTERPRETATION & EDUCATION - Develops and coordinates a comprehensive Interpretive Services Program, including guided walks, nature talks, guided recreational activities, roving interpretation, curriculum-based programs, and community outreach programs. Evaluates existing interpretive programs to identify areas for improvement to more effectively promote natural and cultural resource stewardship. Coordinate staff and volunteer schedules to conduct interpretive programs on and off site as well as schedule private programs for diverse groups. Provide leadership through coaching and training of park staff and volunteers to develop, research and present original interpretive programs and non-personal displays and materials. Plan, develop, and write a variety of interpretive media, such as waysides, exhibits, self-guided tours, publications, social media, websites, articles, newsletters, and press releases to disseminate information about the park to the public, staff, and volunteers. Conceptualize and coordinate preparation of proposals and grant requests for interpretive project funding from partner agencies and grant sources if additional funding is desired for a project. Performs a wide variety of other interpretive and education related tasks, as needed.

VISITOR SERVICES - Represents Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park and the Florida Park Service to outside agencies and organizations, disseminating information and promoting all opportunities provided by the park.  Coordinates park staff and/or volunteers to provide presentations and/or attend local community organization meetings, special events, fairs and festivals to expand public understanding of the Florida Park Service and promote the park.  Maintains and updates visitor information kiosks and other printed park materials throughout the park.  Coordinate park wide events which feature interpretive events, tours, media events and volunteer work days.  Implement the park's communications plan which includes creating content for park website, newsletters, social media, graphics, presentations, magazine articles, press releases, public service announcements, building relationships with reporters, conducting radio, TV and written interviews, and create printed materials for diverse audiences.  Serves as the park's information officer during media events.  Assists the event coordinator with booking weddings, pavilions and special event permit activities.  Attempts to resolve visitor complaints while maintaining good public relations.  Explains the facilities and services provided for public use, enjoyment and education; meets visitors, answers questions, provides information and directions, operates cash register/POS system when needed.

VOLUNTEER COORDINATION - Develops and coordinates a comprehensive volunteer program, including resident volunteers, local volunteers and community service workers.  Evaluate existing volunteer program to identify areas for improvement to more effectively meet the park's management objectives.  Monitors and defines suitable park volunteer needs and coordinates volunteer placement dependent upon the park's management objectives.  Develops and maintains volunteer job descriptions, procedural manuals, personnel records and evaluations.  Plans and oversees all volunteer schedules.  Maintains appropriate records, files and databases to track volunteers.  Conducts all necessary correspondence to recruit, interview, train and place volunteers.  Designs, plans and conducts volunteer meetings, training activities, workshops and volunteer orientation sessions. Track volunteer hours, prepares appropriate reports and coordinates awards programs.  Ensures all required documents are submitted in compliance with established schedules.  Serves as liaison between volunteers and park administration.   Assists park management in coordinating and overseeing Citizen Support Organization for the park.  Serves as team leader to accomplish work projects and provide oversight of park operations in the absence of the Park Manager and Assistant Park Manager.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT - Knowledgeable of natural resource activities such as listed species management, recognize natural communities, exotic removal programs, wildlife monitoring and other related activities.  Participates in the parks exotic control program; report results as required.  Observes, maintains and protects the natural, cultural, historic and archaeological resources of the park.  Researches the history of the park, both cultural and natural, and assists in developing plans for restoration, preservation and interpretation.  Assists with imperiled species monitoring when needed.

PROTECTION - Coordinate training of staff and volunteers to promote a safe work environment.  Maintain and conduct patrols of park for security to gates, entrances and facilities.  Responsible for cash fund security and bank deposits when necessary.  Inform visitors of possible hazards.  Enforce park rules, regulations and other related guidelines in a courteous manner.  Investigates and prepares forms and reports on safety and miscellaneous incidents.  Prevent accidents and injuries by timely reporting and correction of hazards.

Performs related park duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of: 

• principals and techniques of effective verbal and written communications
• administrative principles and practices
• methods of data collection and analysis
• natural and cultural resource preservation techniques
• the principals and methods to provide training for park staff and volunteers to meet the needs of the park

Skill in:  

• producing photographs, power point presentations, operation of video projection equipment and computers
• public speaking, writing and program presentation

Ability to: 

• provide good public relation techniques with internal and external customers
• assist event coordinator with coordinating and overseeing special events which include booking weddings, pavilion rentals and special programs and workshops
• oversee and coordinate park programs and volunteer program
• evaluate data and prepare reports on a variety of programs
• use and maintain a variety of hand and power tools and equipment to perform physical labor
• perform a variety of skilled trade functions
• understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures
• work independently
• utilize problem solving techniques
• coordinate and conduct meetings
• conduct volunteer recruitment, screening, training and provide orientation programs
• research, plan and prepare educational, interpretive and promotional materials and programs
• write articles
• disseminate public information and media announcements and cultivate positive media relations and community outreach
• manage social media sites, provide effective public speaking in public formats and interpret the park's mission