Park Services Specialist

Requisition No:867827

Working Title:

PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST -

This position is located in Ocala, Florida

Position Overview and Responsibilities

An opportunity is anticipated for a self‑motivated, hard‑working individual, with strong resource management, visitor services, protection, and maintenance experience to fill a Park Services Specialist position at Silver Springs State Park.

Silver Springs resources include some 5,000 acres of unique natural and cultural resources with many diverse recreational opportunities such as camping, picnicking, nature appreciation, canoeing and hiking. The park protects a large diversity of wildlife habitat and numerous endangered species. Silver Springs and its surrounding property is one of Florida’s most significant features.

This position is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective community related partnerships, resource management activities, visitor services and facility maintenance activities, establishing and maintaining good public relations while also creating public information programs, developing and coordinating private and governmental manpower support systems, visitor service programs, and professional training programs for the park, and assist with volunteer training and management.

ADMINISTRATION - Assists with revenue collection and reporting. Prepares forms and reports on a wide range of subjects including visitor use, visitor contacts, volunteer training and records, wildlife sighting and population counts, accidents and incidents, vehicle, boat, and equipment operations and maintenance, property records, various purchasing procedures. 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. Operates personal computer and maintains logs. Assist with recruiting, orientation, training and work assignments of volunteers.

VISITOR SERVICES - Performs Ranger Station duties including but not limited to registering campers, point of sale transactions, greets visitors, explains facilities and answers questions, answers phone, operates park radio. Attempts to resolve visitor complaints while maintaining good public relations. Represents Silver Springs 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, special events, tours, media events and volunteer workdays, along with appropriate permits.

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 Park management in coordinating and overseeing the Citizen Support Organization for the park, especially in terms of interpretation, outreach and special events.

Assists Park volunteer coordinator as needed.

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.…