OPS PARK SERVICES SPECIALIST - 37970039

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is Florida's leading agency responsible for environmental management and stewardship, overseeing the protection of air, water, and land resources throughout the state. DEP's mission is focused on advancing Florida's position as a global leader in natural resources conservation while simultaneously fostering economic growth. The department embraces innovation and operational efficiencies and supports employees by providing opportunities to undertake significant and complex projects, offering valuable professional experience.

This specific opportunity is for the position of OPS Park Services Specialist, located at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park in Tallahassee, Florida. This park spans 1,169 acres and includes recreational areas, trail systems, and a renowned 28-acre ornamental garden, originally planted by Alfred B. and Louise Maclay in 1923. Visitors enjoy picturesque gardens featuring brick walkways, secret gardens, a reflection pool, and abundant camellias and azaleas, particularly vibrant from January through April. The park also offers diverse outdoor activities such as swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking at the nearby Lake Hall, and multiple trails for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding.

The OPS Park Services Specialist role is an essential part-time temporary position paying $15 per hour for 40 hours per week. The specialist works closely with park management and the Citizen Support Organization (Friends of Maclay Gardens) to plan and coordinate special events, workshops, and retreats throughout the park. Key responsibilities include managing outsourcing services required for events, such as stage setup, tents, sound and lighting systems, and ensuring thorough completion and timely submission of all paperwork related to these events. Additionally, the specialist manages bookings for weddings, pavilion rentals, and special permits, maintaining an up-to-date master calendar of park activities.

Alongside event coordination, the role involves organizing broad-spectrum park events that showcase interpretive activities, tours, media events, and volunteer workdays. The position also implements the park's communication plan to boost awareness and engagement. This includes generating content for the park's website, newsletters, social media, and printed materials, crafting press releases, public service announcements, and cultivating positive media relations through interviews and community outreach.

The specialist collaborates extensively with the Volunteer Coordinator to recruit and manage volunteers, oversee the docent program for the Maclay House and Visitor Center, and support the development of informative park brochures and flyers. At times, the specialist will assist in visitor engagement within the Ranger Station and Visitor Center by providing excellent customer service, disseminating park rules and information, collecting entrance and pass fees, operating point-of-sale systems, and maintaining operational organization.

To succeed in this role, the OPS Park Services Specialist must have knowledge of the Florida Park Service mission and principles, effective communication skills both verbal and written, and administrative proficiency. Candidates should be comfortable using office technology including personal computers and software such as Windows, Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe programs, Outlook email, and the internet. Experience in money handling, balancing receipts, report preparation, and spreadsheet use is important. Key abilities include planning and managing special events, leading teams during setup and teardown, prioritizing workloads, maintaining schedules and reports, and working flexible shifts including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

An essential part of the job is applying relevant rules, regulations, policies, and procedures independently while employing problem-solving techniques. Public interaction skills are critical; the specialist must be capable of public speaking, interpreting the park’s mission effectively, and fostering positive working relationships. Completion of CPR and First Aid certification within six months of employment is required.

This position is designated as a Position of Special Trust by DEP, requiring successful background screening and fingerprint checks. Possessing a valid driver's license is mandatory. Preferred qualifications include skills in graphic design software such as Adobe, Publisher, and Canva.

Working at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park offers the unique opportunity to engage with Florida's exceptional natural and cultural resources while contributing to a renowned public garden and recreational setting. The State of Florida supports OPS employees with a benefits package that may include participation in state group insurance plans, a tax-deferred retirement savings plan, flexible spending accounts, and more, tailored to eligibility. This role offers meaningful work within the public sector and a chance to be significantly involved in community outreach, event management, and environmental education.