Ops Biological Scientist I -

Requisition No:859306

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I -

Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number:

Salary: $15.00/hour

Posting Closing Date: 09/11/2025

Total Compensation EstimatorTool

OPS Biological Scientist ()

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Tallahassee Florida

Post Closing Date

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

This is an excellent opportunity for a self-motivated hard-working individual with experience working with natural resource management tactics and best practices operating and maintaininggas and diesel equipment utilizing various hand and power tools and have strong communication skills to fill an OPS Biological Scientist position at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park. This position is centered on the day-to-day park operations needs for managing exotic and invasive plant species found withing the successful candidate will be required to perform various duties including the following: Facilities cleaning park maintenance Resource management park protection visitor services. This is a part-time temporary position working 28 hours per selected candidate may be required to work rotating shifts to include holidays and position does not include health benefits or paid will exist for additional training and experience.

VISITOR SERVICES - Explains facilities and services provided for public use enjoyment and education; meets visitors answers questions provides information and directions in an accurate and professional manner. Attempts to resolve visitor complaints while maintaining good public relations. Interpret natural resource techniques and the need for invasive/exotic species management. Assist with educational programs and outreach regarding invasive/exotic species control.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT - Recognizes biological communities and the natural processes required for their maintenance. Observes maintains and protects the natural cultural historic and archaeological resources of the park. Implements vegetation and wildlife management plans maintains optimum species control via natural and chemical means. Implements site restoration projects. Implements water resources management plans. Collects and analyzes natural resource data and information related to exotic plant species. This includes direct efforts as well as ongoing training and surveying to meet the demands of a constantly evolving workplace. Communicates and coordinates survey and treatments with park management.

MAINTENANCE Maintains park equipment and grounds through routine preventive and corrective maintenance practices. Conducts routine inspections to ensure proper maintenance standards are met. Maintains cleanliness of grounds and facilities.

ADMINISTRATION - Prepares forms and reports on a wide range of subjects including treatments vehicle usage and Incident reports. Operates park radios computers and various office equipment.

PROTECTION - Performs routine patrols and security checks; ensures adherence to the Park Protection Plan. Opens and/or secures park facilities as appropriate. Interprets and enforces park rules pertaining to all natural and cultural resources and facilities and use thereof for the safety and enjoyment of the visitor.

OTHERPerforms other related duties as required.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Floridas natural and cultural resources
• Land management techniques
• Basic arithmetic

• Good public relations

Skill in:

• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing
• Accurately preparing reports
• Operation of Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
• Interacting with all internal and external customers and the general public in a professional tactful and courteous manner
• Utilizing power tools including but not limited to chain saws and drills
• Utilizing two-way radios and computers including but not limited to software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite

Ability to:

• Work rotating shifts including special events nights holidays and weekends
• 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
• Work independently with minimal supervision
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Speak in public
• Understand and apply rules directives policies laws and regulations
• Conduct routine inspections identify and investigate problems
• Clean park facilities including but not limited to cleaning restrooms blowing sidewalks and picking up trash
• Work outdoors in inclement weather
• Perform physical labor - Lift 40 pounds and assist in transporting items or other supplies 100 pounds or more
• Maintain a valid drivers license
• Successfully complete background & fingerprint check
• Comply with uniform standards
• Comply with hair grooming standards and body art and piercing restrictions.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Complete Background Screening
• Valid Drivers License

Position Of Special Trust Requirement:

This position is designated as a Position of Special Trust in accordance with Directive 422 Position of Special Trust or Responsibility. Successful completion of background screening will be required for this position.

Pay:

$15.00 PER HOUR / 28 HOURS PER WEEK

Our Organization and Mission:

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the states lead agency for environmental management and stewardship - protecting our air water and land. The vision of DEP is to advance Floridas position as a world leader in protecting natural resources while growing the states economy. 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

3540 Thomasville Road

Tallahassee FL 32309

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park (1184 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:

Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The States benefits package for eligible OPS employees includes:

• Participation in state group insurance(must meet eligibility requirements*). For more details consult with People First ator go to: in the Florida Deferred Compensation Plan (457b). For additional details and online enrollment visit
• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan). (For more information please click Social Security Alternative Plan ()and read OPS Social Security Alternative Plan;
• Flexible Spending Accounts;

For a more benefits information visit .

*Seasonal and part-time OPS employees (less than 30 hours average per week) refer to the links above for detailed eligibility requirements.

Special Notes:

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:

An individual with a disability is qualified if he or she satisfies the skills experience and other job-related requirements for a position and can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act must contact the DEP Human Resources (HR) Office at . DEP requests applicants notify HR in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. The State of Florida supports a DrugFree workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455 F.S. DrugFree Workplace Act.

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-). 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.