Staff Spotlight, Patrick Richards

Park Ranger, Patrick Richards

Park Ranger Patrick Richards has been with the Florida Park Service for 31 years. He’s served as a park ranger, construction control specialist, assistant park manager and park manager.

Richards is comfortable on land, in the air and on the water. As a certified prescribed burn manager, he plays a key role in facilitating that particular land management tool. He is a licensed pilot and SCUBA diver (including cave diving) and a member of the National Association of Diving Instructors and Professional Association of Diving Instructors.

His varied areas of expertise include small boat handling and boater safety. He is a UTV and ATV safety instructor and holds instructor certificates from the American Safety and Health Institute for CPR and First Aid. Richards has worked extensively with the Boy Scouts of America and the United State Coast Guard.

Richards holds a bachelor’s degree in Small Business Management and prior to joining the Florida Park Service in 1988, he owned and operated a small business. His background also includes experience in the restaurant and retail food industry.

Richards’ wide array of knowledge, skill and ability in maintenance, administration, resource management, protection and visitor services. are known in the Florida Park Service as the "Big 5." His career of public service has been focused on helping visitors optimize their experiences when visiting a park.