Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Due to the expected impact of the winter storm, all Virginia State Park overnight facilities will be closed from Friday, Jan. 23 through Tuesday, Jan. 27. This decision is based on the forecast for unsafe conditions and potential power outages. For updates click here.
DCR is looking for talented people to fill positions listed below. Unless stated otherwise, you must complete and submit an electronic state application by the job announcement's close date.
Generally applications must be made through the RMS (electronic state application). We will, however, accept paper applications for some state park slots. Be sure to refer to the individual recruitment for specific requirements.
Certain positions require a criminal background check, a conflict of interest financial statement or both. Law-enforcement positions require a fingerprint-based FBI investigation. DCR is an EEO/AA/ADA Employer.
For seasonal and hourly-wage positions at state parks, contact the particular park for details.
E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, all new hires must complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. Executive branch agencies are required to use the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.
For additional information on these openings, contact hr@dcr.virginia.gov. Find positions available throughout Virginia at Virginia Jobs.
Hiring Range: $90,000 - $110,000
Job Description
THE AGENCY
The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is the state’s lead natural resource conservation agency. DCR protects what Virginians care about – natural habitat, parks, clean water, dams, open space and access to the outdoors.
THE DIVISION
The Natural Heritage Program’s work focuses on science-based conservation to protect Virginia’s native biodiversity. Scientists collect data on natural communities and rare plants and animals, develop land conservation data and online mapping tools, and provide up-to-date information to enable timely conservation decisions. The Natural Heritage Program works to conserve and manage these natural heritage resources on Natural Area Preserves, and collaborates with partners to conserve and manage these resources on their managed lands. Virginia’s Natural Area Preserve System, currently consisting of 66 preserves, provides permanent protection and sustainable public access to some of the state’s and the planet’s most ecologically important lands. As a member of NatureServe’s network of programs, DCR’s Natural Heritage Program contributes to an understanding and conservation of biodiversity throughout the western hemisphere.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Natural Areas Stewardship Chief, based in Richmond, Virginia, oversees and directs management of the Virginia Natural Area Preserve System by supervising a statewide team of Natural Areas Stewards responsible for managing over 60,000 acres of permanently protected highly biodiverse conservation lands encompassing habitats for rare species and exemplary natural community occurrences. This position oversees all management plans and actions for DCR’s preserve system, assists with natural heritage resource stewardship on other high priority conservations lands, and ensures that natural heritage resource stewardship concepts, practices and needs are conveyed to preserve visitors, as well as to public and private landowners and other conservation organizations.
The primary purpose of the Natural Areas Stewardship Chief is to provide direction to and coordination of Division of Natural Heritage staff charged with carrying out DCR’s science-based approach for managing state natural area preserves. This includes supervision of Regional Supervisors, plus Stewardship Biologist and Public Access Coordinator positions, who plan and implement management actions such as prescribed fire, invasive species control, rare species monitoring, natural community restoration, public access facility design and maintenance, and visitor use monitoring. Major position functions include budgeting, expense tracking, personnel management, reviewing preserve management plans and prescribed burn plans, developing staff annual work plans, outside research collaboration, and obtaining outside/special funds (grants and contracts) to augment stewardship of natural heritage resources beyond that supported by state general funds.
Minimum Qualifications
Basic knowledge of state and federal environmental laws, regulations and policies.
Advanced knowledge of resource management techniques, conservation biology, ecological restoration and environmental issues, practices and procedures.
Ability to work with and through other organizations, agencies, groups, and individuals.
Advanced communication abilities with strong skills in technical writing and public speaking.
Expertise with developing and implementing prescribed burn plans.
Fluency with the collection and use of GIS data.
Knowledge of and experience with sustainable outdoor recreation concepts and practices.
Skills in interpreting natural history and conducting natural resource conservation outreach.
Strong skills in managing, supervising, leading, and mentoring staff.
Experience and skills with grant management including budgeting and reporting.
Strong organizational skills and expertise with time management.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in a natural resources field.
Experience in program management and budgeting, state government procedures, staff supervision, team building, and collaboration between various organizations and agencies.
Experience developing policy related to management of natural resources and/or public lands
Experience reporting to and communicating with local government officials, state legislative members and/or high levels of state or federal government leadership, towards an understanding of program importance, generally or pertaining to emerging issues.
Special Requirements
Valid VA Driver’s License or ability to attain required. Criminal history record check, references, work history and DMV driving record will be verified prior to employment.
This position will be based in Richmond, Virginia, at DCR’s Headquarters Offices. A weekly work schedule including alternate location option(s) is permissible and negotiable, though the majority of work, aside from routine fieldwork, will require physical presence in Richmond, VA.
Special Instructions to Applicants
State applications will only be accepted as submitted online by 11:59 pm on the closing date through the Recruitment Management System (RMS). State applications submitted via email, postal mail, fax, or in person will not be considered. This website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your RMS Account to check the status of your application for this position.
Employment in all positions within the Virginia State Parks is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check.
Commonwealth’s Alternate Hiring Process: In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: https://www.vadars.org/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx , or call DARS at 800-552-5019.
