Virginia Department of Conservation and RecreationAn official website of the Commonwealth of Virginia Here's how you knowAn official websiteHere's how you know
Department of Conservation and Recreation
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 (Word) 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: $40,000 - $60,289
Position Number: DCR00573
THE AGENCY
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation is the state’s lead conservation agency and it takes a diverse agency to work for a diverse commonwealth. DCR protects what people care about – access to the outdoors, natural habitats, open spaces, clean water and safe infrastructure. We manage 41 Virginia State Parks, which has thousands of campsites, hundreds of cabins, beaches, festivals, educational programs, more than 500 miles of trails … the list goes on.
If you’re someone who wants to love what you do, and make a difference, DCR is the place for you!
THE DIVISION
The Division of Virginia State Parks fulfills its mission “to conserve the natural, scenic, historic and cultural resources of the Commonwealth and provide recreational and educational opportunities consistent with the good stewardship of these lands, waters and facilities that leaves them unimpaired for future generations” by operating a system of 41 state parks that encompass over 75,000 acres; over 1200 buildings, almost 1700 campsites; over 300 cabins; over 700 miles of trails; nearly 500 miles of shoreline; 36 lakes and ponds; 11 swimming beaches; 4 international dark sky sites, and offers over 20,000 educational programs and workshops each year.
Managed by a full time staff of 275 and a wage staff of 1000+ during the prime season, Virginia’s award-winning state park system boasts an incredible and diverse array of natural, cultural, historical and recreational resources; including parks in the mountains; on the ocean; on the Chesapeake Bay; on 8 major rivers; on 4 major lakes; 4 rail trails; and 3 battlefield sites, and 32 sites listed on the National Historic Registry. It is our honor and privilege to play host to more than 10 million visitors annually and to offer recreational enjoyment that positively impacts local communities and the Commonwealth overall (to the tune of an economic impact that exceeds $324 million).
THE PARK
Nestled in the heart of the Cumberland State Forest in central Virginia, Bear Creek Lake is less than an hour west of Richmond. It’s the perfect getaway for the outdoor enthusiast. Activities center on the 40-acre lake with a boat launch, fishing pier, boat rentals and a swimming beach. Other attractions include a meeting facility, cabins, camping, picnicking, an archery range and playgrounds. Guests also enjoy the park’s trails and access to the adjoining 16,000-acre Cumberland State Forest, including the 14-mile Cumberland Multi-use Trail, which is available for hiking, biking and horseback riding.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Chief Ranger Law Enforcement (LE) is primarily responsible for providing direct day-to-day supervision of full-time, seasonal, and temporary employees and volunteers in the protection of state park lands, natural and cultural resources, and maintenance, operation and repair of state park structures, facilities, equipment, and utility systems. Specifically, the incumbent will be responsible for, but not limited to supervising staff in the completion of park preventive maintenance activities related to facilities, grounds, and equipment and ensuring maintenance operations are in compliance with park and regulatory standards. This position will also be responsible for ensuring worksites are safe and free of hazards; maintaining storage areas, tools, and equipment and ensuring they are in clean condition; compiling budget information for the annual preventive maintenance plan; performing revenue collection according to park/division standards; procuring materials and services; and assisting with inventory management and disposal of surplus property. The Chief Ranger will also participate in the recruitment process for wage/seasonal employees by assisting with the development of recruitment materials, submitting hiring paperwork, assisting with conducting interviews; and providing park operations and safety training to employees.
The Chief Ranger LE will assist with visitor and community service activities by meeting/greeting park guests; resolving customer complaints; registering overnight/day guests through the computer system; assisting interpretive staff with presenting interpretive programs, and ensuring appropriate program equipment is available. This position will be responsible for supervising park volunteers and AmeriCorps/Youth Conservation Corps members and participating in the park’s friend group activities/events.
The Chief Ranger LE is also responsible for providing public safety and resource protection by enforcing park rules, regulations, and state laws through the use of conservation officer powers.
Minimum Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
Special Instructions:
State applications will only be accepted as submitted online by 11:55 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. You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
Position requires incumbent to become a Sworn Conservation Officer and attend a 21 week Law Enforcement Academy located in Salem Virginia. Candidates selected for hire are provided living accommodations during the academy. Must be a US citizen; be at least 21 years old; H.S. grad or possess GED; pass a background investigation including fingerprint-based criminal history records check; possess or be able to obtain certification as a LE Officer in VA from the VA Dept. of Criminal Justice Service which includes accepting responsibilities related to being equipped with and using firearms. Successful applicants: shall not have a felony conviction(s) or have pled no contest to a felony or any offense that would be a felony if committed in VA; shall not have a misdemeanor conviction(s) involving moral turpitude, including larceny, concealment, uttering, embezzlement or perjury; shall not have conviction(s) for a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence; shall not have positive results on pre-employment drug screening.
Conditions of employment for this position require the successfully completion of a physical agility test and behavioral assessment. Also, successful completion of a physical exam is required to be identified as suitable for the position prior to beginning employment.
Ability to work in diverse conditions including exposure to the outdoors, weather in all seasons, dust, animals and insects. Ability to perform heavy manual labor to include standing, bending, pulling, climbing, and frequent lifting up to 50 lbs.
Must possess or have the ability to obtain: a valid driver’s license; certifications in CPR, First Aid, or other certifications as required.
Chief Ranger LE positions require shift work which includes weekends, holidays, and overtime. As a non-exempt position, Chief Ranger LE is covered by the FLSA minimum wage and overtime requirements. DCR has elected to grant overtime leave instead of overtime pay when non-exempt employees work more than 40 hours in any work week. When 80 hours of overtime leave have been accumulated, hours worked over 40 in a work week will be compensated by time & one-half rate of pay. These positions are required to wear state-issued uniforms and equipment. On occasion, critical agency business needs may require position reassignments within the salary range. Chief Ranger incumbents must reside in state-owned housing to provide security and operational efficiencies during non-working hours which requires entering into a lease agreement and acquisition of liability and personal property insurance.
