Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
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 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: $55,000 - $65,000
Position Number: 00105
Job Duties:
The Field Zoologist positions are based out of Richmond, Virginia, but the positions have statewide responsibilities, including zoological field work across the state, focusing on inventories for rare, threatened, and endangered (RTE) animals tracked by DCR-DNH (see https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/infoservices#lists). Inventories focus on locating new locations and updating known locations of the state’s most imperiled fauna, accurately mapping their extent, assessing the condition of and threats to the population, and completing field data for processing. The field season is particularly heavy from late March to early October, but certain taxa are best surveyed during other parts of the year. Frequent overnight travel and non-traditional hours will be required Monday-Friday, and sometimes, though rarely, weekend work. The non-field season portion of the year is devoted to synthesizing field data for entry into DCR-DNH’s biodiversity database and providing deliverables for projects, specimen curation and identification, report writing, and administrative processes. These positions will include opportunities to attend and present at professional meetings, as well as opportunities for outreach and collaboration with scientists in the academic community; local, state, and federal agency partners; conservation non-profits; and other partners in the Natural Heritage Network.
The Field Zoologists work under the supervision of the Lead Field Zoologist. The chief duty of the positions is to collect, analyze, and interpret zoological data toward the goal of conserving habitats for rare animal species in Virginia. The majority of this work is conducted in fulfillment of contractual obligations. Field locations and survey taxa are often highly variable, including both invertebrates and vertebrates, and are largely determined by specific grants and contracts. The Field Zoologists often work in collaboration with other staff that may include botanists, vegetation ecologists, and karst scientists. Field work includes designing and conducting zoological inventories for a wide range of animal taxa, with specific emphasis on rare species. Office work includes planning field surveys, preparing summaries of field observations using standard Natural Heritage methodology, identifying and curating zoological specimens, and writing technical reports detailing inventory results.
Minimum Qualifications:
Additional Considerations:
Special Instructions:
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.
Submission of a letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position description, minimum qualifications, and additional considerations is encouraged.
The incumbent must have the ability and willingness to travel, including frequent overnight work trips (especially during the March – October field season and typically between Monday and Friday) and work long, often non-traditional hours.
The incumbent must have the ability and willingness to conduct physically demanding outdoor field research under all weather conditions, sometimes in uneven or remote terrain and walking long distances carrying gear, working in small groups or sometimes alone in areas with sporadic cell phone service. Ability to operate four-wheel drive vehicles under adverse conditions and in remote areas is required.
A valid State Driver's License is required to operate a state vehicle or if operating a personal vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the agency. DMV driving record will be verified prior to employment.
The incumbent must live in proximity to Richmond, Virginia, or have the ability to move within proximity of Richmond, Virginia to allow for working in-person in order to effectively interact with other staff, access the Division vehicle fleet for field work, work in the lab as needed, and access field gear.
The incumbent must have the ability to obtain and maintain certification in CPR and basic first aid.
Selected candidate(s) will need to complete the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form. DCR participates in E-Verify.
All applicants for employment must consent to a background check. Employment in all positions within the Virginia State Parks is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check including a criminal history record check.
Submission of an online application is required for this position. DCR does not accept applications, resumes, cover letters, etc. for this vacancy in any other format. When applying for jobs, please ensure your online application or resume is complete with duties and skills associated with your work experience as well as years of experience in order to properly assess your skills in the screening process. Candidates are evaluated based on information provided in the application materials. Missing information cannot be assumed.
Minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people with National Service experience are encouraged to apply. EEO/AA/TT
