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: $6,500 total, or $7,500 total stipend for those selected to be Head Crew Leaders
Job Duties
The duration of employment for this position is from approximately June 1 to July 25, 2024, comprised of a week-long training and two, two-week sessions at two different state parks. Lodging and most food expenses are provided. Crew Leaders will have selected days off between sessions. There are no health benefits or paid vacation leave associated with the job.
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 43 Virginia State Parks and their many amenities and programs to engage and educate Virginia’s residents and other visitors in outdoor recreation, history, culture, and conservation. We also sustain thousands of volunteers, hundreds of miles of trails, many outdoor recreational opportunities, campgrounds and campsites, cabins, beaches, festivals, and interpretive programs.
If you’re someone who wants to love what you do, and make a difference, DCR is the place for you!
THE OPPORTUNITY
The mission of Virginia State Park’s Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) is to connect Virginia's youth with the natural world through a structured program of meaningful service projects on public lands. Youth build trails, friendships, environmental literacy, and self-confidence as they work to preserve access to the outdoors for generations to come. YCC has operated for over two decades. as a residential program at select parks for youth consisting of work projects during weekdays and environmental education and adventure opportunities during evenings and weekends.
In 2024, at each participating park, three to four adult Crew Leaders will guide crews of 10 youth aged 14 to 17 in all aspects of work, crew life, and recreation during a two-week session. Under the guidance of the leaders, the crew learns to live and work as a team of diverse individuals with a common goal. Crew leaders will have opportunities for career development training from shadowing a park employee to receiving certification in Red Cross First Aid CPR/AED, Basic Trail Building Training, and Mental Health First Aid. The YCC Crew Leader position is a unique, field opportunity, allowing Crew Leaders to enhance their skills in leadership, communication, youth supervision, and program administration. Additionally, this position increases competitiveness for positions with Virgnia State Parks and other conservation and recreation agencies and organizations.
Successful Crew Leader applicants must be committed to making every Crew Member's safe, successful experience their top priority. The duties of a YCC Crew Leader are divided into four main areas: safety, leadership and mentorship, program management and implementation, and administration. These categories correspond with the categories of training that Crew Leaders will receive.
Safety: Crew Leaders are responsible for supervising Crew Members on and off the worksite. They ensure that Crew Members are wearing proper uniforms and personal protective equipment (PPE), and that they stay hydrated. Crew Leaders also transport crews in 7-8 passenger vehicles around the park and to recreational activities off the park on weekends.
Leadership and Mentorship: Crew Leaders lead by example and ensure that their crews are following all program rules and guidelines. They also promote individual Crew Member development by creating a healthy teamwork atmosphere that empowers Crew Members to learn and challenge themselves.
Program Management and Implementation: Crew Leaders are capable of thinking on their feet, while also investing in advanced planning on and off the worksite to ensure the program runs smoothly. This includes navigating interpersonal issues among the crew, communicating frequently via phone and email with park and program staff, taking pictures, and using a Conservation Education Curriculum to enrich the program.
Administration: Crew Leaders complete and submit documentation including work reports, Crew Member evaluations, program surveys, deliverables, accident reports, and discipline forms. They also oversee budgeting and shopping for groceries for their crews.
The period of employment for YCC Crew Leaders include a week-long training in mid-June; two, 2-week sessions; and time at a park in between sessions engaging in professional development opportunities. Crew Leaders will have selected days off between sessions.
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.
State applications will only be accepted as submitted online by 11:55 pm on the closing date through the PageUp recruitment system. 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 PageUp 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 including a criminal history record check.
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 Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: Career Pathways for Individuals with Disabilities, or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155.
Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer
