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: $55,000 - $70,000
Position number: DCRDI100
The Agency:
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), with the cooperation of partners and customers, is a leader in: providing tangible and lasting improvements to the quality of Virginia's resource lands and waters; serving as a trusted steward of the outdoor recreational and natural resources placed under its care; promoting the conservation and enjoyment of Virginia's diverse and unique environment and rich cultural legacy for future generations; protecting public safety through regulatory programs and conservation law enforcement; and recognizing the value of its dedicated and committed workforce. There are six divisions operating within the Department: Virginia State Parks, Natural Heritage, Soil and Water Conservation; Dam Safety and Floodplain Management; Planning and Recreation Resources, Land Conservation, and Administration.
The Division:
This position will have law enforcement and emergency management responsibilities within an assigned district within the Division of State Parks. 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 state parks that encompasses 43 state parks opened to the public and several land-banked park sites (exceeding 76,000 acres), over 700 miles of trails, three marinas, a commercial fishing pier, three sewage treatment plants, 30 amphitheaters, over 1600 campsites, 300 cabins, four National Landmarks, three museums, 33 sites on the National Register of Historic Places, 36 lakes and ponds and miles of coastal shoreline. Combined the law enforcement responsibilities for Law Enforcement Rangers include infrastructure and equipment which includes over 1,427 buildings and improvements with a replacement value of over $1.246 billion. There are 6 districts within the system and State Park Headquarters is located in Main Street Centre in downtown Richmond.
Section:
Since 1936, Virginia's Law Enforcement Rangers have protected and preserved the lives and property of our citizens and their guests while protecting the commonwealth’s irreplaceable natural and cultural resources. Throughout their history, these law enforcement professionals have practiced community policing in state parks and natural areas while they provide comfort and peace of mind to outdoor enthusiasts. The mission of the Public Safety and Law Enforcement Staff is: Preserving the Past – Protecting the Future.
Work Unit:
The main office for the Public Safety and Law Enforcement Staff is located in Richmond, Virginia. This position will work out of other offices in the assigned district including the Public Safety and Law Enforcement Staff Offices at Natural Bridge State Park, located in Southern Rockbridge County. This position will be assigned to a specific Division of State Parks District; however, operational requirements may span throughout the Commonwealth and will require travel.
This position will be assigned in District III, which is currently comprised of six state parks, one recreation area, a wayside waterfall, and one future state park located in the Western Piedmont, Shenandoah Valley, and the Alleghany Highlands. The variety of recreational opportunities include hiking, biking, equestrian activities, fishing, swimming, boating, meeting spaces, playgrounds, disc golf, camping, cabin rentals, and various educational and interpretive programs.
Position Purpose:
Operating under the District Manager with direction and leadership for law enforcement from the Deputy Chief of Public Safety and Law Enforcement, or designee, the primary purpose of this position is to ensure the protection of people, property, and resources on land owned, leased, or operated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation through articulated and displayed specialized knowledge of public safety and law enforcement activities. This will include providing law enforcement services by patrolling agency properties in a vehicle, on foot, and by other modes of transportation. This will also include assisting with covering law enforcement staffing at specific parks in the event of staffing shortages, special events, special operations, and search and rescue operations. Additionally, this position will respond to and conduct initial and supplemental investigation of incidents, serve as a resource for public safety and law enforcement matters, assisting Law Enforcement Rangers assigned to specific park with law enforcement functions and support the provision of statewide law enforcement services as necessary.
Additional duties can include, but may not be limited to:
Furthermore, this position serves as a sworn, commissioned, and certified law enforcement officer as defined in the Code of Virginia § 9.1-101, with responsibility to enforce the laws of the Commonwealth and the regulations of the Department. As one of Virginia’s Law Enforcement Rangers, the successful candidate supports park programs and services with special emphasis on providing public safety, law enforcement, and resource protection by enforcing park rules, regulations, and state laws. Duties include conducting law enforcement patrols, basic investigations, and responding to calls for public safety and law enforcement services. The position requires the incumbent, if not already certified through Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), to meet the Required Steps for the Initial Certification as a Virginia Law Enforcement Officer within 12 months of an assigned academy class date to maintain employment.
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 PageUp. 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.
Special Requirements:
Position requires the incumbent to be a certified and sworn Virginia law enforcement officer. Requirements for this include 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; ongoing criminal history and driving record monitoring; possess certification as a law enforcement officer in Virginia from the Virginia 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 preemployment drug screening.
Conditions of employment for this position require the successful completion of a physical exam and behavioral assessment to be identified as suitable for the position after being selected for 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 Virginia driver’s license, certifications in CPR, First Aid, or other certifications as required. This position requires shift work, which includes weekends and holidays. This position also is required to wear state-issued uniforms and equipment in accordance with Uniform Policies. Background check and driving record must meet DCR standards at the time of hire and throughout employment. Must comply with and adhere to applicable federal, state, local, and agency rules, laws, standards, and policies. Must complete as required, a review of DCR Policy #418, Use of Internet and Electronic Communication Systems. Must complete annually, a review of the Agency Mission Statement & Code of Ethics. Must complete annually, a review Executive Order EO94 (05) Workplace Safety and Employee Health Tools and Resource, Physical Demands Form. Must complete all applicable In-Service and other assigned training. Must be able to obtain and maintain all applicable licenses and/or certifications required for the position.
The position will be required to reside within the boundaries of the assigned district. For District III, these counties include: Alleghany, Bath, Highland, Rockbridge, Botetourt, Augusta, Rockingham, Amhurst, Nelson, Page, Shenandoah, Warren, Clarke, or Frederick.
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
