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: $55,000 - $80,000
Position Number: DCR00420
As a member of a team of spatial ecologists, conservation planners, and GIS specialists in the Information Management section of the award winning Virginia Natural Heritage Program (VNHP), this position reports directly to the Chief of Biodiversity Information and Conservation Tools and is responsible for implementing ecological projects that facilitate biodiversity conservation using advanced spatial analysis, modeling, and statistical methods to predict species distributions, assess and map habitats, and analyze ecological change due to land-use and climate factors. The Spatial Ecologist is responsible for developing, revising, and supporting partner use of the statewide ConservationVision models, Species Habitat Models, and other strategic conservation planning tools. The position collaborates with other VNHP scientists and analysts as well as staff from state and federal agencies and conservation NGOs as necessary to complete projects and advance biodiversity conservation. The position collaborates in preparation of proposals, technical reports, contract deliverables, products, and quarterly data updates, including those to be served via online applications. The Spatial Ecologist provides GIS assistance and general training and problem-solving assistance to VNHP staff. In addition to these daily responsibilities, the position is responsible for fulfilling various database, mapping, and GIS analysis requests as deemed necessary by management.
Minimum Qualifications
• Knowledge of general principles of ecology, conservation, and biology
• Proficiency in spatial analysis in both raster and vector environments
• Proficiency in ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and other ESRI software
• Strong scripting and debugging ability in Python and R statistical software or other programing languages
• Facility in interpretation of statistical results
Additional Considerations
• Experience in habitat modeling (e.g., Species Distribution Modeling)
• Experience with randomForest package in R statistical software
• Experience with GitHub and version control
• Ability to provide technical support and training for spatial software, including ESRI and R statistical software
• Previous work experience with natural heritage programs, natural heritage data, and/or natural heritage methodology
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.
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.
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.
Selected candidate(s) will need to complete the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form. DCR participates in E-Verify.
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.
Minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people with National Service experience are encouraged to apply. EEO/AA/TT
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 AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.
Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer
