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Home » DCR Jobs

Due to the expected impact of the winter storm, all Virginia State Park overnight facilities will be closed from Friday, Jan. 23 through Sunday, Jan. 25. This decision is based on the forecast for unsafe conditions and potential power outages. For updates click here.

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Job openings at DCR

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.

Full-time (salaried) employment offers

  • A choice of healthcare plans.
  • Vacation, family, personal and sick leave.
  • A retirement plan.
  • A sickness and disability plan.
  • Employer-paid life insurance.
  • Deferred compensation with employer match.

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.

Job openings at DCR

Natural Resource Specialist III

Assistant Park Manager

Closes On: 08/04/2025

State Parks - Smith Mountain Lake State Park

Apply Now

Hiring Range: $55,000 - $72,100

Job Duties

If you have always wanted to work in a beautiful and serene environment? Then we have the perfect position for you at Smith Mountain Lake State Park as an Assistant Park Manager!

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is the state’s lead conservation agency, and it takes a diverse agency to conserve resources for a diverse commonwealth.

Virginia’s award-winning state park system, a division of DCR, 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, 3 battlefield sites, and 32 sites listed on the National Historic Registry. Our parks encompass over 75,000 acres, offering campsites, cabins, trails, shorelines, lakes and ponds, international dark sky sites, and over 20,000 educational programs and workshops each year.

The Assistant Park Manager oversees, performs, directs, and manages a variety of tasks to support the daily operations of a Virginia State Park. In this position, you will:

  • Provide daily operations management for Smith Mountain Lake State Park, including maintenance, natural resource management, camping and cabin facilities, day use areas, water systems, and trails.
  • Assist with the management of the park's business administration, finances, visitor experience, volunteers, personnel, and community relations.
  • Lead business and marketing initiatives.
  • Assist with routine park operations, including procurement of goods and services, budgeting, developing and providing staff training, engaging with the community, and other duties as assigned.
  • Be responsible for ensuring and maintaining continuity of operations and adherence to the goals and objectives of the park and division in the absence of the Park Manager.


DCR offers paid leave; 13 paid holidays; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; as well as retirement plans including 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan. DCR is also a federally recognized Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer and a certified Virginia Values Veteran (V3) employer.

DCR’s Mission is to conserve the natural, scenic, historic, and cultural resources of the Commonwealth. We invite you to learn more about DCR’s efforts to CONSERVE.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Experience and knowledge in personnel management, including staff supervision, training, and performance management.
  • Experience in recognizing and addressing impacts on natural, cultural, historical or recreational resources.
  • Experience leading projects relating to conservation, preservation and restoration of natural, cultural, historical or recreational resources.
  • Experience with custodial, building, facility, grounds, and systems that may impact public safety and/or customer service.
  • Experience coordinating seasonal work programs and schedules with minimal impact on the public use of those facilities.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills to provide customer service to external and internal stakeholders, complete business correspondence, reports, and other similar documents.  
  • Valid driver's license required.

Additional Considerations

  • Experience and knowledge of implementing park policies and rules that directly impact visitors.
  • Considerable experience managing and maintaining cultural and natural resources of the park; performing civic/community outreach and supervising and overseeing interpretive and volunteer programs.  
  • Previous work experience in parks and recreation or similar environment.

Special Instructions

You will be provided with 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. Applications will only be accepted online through the State Job website. Applications must include all work history and references.

Housing Requirement:
PARK HOUSING IS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION: In accordance with 10.1-109.B of the code of Virginia, this position is required to reside in Department-controlled housing for the purposes of providing security and operational efficiencies to the property of the Department. The incumbent must enter into a lease agreement and demonstrate possession of liability and personal property insurance.

Selected candidate(s) for positions within Virginia State Parks will be required to satisfactorily complete a criminal history background check.

This position requires shift work, which includes weekends and holidays. In addition, this position may serve in an on-call capacity, as needed, to provide operational efficiencies.

DCR employees are encouraged to visit Virginia State Parks! Check out our employee discounts.

  • Free parking or admission to all Virginia State Parks.
  • DCR classified, retired, and wage staff (after six months of service) are entitled to overnight facility discounts such as:
    • Free camping outside of the Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day period in sites designed for up to six people.
    • Free camping Sunday night through Thursday night (excluding the night prior to a holiday) from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
    • Fifty percent discount on cabins (up to 3 bedrooms) outside of Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, for a maximum of 14 nights. All reservations require a two-night minimum. Bunkhouses, camping cabins, and yurts are included; one night yurt stays only receive a 25% discount.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: N/A

Email: HR@dcr.virginia.gov

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.

Apply Now

Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
600 East Main Street, 24th floor | Richmond, VA 23219-2094 | 804-786-6124
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