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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 Tuesday, Jan. 27. 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

Environmental Specialist I

Natural Resources Planner

Closes On: 10/09/2025

State Parks - Headquarters

Apply Now

Hiring Range: $20.00 - $24.00 per hour

Job Duties

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.

As the Natural Resources Planner, you will assist DCR's State Parks Planner in facilitating the development of park resource plans and other products in a manner that ensures the sustainability and long-term viability of the Commonwealth's cultural and natural resource base while providing and enhancing appropriate public utilization.

In this position, you will:

  • Lead the development, management, and routine updates of Natural Resource Management Plans for Virginia State Parks, including plan preparation, coordination with Resource Management and Operations staff, field work, writing, and data management utilizing ESRI Hub and GIS StoryMaps.
  • Complete the development of specialized natural resources-related planning efforts, such as comprehensive trail plans or invasive species plans for Virginia State Parks.
  • Assist the State Parks Planner with the development, writing, design, editing, and/or review of manuals, reports, documents, guidelines, and policy related to resource management topics in partnership with a variety of Virginia State Parks teams.
  • Aid the State Parks Planner through the DCR Master Planning process as assigned.
  • Provide additional field support for the Resource Management Team, such as assistance with field work, studies, surveys, data collection, and maintaining various geospatial and non-geospatial databases on an as-needed basis.
  • Attend staff meetings and employee training as required.

This position is based in our Richmond, VA office, with partial telework options available.

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

  • Expressed knowledge of Virginia’s natural resources, ecosystems, invasive species, and associated resource management techniques.
  • Familiarity with ESRI Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software products such as ArcPro and ArcGIS Online.
  • Basic knowledge of Microsoft applications, including Microsoft Suite, including Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Demonstrated skills in document writing, design, editing, and review intended for a variety of internal or external audiences.

Additional Considerations

  • Education, training, or experience in Resource Management, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Park Planning, Landscape Architecture, Geographic Information Systems, or a related field.
  • Experience in resource management planning for parks, wildlife refuges, natural areas, or equivalent.
  • Demonstrated experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping and related projects through ArcGIS Online, ArcPro, and/or HUB.

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 an online application is required. 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 and/or resume is complete with duties and skills associated with your work experience.

A valid Driver's License is required to operate a state vehicle or if operating a personal vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the agency.

Employment in all positions within the Virginia State Parks is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check, including a criminal history record check.

Minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people with National/Federal Service experience are encouraged to apply. EEO/AA/TT

Wage/seasonal positions are not eligible for Commonwealth of Virginia benefits (health care, paid leave, etc.) and are limited to 1,500 hours from May 1 to April 30. DCR does provide an opportunity for wage employees to participate in tax-deferred compensation programs, supplemental disability insurance, and supplemental retirement accounts made available through the Commonwealth’s provider network at the employee’s expense.

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 before 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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Last Modified: Thursday, 22 January 2026, 12:23:09 PM
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