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.

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 Spec II

Chief Ranger - Law Enforcement

Closes On: 02/04/2026

State Parks - Chippokes State Park

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Hiring Range: $44,000 - $60,564

Job Duties

The Chief Ranger Law Enforcement 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, you will support park programs and services by providing public safety, law enforcement, and resource protection by enforcing park rules, regulations, and state laws. You will 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 includes providing public safety and law enforcement services by patrolling agency properties in a vehicle, on foot, and by other modes of transportation. You will also assist with special events, special operations, and search and rescue operations as knowledge and skills permit.

As a Chief Ranger Law Enforcement, you will also be responsible for frontline supervision of maintenance operations at the park. Duties include:

Working directly with management and maintenance staff to ensure routine maintenance projects are scheduled and completed on time.
Recruiting, hiring, training, and supervising classified and seasonal staff, volunteers, and other work program participants.
Overseeing maintenance of buildings, trails, and grounds, including tools, equipment, and preventive maintenance performed by staff.
Ensuring the effective operation of all park facilities.
Performing hands-on preventive maintenance of park buildings and grounds as needed.
Assisting with developing and monitoring park budgets, including maintenance projects and the annual operating plan.
Reviewing and completing various tasks using maintenance management software to perform timekeeping, create schedules, assign work, procurement, and accident reports.
Assisting with the development of the park budget and annual operating plan.
Performing grounds, trails, and facilities development; construction, management, and maintenance of assigned construction/site improvement projects, and natural resource management.

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.

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation offers paid leave; 13 paid holidays; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; retirement plans (including 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan for classified positions, and VaLORS for law enforcement positions); and is a federally recognized Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) 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

Knowledge of how to prioritize operations and staffing based on seasonal needs.
Experience managing, supervising, and training staff or volunteers, including scheduling work, assigning tasks, and ensuring that results meet standards.
Knowledge of and experience with plumbing, carpentry, painting, and groundskeeping tasks.
Knowledge in the use of computer programs, Microsoft Office products.
Experience working in teams and providing customer service to the general public.
Must be able to complete the agency-required Basic Law Enforcement Academy and obtain DCJS certification within 18 months of hire.

Additional Considerations

Current Virginia DCJS law enforcement officer certification.
Practical experience in custodial maintenance, such as cleaning facilities, restrooms, and general housekeeping.
Working knowledge of OSHA regulations.
Training or certification as a sawyer, prescribed burn crew, or pesticide technician.

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 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 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.

Selected candidate(s) will need to complete the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form. DCR participates in E-Verify.

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

This position requires incumbent to be or become a Sworn Conservation Officer and attend a 21-week Law Enforcement Academy located in Salem, Virginia. Candidates selected for hire are provided living accommodations during the academy. Must be a US citizen; be at least 21 years old; H.S. grad or possess GED; possess or be able to obtain certification as a LE Officer in VA from the VA 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 pre-employment drug screening.

Conditions of employment for this position require the successful completion of a physical agility test and behavioral assessment. Also, successful completion of a physical exam is required to be identified as suitable for the position prior to beginning employment.

THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO LIVE IN PARK HOUSING.

In accordance with 10.1-109.B of the code of Virginia, this position is required to reside in Department-controlled housing for the purpose 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.

Chief Ranger LE positions require shift work, which includes nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime. This position will serve in an on-call capacity, as needed, to provide security and operational efficiencies. Responding to calls outside scheduled hours requires a response within a prescribed timeframe. Chief Rangers are required to wear state-issued uniforms and equipment.

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

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.

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