Employees leaving organizations is the nature of business. But when employees return to employment, you know you must be doing something right. Virginia State Parks is such an organization. Meet some employees who left and then returned to Virginia State Park.

Jim Jones

Jim Jones first started on June 17, 1981, at Claytor Lake State Park. What he refers to as his first tour of duty was about eight years. During that time, he was promoted and transferred throughout the system to seven different state parks and ended up at Headquarters in Richmond, Virginia.

However, in 1989, Jim said goodbye to Virginia State Parks to serve with Roanoke County Parks and Recreation. Then he started his own business in 1994. This was a different type of adventure for Jim. In 2011, he decided it was time to come back home. During his time away from Virginia State Parks, he gained knowledge and experience that would lead him back to where it all began. Today, Jim serves as the Park Manager at Natural Bridge State Park.

“Park life is a thing, that once in your blood, changes your DNA. It's all I wanted to do. When I think about the privilege of being able to take care of Virginia's most significant national treasure, it just doesn't get any better than this.” Jim remarked.

Ron Blankenship

Initially hired in September 1996, Ron worked with Virginia State Parks. After three years, he decided to move to Maryland.

In May 2010, Ron made his way back to Virginia State Parks. He said, “I enjoyed the work and the support and mentorship from my supervisor, Chief of Visitor Services Nancy Heltman. She encouraged me to assist with other areas and to learn as much as I could regarding other aspects of the Parks Departments. I started helping Holly Walker in Visitor Experience, then Chuck Wyatt and Tim Skinner in Enterprise. I was able to work in other areas as well.” These experiences gave Ron knowledge in a variety of work areas, and he has become a go-to for many rangers across Headquarters and Parks.

As the Visitor Services Coordinator, Ron not only works diligently with others across our park system but he is also involved with the Virginia State Parks Employee Benevolence Association. This organization of rangers wants to help fellow rangers through hardships. Ron has helped countless employees as they go through the trials of life.

Burke Greear

In June 2000, Burke Greear began working at the Southwest Virginia Museum in Big Stone Gap, Virginia. “For the first three years, I served in different capacities (all wage) as Maintenance Ranger, then filled the position of Museum Collections Manager, then finally as Park Interpreter. Each of these positions allowed me to become more well-rounded, and I knew that protecting irreplaceable resources was where I belonged, and it was during those early years in Virginia State Parks that I knew exactly what I wanted to do with my life.”

Even during those days, it wasn’t hard to see his passion for his work. For Burke, opportunities came knocking through other organizations, including a career with the National Park Service. He spent 19 years away from Virginia State Parks.

Burke eventually came back to Southwest Virginia Museum to fulfill the important role of Historic Preservation Specialist. He remarked, “Choosing to come back to Virginia State Parks was an easy one for me. A personal homecoming of sorts and a wonderful opportunity to once again be part of a special organization that I had such fond memories of. I do not take resource stewardship lightly, neither does Virginia State Parks. I like that.”

Virginia State Parks is a truly special work family. You always find your way back home.
Are you interested in becoming a part of the work family? Check out what opportunities are available here.