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.
This is a re-advertisement. Previous applicants will have to re-apply.
THE AGENCY
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation is the state’s lead conservation agency and it takes a diverse agency to work for a diverse commonwealth. DCR protects what people care about – access to the outdoors, natural habitats, open spaces, clean water and safe infrastructure. We manage 43 Virginia State Parks, which has thousands of campsites, hundreds of cabins, beaches, festivals, educational programs, more than 500 miles of trails … the list goes on.
If you’re someone who wants to love what you do, and make a difference, DCR is the place for you!
THE DIVISION
The Division of Virginia State Parks fulfills its mission “to conserve the natural, scenic, historic and cultural resources of the Commonwealth and provide recreational and educational opportunities consistent with the good stewardship of these lands, waters and facilities that leaves them unimpaired for future generations” by operating a system of 43 state parks that encompass over 75,000 acres; over 1200 buildings, almost 1700 campsites; over 300 cabins; over 700 miles of trails; nearly 500 miles of shoreline; 36 lakes and ponds; 11 swimming beaches; 4 international dark sky sites, and offers over 20,000 educational programs and workshops each year.
Managed by a full time staff of 275 and a wage staff of 1000+ during the prime season, Virginia’s award-winning state park system 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; and 3 battlefield sites, and 32 sites listed on the National Historic Registry. It is our honor and privilege to play host to more than 8 million visitors annually and to offer recreational enjoyment that positively impacts local communities and the Commonwealth overall (to the tune of an economic impact that exceeds $324 million).
THE PARK
You’ll find Powhatan State Park in the northwest corner of Powhatan County on the historic James River. The park has three car-top boat slides accessing the river as well as diverse wildlife habitat, from open fields to upland hardwood forests. Other amenities include a full-service campground, a primitive canoe-in/hike-in campground, a group campground, multi-use trails, wildlife observation areas, picnic shelters and a playground.
THE OPPORTUNITY
In this role, you will join a winning team and assist the Chief Ranger Law Enforcement, Park Manager, and other staff in the overall management and safe operation of the park. The Park Ranger will be responsible for maintenance and cleaning of facilities and grounds along with the operation of all related tools and equipment. This position also supervises and trains seasonal and wage staff, volunteers, and other work program participants in the maintenance of grounds, facilities, and equipment. The incumbent will also assist with natural resource and trail management which includes, but is not limited to, forest, wildlife, and pest management, maintaining park boundaries and signage, maintaining forest roads/trails, and completing quarterly written trail inspections as well as other forms of written documentation.
Further, the Park 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, the successful candidate supports park programs and services with special emphasis on providing public safety, law enforcement, and resource protection by enforcing park rules, regulations, and state laws. Duties include conducting law enforcement patrols, basic investigations, and responding to calls for public safety and law enforcement services. The position requires the incumbent, if not already certified through Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), to meet the Required Steps for the Initial Certification as a Virginia Law Enforcement Officer within 12 months of an assigned academy class date to maintain employment.
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation offers paid leave; 12 paid holidays; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; retirement plans (including 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan); and is a federally recognized Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer.
Minimum Qualifications
Additional Considerations
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.
Position requires the incumbent to become a Sworn Park Ranger Law Enforcement Officer. Sworn Park Ranger Law Enforcement Officer requirements: Must be a US citizen; be at least 21 years old; H.S. grad or possess GED; pass a background investigation including fingerprint-based criminal history records check; possess or be able to obtain certification as a Law Enforcement Officer in Virginia from the Virginia 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 preemployment 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 after being selected for employment.
Ability to work in diverse conditions including exposure to the outdoors, weather in all seasons, dust, animals and insects. Ability to perform heavy manual labor to include standing, bending, pulling, climbing, and frequent lifting up to 50 lbs.
Must possess or have the ability to obtain a valid Virginia driver’s license, certifications in CPR, First Aid, or other certifications as required.
Park Ranger-LE positions require shift work which includes weekends, holidays, and overtime. As a non-exempt position, the Park Ranger LE is covered by the FLSA minimum wage and overtime requirements. DCR has elected to grant overtime leave instead of overtime pay when non-exempt employees work more than 40 hours in any work week. When 80 hours of overtime leave have been accumulated, hours worked over 40 in a work week will be compensated by time & one-half rate of pay. These positions are required to wear state-issued uniforms and equipment. On rare occasions, critical agency business needs may require position reassignments within the salary range.
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.
DCR is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and the highest ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that our greatest strength lies in the individual differences, experiences, and skillsets that our employees bring to the table. Because of this, we strongly encourage applications from all walks of life, and we welcome all contributions in terms of age, beliefs, color, culture, disability, education, ethnicity, gender identity/expression, language, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and veteran’s status.
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
Employment in all positions within the Virginia State Parks is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check including a criminal history record check.