Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
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.
Hiring Range: $40,000-$56,000
Pay Band: 3
Location: Douthat State Park
Recruitment open to General Public
Job Duties
THE AGENCY
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) 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 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.
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, 3 battlefield sites, and 32 sites listed on the National Historic Registry. It is our honor and privilege to play host to more than 10 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
A traditional family park since 1936, Douthat is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for the role its design played in the development of parks nationwide. Amid some of Virginia's most breathtaking mountain scenery, visitors enjoy interpretive programs, four miles of stream fishing, a 50-acre lake stocked with trout, a sandy swimming beach with snack bar, boat rentals, a gift shop and camp store, cabins, and more than 43 miles of hiking, mountain biking and bridle trails. Plus, there are playgrounds, an amphitheater, picnic areas, tent and trailer camping, and a restaurant overlooking the lake. The park also has 32 cabins and three lodges that accommodate 15, 16 and 18 guests each. Annual visitation tops 210,000 guests. The park's yearly operating budget is approximately 1,140,000 (excluding Full-time salaries) with 11 full-time staff and approximately 70 wage (part time) staff operating the park. Additionally, this park is responsible for a cooperatively managed Green Pastures Recreational Area in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service. The recreational area is comprised of a small lake, trout stream, picnic area, and hiking trails. It is open for operation annually from Memorial Day weekend to October 31st.
THE OPPORTUNITY
In this role, you will join a winning team and assist the Chief Ranger, Park Manager, and other staff in the overall management and safe operation of the park.
The Park Ranger Public Safety & 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. This position ensures 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 will include providing public safety and law enforcement services by patrolling agency properties in a vehicle, on foot, and by other modes of transportation. This will also include assisting with special events, special operations, and search and rescue operations as knowledge and skills permit. This is an entry level position and is expected to respond to and conduct initial investigations of incidents and serve as a resource for public safety and law enforcement matters, within their assigned park and support the provision of statewide law enforcement services as necessary.
In addition to public safety and law enforcement duties, this position will be responsible for the maintenance and cleaning of facilities and grounds along with the operation of all related tools and equipment and will assist with natural resource and trail management activities. This position also supervises and trains wage staff and volunteers in the maintenance of grounds, facilities, resources, and equipment.
Minimum Qualifications
*Experience in or the ability to lead, direct, and train others.
*Demonstrated experience providing customer service in public settings.
*Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills.
*Experience or the ability to work independently.
*Must be able to complete the agency required Basic Law Enforcement Academy and obtain DCJS certification within 18 months of hire.
*Basic knowledge in the use of computers, smartphones and other electronic devices.
*Valid Virginia's Driver's License.
Additional Considerations
*Experience in facilities and/or grounds maintenance and the associated tools and equipment (i.e., mowing, landscaping, snow removal, tree work, and trail maintenance.)
*A combination of training and experience indicating possession of knowledge and abilities in natural resources, resource management, parks and recreation, criminal justice, public administration, or a related field.
*Law enforcement experience that includes patrol responsibilities.
*Current VA DCJS Law Enforcement Offer Certification
*Previous work experience in parks and recreation or similar environment.
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 or resume is complete with duties and skills associated with your work experience. To be considered for an interview, the candidate must demonstrate the minimal qualifications within their application or resume.
A valid Virginia 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.
Employment in all positions within the Virginia State Parks is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check including a criminal history record check. References, and work history will be verified prior to employment.
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 incumbent must be able to complete the agency required Basic Law Enforcement Academy and obtain DCJS certification within 18 months of hire.
This position requires shift work, which includes weekends and holidays. In addition, 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 45-minute timeframe.
DCR employees are encouraged to visit Virginia State Parks! Check out our employee discounts.
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 skill sets 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.
Minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people with National Service experience are encouraged to apply. EEO/AA/TT.
Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer.
Contact Information
Name: Human Resources
Phone: NA
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.
