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: $42,000 – $58,800
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
More than 850 feet long and 10 stories high, Natural Tunnel was naturally carved through a limestone ridge over thousands of years. William Jennings Bryan called it the "Eighth Wonder of the World." Other scenic features include a wide chasm between steep stone walls surrounded by several pinnacles, or "chimneys."
Facilities include two campgrounds, cabins, picnic areas, an amphitheater, a visitor center, a camp store and a gift shop. You'll also find the Wilderness Road historic area and a chairlift to the tunnel floor.
Guests enjoy cave tours and canoe trips on the Clinch River, as well as the Cove Ridge Center, which offers environmental education, conference facilities and overnight dorm accommodations.
The Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Interpretive Center at 371 Technology Trail Lane in Duffield is a satellite facility of this park. The center has a museum, library, conference room, gift shop and outdoor classroom. Various events, workshops and programs, which are listed under Natural Tunnel's events, are held here.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Chief Ranger Visitor Experience (CRVE) position assists park management with directing and supervising park operations, and performing administrative functions as assigned.
Primary job duties include:
*Visitor services
*Interpretive and environmental education programming for school and tour groups along with theme-based programs about cultural heritage, history, science, and the environment
*Marketing of the park and activities
*Volunteer program management
*Assistance with managing special events
*Administrative functions including reporting, budget tracking, program tracking, as well as recruiting, hiring, training, supervising, and managing employee performance within the interpretive department.
Minimum Qualifications
• Knowledge and experience managing natural, historic, and cultural resources.
• Familiar with planning and conducting programs and events.
• Experience marketing, advertising, and promoting programs and special events.
• Supervisory experience including training, supervising, and evaluating staff performance.
• Experience providing customer service to community groups, stakeholders, and/or general public.
• A valid Virginia Driver's License is required.
Additional Considerations
• Experience designing and leading school age, SOL-based field trips.
• Experience designing and leading summer camp programming.
• Experience designing and leading interpreter led walks or hikes on the topics of history or environmental education.
• Experience designing and leading interpretive formal and informal talks such as campfire programs or roving interpretation.
• Work experience in History, Environmental Education, Interpretive Program Management, or related field.
• Knowledge and experience in historic research.
• Experience with developing visual communication in the form of fliers, signage, or pamphlets.
• Experience planning volunteer projects and leading volunteers.
• Certification in First Aid, CPR, and AED.
• Certificate of Interpretive Guiding through National Association of Interpretation.
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.
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.
Selected candidate will work in diverse conditions including exposure to the outdoors, weather in all seasons, dust, animals, and insects. Candidates must have the to perform heavy manual labor to include standing, bending, pulling, climbing, and frequent lifting up to 50 lbs. Position requires shift work, including weekends and holidays. Possession of First Aid, CPR, and AED certification or ability to obtain within 12 months of employment required. Must be able to become a facilitator of Project Wild, Project Underground, and Project Wet Training workshops. Currently possess or the ability to acquire Virginia State Parks Certified Interpretive Guide within 12 months of employment required.
DCR employees are encouraged to visit Virginia State Parks! Check out our employee discounts.
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: 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.
