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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 (Word) 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: $55,000-$65,000
As a member of the Stewardship Section of the Division of Natural Heritage, this position will work closely with a team of natural areas stewards managing the state natural area preserve system which protects outstanding examples of Virginia’s natural communities and provides habitat for rare plants and animals. The Mountain Region contains 12 state natural area preserves and encompasses a 14-county area in western Virginia, focusing in Roanoke, Montgomery, Franklin, Giles, and Floyd counties. These preserves protect exemplary natural heritage resources within the Ridge and Valley and Blue Ridge regions of Virginia. Preserves contain multiple forest community types, wetland and riparian habitats, and a variety of grasslands, all of which support numerous rare species and natural communities. This position is critical to the maintenance and operations of the natural area preserves within the Mountain Region. This position also includes law enforcement duties. Candidates selected for an interview will also be required to satisfactorily complete physical agility and mental health assessments. This position is currently based in Roanoke, but is expected to relocate within or near Christiansburg, Virginia in 2025.
Specific duties include developing and implementing site safety and emergency action plans; maintaining preserve infrastructure such as roads, kiosks, and trails; managing public access; maintaining property boundaries; working with part time wage staff and volunteers; and frequently assisting with natural resource management projects. There are four primary natural resource management project types: prescribed fire, invasive species management, deer herd management, and maintenance of trails, fire lines, and management roads. This position would work closely with the Mountain Region Supervisor and Mountain Region Steward to plan and execute these projects. The Operations Steward will also supervise wage staff and volunteers on project work in the field as needed. The Operations Steward will work in all sorts of weather, occasionally on weekends, and occasionally travel overnight. The position also carries out the law enforcement duties of a sworn DCR Conservation Officer on state natural area preserves, enforcing state laws and DCR regulations and developing/maintaining working relationships with local law enforcement organizations.
Minimum Qualifications
Demonstrated advanced knowledge and experience in applied ecology, natural resources management, forestry, wildlife management, conservation biology, or related biological science.
Demonstrated experience in prescribed burning, forestry/silvicultural practices, invasive species management, and habitat restoration.
Demonstrated experience in operating and maintaining a variety of tools (e.g., herbicide sprayers, chainsaws), vehicles (e.g., UTVs, trucks, tractors), and equipment (e.g., trailers).
Experience in trails construction and maintenance and/or maintaining outdoor recreation facilities and/or infrastructure (e.g., roads, parking areas, gates, kiosks, fire control lines, marked boundaries).
Proficiency with navigating off trail and collecting field data using a variety of recording methods, including mobile applications and/or GPS receivers.
Proficiency with computers and applications including word processing, data management, and analysis with spreadsheets
Experience with GIS software for mapping and spatial information management.
Additional Considerations
Demonstrated experience in fire leadership positions.
Knowledge or working experience with law enforcement principles and specific knowledge of the laws and regulations pertaining to the conservation and use of natural resources of Virginia.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience with rare species conservation.
Experience supervising contractors, volunteers, and wage staff and experience in administrating projects including budgeting and planning.
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 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.
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. This position requires shift work, which includes weekends and holidays. This position also is required to wear state-issued uniforms and equipment in accordance with Uniform Policies.
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
DCR employees are encouraged to visit Virginia State Parks! Check out our employee discounts.
