Title: Chief Ranger Visitor Experience – Widewater State Park
State Role Title: Education Support Spec II
Hiring Range: $42,000 – $58,800
Pay Band: 3
Agency: Dept Conservation & Recreation
Location:Widewater State Park
Agency Website:https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/
Recruitment Type: General Public – G
Job Duties
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 41 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 41 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 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
On a peninsula at the confluence of Aquia Creek and the Potomac River, Widewater State Park provides public access to both bodies of water. Opened to the public in 2018, the park currently boasts four picnic shelters, two paddle launches, a motorboat ramp, and over two miles of trail. The park highlights Stafford Virginia’s natural, historic, and recreational resources.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Chief Ranger Visitor Experience (CRVE) position assists park management in 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; management of volunteers and special events; administrative functions including reporting, budget tracking, program tracking, etc.; and resource management. This position requires a basic knowledge of both natural and cultural resources, interpretive skills, the ability to develop environmental and cultural/historical education and interpretive programs, and research skills necessary to the collection and protection of cultural/historical artifacts.
Minimum Qualifications
- Knowledge and experience managing natural, historic and cultural resources;
- Experience planning and conducting programs and events;
Experience marketing, advertising, and promoting programs and special events; - Demonstrated history of training, supervising, and evaluating staff and volunteer performance; and,
- Experience providing excellent customer service.
Additional Considerations
- A degree in Natural Resource Management or related field;
- Communications/Public Relations, Environmental Studies, History,Environmental Education, Museum Studies, or related work experience;
- Demonstrated experience with budget planning/tracking;
- Experience with developing visual communication in the form of fliers, signage, or pamphlets;
- Certification in First Aid/CPR;
- Experience conducting water-based programs, such kayak & stand-up paddle board programs.
Special Instructions
Valid Virginia Driver’s License or ability to obtain required. Criminal history record check, references, work history and DMV driving record will be verified prior to 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. Ability to obtain First Aid, CPR. Possess or the ability to acquire Virginia State Parks Certified Interpretive Guide within 12 months of employment. Position requires shift work, including weekends and holidays.
State applications will only be accepted as submitted online by 11:55 pm on the closing date through the Recruitment Management System (RMS). State applications submitted via email, postal mail, fax, or in person will not be considered. 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. 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.
Employment in all positions within the Virginia State Parks is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check.
Contact Information
Name: Theresa Brevard
Phone: 804-786-4579
Email: hr@dcr.viriginia.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 Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: Career Pathways for Individuals with Disabilities, or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155.