Title: Chief Of Education & Interpretation
State Role Title: Natural Resource Manager III
Hiring Range: $95,000 – $115,000
Pay Band: 6
Agency: Dept Conservation & Recreation
Location: MAIN STREET CENTRE
Agency Website: www.dcr.virginia.gov
Recruitment Type: General Public – G
Job Duties
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
Virginia State Parks (VSP), a division of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is recruiting for a Chief of Resource Management to help accomplish their mission to “conserve the natural, scenic, historic and cultural resources of the Commonwealth of Virginia and to provide recreational and educational opportunities consistent with good stewardship of these lands, water and facilities that leaves them unimpaired for future generations.”
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 over 300 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 almost 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 PROGRAM
The Education and Interpretation Program at Virginia State Parks is designed to provide visitors with meaningful and engaging experiences that deepen their understanding and appreciation of the natural, cultural, and historic world. This program offers a variety of educational opportunities, including interpretive tours, guided hikes, hands-on activities, and educational displays. The program’s goal is to inspire visitors to learn more about Virginia’s natural and cultural resources while fostering a deeper connection to what makes Virginia special. With a focus on stewardship, Virginia State Parks’ Education and Interpretation Program plays a critical role in connecting visitors with nature and history while promoting the importance of preserving our natural and cultural resources for future generations.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Virginia State Parks is currently seeking a visionary and inspirational leader to join our team as the Chief of Education and Interpretation. The ideal candidate will be strategic, able to face challenges with creativity, and possess the ability to inspire people to meet and exceed goals. This individual must be able to think beyond the status quo and have a proven track record of leading teams towards success. We are looking for someone who can bring new ideas to the table, inspire others to follow their vision, and create an atmosphere that fosters creativity, collaboration, and innovation. If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for inspiring people, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity.
The purpose of the Chief of Education and Interpretation position is to provide strategic direction for education and interpretation programs within the context of the larger mission of the Virginia State Parks. This includes overseeing the administration of program budgets and ensuring that resources are allocated appropriately to support program goals. Additionally, the Chief of Education and Interpretation provides leadership, development, and management of program staff, ensuring that they have the necessary skills and training to carry out program objectives effectively.
The Chief of Education and Interpretation is also responsible for overseeing interpretive and visitor experience planning, ensuring that programs are designed to meet the needs and interests of park visitors while remaining consistent with the Virginia State Parks mission. They must be able to anticipate visitor needs and preferences and adapt programs accordingly. The Chief of Education and Interpretation also provides leadership for interpretive training programs, ensuring that staff has the knowledge and skills necessary to provide high-quality education and interpretive services to park visitors.
Overall, the Chief of Education and Interpretation position is critical to the success of education and interpretation program and of Virginia State Parks. By providing strategic direction, managing budgets and personnel, and overseeing interpretive and visitor experience planning, the Chief of Education and Interpretation helps ensure that park visitors have a memorable and educational experience in our natural areas.
As a member of the Parks Leadership Team, this position will drive strategy for not only their program, but will collaborate to set vision and strategy for the entire Virginia State Parks system.
Minimum Qualifications
• Skill in program and team leadership including managing direct reports.
• Experience in leading environmental education and interpretive programs.
• Demonstrated experience in project management including the development of interpretive plans and interpretive media.
• Knowledge of graphic layout and design of exhibits and signs.
• Skill in communicating orally an in writing.
• Bachelor’s degree in environmental education, interpretation, recreation management, history, museum studies, or similar field or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of natural and cultural resources.
Additional Considerations
• Ability to develop requests for proposals including project scope, specifications, and contract needs.
• Experience in interpretive planning at a regional or system level.
• Experience working as part of or with the leadership team of a large organization or program.
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.
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 obtain First Aid, CPR certifications within 12 months of employment. Position may require shift work, including weekends and holidays
Contact Information
Name: Laura Nelson
Phone: 804-786-5657
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 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.