Title: Chief Ranger Law Enforcement – Kiptopeke State Park
State Role Title: Natural Resource Specialist II
Hiring Range: $42,000 – $58,800
Pay Band: 3
Agency: Dept Conservation & Recreation
Location:Kiptopeke 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 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 PARK
Located on the eastern shoreline of the Chesapeake Bay near the southern tip of the Eastern Shore of Virginia, Kiptopeke State Park is one of Virginia’s premier destinations for Fishing and Birding enthusiasts. Its location on the southern end of the Eastern Shore peninsula means that it is located in the migratory pathway of many fish and bird species. In May 1992, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation bought 375 acres and the park opened on Memorial Day weekend in 1992. Today the park totals 562 acres. Overnight accommodations at the park include four cabins, five lodges, 138 campsites some with water, electric and sewer, four yurts and a bunkhouse. The site also has two picnic shelters, playground, boat ramp; 24 hour lighted fishing pier and 1.5 miles of unguarded swimming beach on the Chesapeake Bay. Over 5 miles of hiking and biking trails are available for public use.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Chief Ranger Law Enforcement (LE) is primarily responsible for providing direct, day-to-day supervision of full-time, seasonal, temporary employees, and volunteers in the protection of state park lands, natural and cultural resources, maintenance, operation, and repair of state park structures, facilities, equipment, and utility systems. This position will assist with reports, accounts payable, procurement, cash management, visitor service functions, budget and the annual operation plan. The incumbent will also assist with recruiting, hiring, training, scheduling, and evaluating wage employees and volunteers.
The Chief Ranger LE will assist with visitor and community service activities by meeting/greeting park guests; resolving customer complaints; registering overnight/day guests using the computer system; and working actively with internal and external groups for development of project and special events that enhance community engagement.
This position will ensure employee and visitor safety and resource protection by enforcing OSHA, VOSH, and other health and safety standards. The Chief Ranger LE is also responsible for providing public safety and resource protection by enforcing park rules, regulations, and state laws as a certified conservation officer.
Minimum Qualifications
As it relates to MINIMUM qualifications, successful applicants will highlight in their applications:
- Ability to work independently with excellent organizational skills.
- Experience with grounds and building maintenance, to include associated tools, vehicles, and equipment.
- Demonstrated experience with managing, supervising, and training staff and/or volunteers.
- Experience providing customer service to diverse populations.
- Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills.
- Experience using personal computers and other technology-related devices.
Additional Considerations
As it relates to PREFERRED qualifications, successful applicants will highlight in their applications:
- Current Virginia DCJS law enforcement officer certification.
- Education beyond high school in parks, recreation, forestry, wildlife management, environmental education, or closely related field.
- Knowledge of natural resources planning and management.
- Working knowledge of OSHA regulations.
- Experience with procurement transactions.
- Training or certification as a sawyer, prescribed burn crew, or pesticide technician.
Special Instructions
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; pass a background investigation including fingerprint-based criminal history records check; 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. Valid VA Driver’s License or ability to attain required. Ability to obtain CPR and First Aid certifications within 12 months of employment
Chief Ranger LE positions require shift work which includes weekends, holidays, evenings and overtime. As a non-exempt position, Chief Ranger LE is covered by the FLSA minimum wage and overtime requirements. DCR has elected to grant overtime leave instead of overtime pay when non-exempt employees work more than 40 hours in any work week. When 80 hours of overtime leave have been accumulated, hours worked over 40 in a work week will be compensated by time & one-half rate of pay. These positions are required to wear state-issued uniforms and equipment. On occasion, critical agency business needs may require position reassignments within the salary range. Chief Ranger incumbents must reside in state-owned housing to provide security and operational efficiencies during non-working hours which requires entering into a lease agreement and acquisition of liability and personal property insurance.
Contact Information
Name: Theresa Brevard
Phone: 804-786-4579
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.