Title: Park Ranger – Law Enforcement – Staunton River State Park
State Role Title: Natural Resource Specialist II
Hiring Range: $40,000 – $56,000
Pay Band: 3
Agency: Dept Conservation & Recreation
Location:Staunton River State Park
Agency Website: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 42 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 42 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
Tucked neatly into the heart of Virginia, about 25 miles from the North Carolina border, Staunton River offers much to families and outdoor enthusiasts. The 2,400-acre park offers woodlands, meadows and shoreline along the Dan and Staunton rivers. Cabins built in the 1930s by the CCC and a campground offer overnight lodging. The equestrian campground offers large campsites and horse stalls. Access to Virginia’s largest lake, Buggs Island Lake, offers freshwater fishing and boating, along with water skiing and many other aquatic activities. The park also haspicnic shelters, three playgrounds, tennis and volleyball courts, several boat launches and more than 17 miles of multi-use trails.
This park is the first state park in Virginia to be designated an International Dark Sky Park and is ideal for stargazing. Park staff conducts associated interpretive programs and rents telescopes. Contact the park for more information on star-watching opportunities.
THE OPPORTUNITY
In this role, you will join a winning team and assist the Chief Ranger Law Enforcement, park managers, and other staff in the overall management and safe operation of the park. Duties include, but are not limited to, maintenance and cleaning of facilities, grounds, and operation of all related tools and equipment, supervising and training seasonal and wage staff, volunteers, and other work program participants in the maintenance of grounds, facilities, and equipment. The incumbent will also assist with natural resource and trail management which includes, but is not limited to, forest, wildlife, and pest management, maintaining park boundaries and signage, maintaining forest roads/trails, and completing quarterly written trail inspections as well as other forms of written documentation.
Further, the Park Ranger Law Enforcement position serves as a sworn, commissioned, and certified law enforcement officer as defined in the Code of Virginia § 9.1-101, with responsibility to enforce the laws of the Commonwealth and the regulations of the Department. As one of Virginia’s Law Enforcement Rangers, the successful candidate supports park programs and services with special emphasis on providing public safety, law enforcement, and resource protection by enforcing park rules, regulations, and state laws. Duties include conducting law enforcement patrols, basic investigations, and responding to calls for public safety and law enforcement services. The position requires the incumbent, if not already certified through Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), to meet the Required Steps for the Initial Certification as a Virginia Law Enforcement Officer within 12 months of an assigned academy class date to maintain employment.
Minimum Qualifications
- Ability to lead, direct, and train others.
- Demonstrated experience providing customer service in public settings.
- Ability to use a variety of tools, materials, and equipment to maintain facilities and grounds.
- Experience in grounds maintenance (I.E., mowing, landscaping, snow removal, tree work, and trail maintenance.)
- Skill in basic construction/maintenance trades (I.E., carpentry, plumbing, electrical, masonry etc.)
- Experience reaching logical conclusions from interpreting policies and regulations.
Additional Considerations
- Experience with automotive repair and preventative maintenance.
- Current VA Law Enforcement Certification
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.
State applications will only be accepted as submitted online by 11:55 pm on the closing date through PageUp. State applications submitted via email, postal mail, fax, or in person will not be considered. This website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your PageUp 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.
Special Requirements:
Position requires the incumbent to become a Sworn Park Ranger Law Enforcement Officer. Sworn Park Ranger Law Enforcement Officer requirements: 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 Law Enforcement Officer in Virginia from the Virginia 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 preemployment 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 after being selected for 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.
THIS POSITION WILL HAVE THE OPTION TO LIVE IN PARK HOUSING.
Conditions of housing include the incumbent providing security and operational efficiencies to the property of the Department, and the incumbent must also enter into a lease agreement and demonstrate possession of liability and personal property insurance.
Contact Information
Name: Amber K. Wiley
Phone: 804-510-3420
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.