Job Details

Park Ranger - Public Safety & Law Enforcement

Title: Park Ranger - Public Safety & Law Enforcement

State Role Title: Natural Resource Spec II

Hiring Range: $42,000 - $57,000

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Dept Conservation & Recreation

Location: First Landing State Park

Agency Website:

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Personnel/Performance Management: Follows applicable State and DCR policies relating to personnel management such as: State DHRM and DCR Human Resources policies, State Parks Best Management Practices, records retention schedule. Expectations are clear, well communicated, and relate to the goals and objectives of the department or unit; - Staff receive frequent, constructive feedback, including interim evaluations as appropriate. Staff have the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to accomplish goals. The requirements of the performance planning and evaluation system are met, and evaluations are completed by established deadlines with proper documentation. Performance issues are addressed and documented as they occur. Safety issues are reviewed and communicated to ensure a safe and healthy workplace and a reduction in work-related absences.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience working with the public and/or customer service experience.
• Ability to solve problems and develop solutions.
• Ability to work with teams or independently with minimal supervision
• Familiarity with 2-way radios, electronic devices, and computers, including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Basic knowledge of home/grounds maintenance (e.g., cleaning, debris removal, or minor home maintenance).
• Must be able to complete the agency-required Basic Law Enforcement Academy and obtain DCJS certification within 18 months of hire.

Additional Considerations

• Current Virginia DCJS law enforcement officer certification.
• Basic knowledge of park/recreation operations (e.g., building and grounds maintenance, resource management, etc.).
• Experience planning and conducting programs and events.
• Experience in leading, directing and training others.
• Experience reaching logical conclusions from interpreting policy and regulations.
• Experience in responding to or handling emergency situations.

Special Instructions

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 and/or resume is complete with duties and skills associated with your work experience. A valid Driver's License is required to operate a state vehicle or if operating a personal vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the agency. Selected candidate(s) will need to complete the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form. DCR participates in E-Verify. Minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people with National/Federal Service experience are encouraged to apply. EEO/AA/TT This position requires the 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 with living accommodation during the academy. Must be a US citizen; be at least 21 years old; H.S. graduate or possess a 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 before beginning employment. Employment in all positions within the Virginia State Parks is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check including a criminal history record check. All employees within Virginia State Parks are required to wear state-issued uniforms.

This position will serve in an on-call capacity, as needed, to provide security and operational efficiencies. Responding to calls outside scheduled hours requires a response within a prescribed timeframe. DCR employees are encouraged to visit Virginia State Parks! Check out our employee discounts.

• Free parking or admission to all Virginia State Parks.
• DCR classified, retired, and wage staff (after six months of service) are entitled to overnight facility discounts such as:
• Free camping outside of the Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day period in sites designed for up to six people.
• Free camping Sunday night through Thursday night (excluding the night prior to a holiday) from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
• Fifty percent discount on cabins (up to 3 bedrooms) outside of Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, for a maximum of 14 nights. All reservations require a two-night minimum. Bunkhouses, camping cabins, and yurts are included; one night yurt stays only receive a 25% discount.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: N/A

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 AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer