Title: Park Ranger Maintenance – Kiptopeke State Park
State Role Title: Natural Resource Spec II
Hiring Range: $40,000 – $56,000
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
In this role you will join a winning team and be responsible for maintaining, improving, and protecting park facilities, grounds, systems, resources, vehicles, and equipment by performing and supervising maintenance projects. The incumbent will use skills in a variety of trades including: carpentry, electrical, plumbing, painting, landscaping, small engine repair, and systems troubleshooting. The Park Ranger will also supervise wage employees, volunteers, and alternative labor in the performance of these operations. Other responsibilities include ensuring user safety and satisfaction by providing clean, safe, and well maintained facilities and grounds; providing accurate information to guests; assisting with guest services, and supporting other park operations by delivering specialized program area skills and procuring materials, services, and supplies.
Minimum Qualifications
As it relates to MINIMUM qualifications, successful applicants will highlight in their applications:
- Demonstrated experience leading, directing, training, and evaluating the quality and quantity of work performed by subordinates.
- Experience safely using tools, equipment, and materials associated with landscape, custodial, building, facility, vehicle, or equipment maintenance.
- Skills to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
- Experience using personal computers and other technology-related devices.
- Valid Virginia driver’s license or ability to obtain required.
Additional Considerations
As it relates to PREFERRED qualifications, successful applicants will highlight in their applications:
- License, certification, or experience in one or more trades such as general contractor, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, auto mechanics, or similar trades.
- Experience related to workplace safety, OSHA compliance, and safety training.
- Demonstrated experience interacting with park visitors, providing information related to park rules, park activities, or similar customer service activities in a comparable environment.
Special Instructions
Employment in all positions within the Virginia State Parks is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check. Valid Virginia driver’s license or ability to obtain required. Pesticide applicator’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. Position requires shift work, including weekends and holidays. Ability to perform heavy manual labor to include standing, bending, pulling, climbing, and frequent lifting up to 50 lbs.
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.