Chief Ranger Visitor Experience - Chippokes Planation State Park

Title: Chief Ranger Visitor Experience - Chippokes Planation State Park

State Role Title: Education Support Specialist II

Hiring Range: $42,000 - $58,800

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Dept Conservation & Recreation

Location: Chippokes Pl State Park

Agency Website: http://www.dcr.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

THE AGENCY

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) 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 43 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 Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation offers paid leave; 12 paid holidays; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; retirement plans (including 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan); and is a federally recognized Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer.

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 43 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, 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

Just across the James River from historic Jamestown in beautiful Surry County, Chippokes is one of the oldest continually farmed plantations in the country. A working farm since 1619, the park offers modern recreational activities and a glimpse of life in a bygone era. Visitors tour the historic area with its antebellum mansion and outbuildings, stroll through formal gardens, and view antique equipment at the Farm and Forestry Museum. A campground, yurts, lodge, and four overnight cabins allow visitors to stay on the historic grounds. The park has a visitor center with a gift shop. It also provides opportunities to bike, hike, ride horseback, and picnic.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Chief Ranger Visitor Experience (CRVE) position assists park management with directing and supervising park operations and performing administrative functions as assigned. Primary job duties include visitor services; interpretive and environmental education programming for school and tour groups along with theme-based programs about cultural heritage, history, science and the environment; management of volunteers and special events; administrative functions including reporting, budget tracking, program tracking; and resource management. The CRVE position requires a basic knowledge of both natural and cultural resources, interpretive skills, the ability to develop environmental and cultural/historical education and interpretive programs, and research skills necessary for the collection and protection of cultural/historical artifacts.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of and experience with managing natural, historic, and cultural resources.
• Experience planning and conducting programs and events.
• Experience training, supervising, and evaluating staff performance.
• Demonstrated experience with budget planning/tracking.
• Familiarity with marketing, advertising, and promoting programs and special events.
• Skills with developing visual communication in the form of fliers, signage, or pamphlets.
• Excellent public speaking skills and experience effectively communicating with groups of various demographics.

Additional Considerations

• Knowledge of museum curation practices, including maintaining artifact collections.
• Knowledge of animal husbandry and agricultural practices.
• Certification in First Aid/CPR.
• Certification through the National Association of Interpretation as a Certified Interpretive Guide.
• Experience conducting water-based programs, such kayak & stand-up paddle board programs.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite software.

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.

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. Certification in First Aid/CPR within 12-months of employment is required. Must be able to become a facilitator of Project Wild, Project Underground, and Project Wet Training workshops. Possess or the ability to acquire Virginia State Parks Certified Interpretive Guide within 12 months of employment. Position requires shift work, including weekends and holidays.

A valid State Driver's License is required to operate a state vehicle or if operating a personal vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the agency.

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.

Selected candidate(s) will need to complete the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form. DCR participates in E-Verify.

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 or resume is complete with duties and skills associated with your work experience.

Minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people with National Service experience are encouraged to apply. EEO/AA/TT

Employment in all positions within the Virginia State Parks is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check including a criminal history record check.

Contact Information

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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.