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 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 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; 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 On the Potomac River’s Northern Neck, Westmoreland State Park offers many opportunities for family fun. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has a bathhouse, meeting area, snack bar, camp store and power-boat ramp. You’ll also find a visitor center, campgrounds, camping cabins, cabins, a playground, a fishing pier, boat rentals and 6 miles of trails.
THE OPPORTUNITY Responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to:
Directing personnel, operations, and expenditures in the operation of state parks providing for programs and services to ensure visitor expectations are met and the park’s natural, historical, and cultural resources are protected for future generations.
Ensuring department, division, and park support through civic activities, media relations, and interaction with other governmental officers and/or agencies.
Managing compliance with regulatory agencies for health and safety and provide intra-agency resources for the advancement of the Agency’s mission.
This will be a non-law enforcement position.
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.
Minimum Qualifications
Strong personnel management skills to include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
Experience providing effective interpersonal communications and leading individuals, small groups, and work units in accomplishing programmatic functions.
Considerable business management experience including budget planning and revenue generation.
Experience coordinating work programs effectively and efficiently on a seasonal schedule with minimal impact on the public use of the facilities.
Experience with custodial, building, facility, grounds, and systems that may impact public safety and/or customer service.
Knowledge of practices relating to the conservation, preservation, and restoration of natural, cultural, historical, or recreational resources.
Knowledge of interpretation and public relations in a park and/or natural, cultural, or recreational operational setting.
Additional Considerations
Experience with business management and revenue generation in relationship to the operation of a park or similar facility with multiple revenue streams.
Knowledge and implementation experience of park policies and rules that directly impact visitors.
Advanced experience with managing partnerships with Friends groups, Foundations, or similar organizations.
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.
The Park Manager position requires shift work, which includes weekends and holidays. This position is required to wear state-issued uniforms and use state-issued equipment. Valid VA Driver’s License or ability to obtain required. Fingerprint-based 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. Ability to perform heavy manual labor including standing, bending, pulling, climbing, and frequent lifting up to 50 lbs. Ability to obtain First Aid, CPR certifications within 12 months of employment.
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.
PARK HOUSING WILL BE OPTIONAL FOR THIS POSITION. If chosen by the incumbent, the following will apply: In accordance with 10.1-109.B of the code of Virginia, this position is required to reside in Department-controlled housing for the purposes of providing security and operational efficiencies to the property of the Department. The incumbent must enter into a lease agreement and demonstrate possession of liability and personal property insurance.
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
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
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