Title: Cultural Resource GIS Assistant

State Role Title: Historian/Archeologist and Preservationist I

Hiring Range: $18.00 - $22.00 per hour

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Dept Conservation & Recreation

Location: MAIN STREET CENTRE

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 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; 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 OPPORTUNITY

This position will assist the Resource Management Team at Virginia State Parks with various support functions. This position reports to the State Parks Cultural Resource Manager but will also work collaboratively with all members of the Resource Management Team. The Resource Management Section of the State Parks Division provides guidance and oversight of resource management for Virginia State Parks including natural and cultural resources, physical resources (infrastructure and the built environment), as well as coordination of division resource data and planning efforts. This position will assist headquarters and field staff on assigned cultural resource tasks and related resource management field work.

This position will have the opportunity for telework and will need to report to the Richmond, VA office at times. Occasional daily and overnight travel will be required. A valid driver’s license will be required.

JOB DUTIES

Cultural Resource Database Duties:

• Works closely with the Cultural Resource Manager and GIS Manager to develop and implement an Esri-based framework for cultural resource inventories and catalogs.
• Produces Esri-based maps for cultural resource research and reports.
• Produces Esri-based interpretive materials, such as StoryMaps, related to cultural resources.
• Conducts occasional field surveys for geo-spatial data collection.
• Enters and updates entries in the Virginia Cultural Resource Inventory System (V-CRIS) as related to Virginia State Parks.
• Provides field support for Cultural Resource projects related to various geospatial and non-geospatial databases on an as-needed basis across the Commonwealth.
• Participates in occasional daily and overnight travel for field work and trainings.
• Assists with future Cultural Resource Database needs, as directed.

Cultural Resource Management Duties:

• Assists with writing cultural resource inventories and assessments.
• Assists with writing research reports on cultural resources.
• Aids in the inventorying and assessment of cultural resources within current and future Virginia State Parks. 
• Assists with future Cultural Resource Management needs, as directed.

Other Routine Duties:

• Attends staff meetings and employee training as required.
• Other team support duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of cultural resources in Virginia
• Demonstrated Geographic Information Systems (GIS) skills and abilities, including familiarity with Esri software such as or equivalent to ArcPro, Field Maps and ArcGIS Online.
• Proven ability to develop and produce ArcGIS Maps, ArcGIS StoryMaps, utilize ArcGIS HUB or equivalent, as related to cultural resource management.
• Demonstrated experience in cultural resource work focused on archaeology, historic architecture, and cemeteries in Virginia.
• Demonstrated writing, editing, and communication skills on cultural resource topics.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft applications including Microsoft Suite, including Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams, Adobe Acrobat, and Google Suite, including Gmail, Calendar, Drive, and Docs, and Sheets.

Additional Considerations

• Experience with V-CRIS.
• Experience working with Tribal Nations.
• Experience working in municipal, state, or national parks.
• Demonstrated experience in Historic Preservation, Anthropology, or History.
• Demonstrated experience in GIS or Geography.

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.

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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Phone: N/A

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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.