Title: Chief Ranger Visitor Experience - Mason Neck State Park

State Role Title: Education Support Spec II

Hiring Range: $45,000 - $60,564

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Dept Conservation & Recreation

Location: Mason Neck State Park

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

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is hiring! DCR is the state’s lead conservation agency, providing access for outdoor recreation, strengthening communities’ flood resilience, and protecting what Virginians care about: clean water, parks, natural habitat, and open spaces. Serving a diverse commonwealth rich in nature and culture, DCR touches all Virginians’ lives.

Have you always wanted to work in a beautiful and serene environment? If so, then we have the perfect position for you at Mason Neck State Park! We are hiring a Chief Ranger - Visitor Experience.

As the Chief Ranger for Visitor Experience, you will assist park management with directing and supervising park operations and performing administrative functions as assigned.

Primary job duties include:

• Overseeing 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 volunteer program and special events
• Handling administrative functions, including reporting, budget tracking, and program tracking.
• Manage recruiting, hiring, training, supervising, and employee performance within the interpretive department.

DCR offers paid leave; a minimum of 13 paid state holidays per year; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; retirement plans (including 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan for classified positions, and VaLORS for law enforcement positions); and is a federally recognized Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer.

DCR’s Mission is to conserve the natural, scenic, historic, and cultural resources of the Commonwealth. We invite you to learn more about DCR’s efforts to CONSERVE.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge and experience managing natural, historic, and cultural resources.
• Experience with budget planning/tracking.
• Familiar with planning and conducting programs and events.
• Experience marketing, advertising, and promoting programs and special events.
• Supervisory experience including training, supervising, and evaluating staff performance.
• Possess excellent customer service skills.

Additional Considerations

• Work experience in History, Environmental Education, Interpretive Program Management, or related field.
• Experience designing and leading interpretive formal and informal programming for school groups, special interest groups, and the general public.
• Experience with developing visual communication in the form of fliers, signage, or pamphlets.
• Certification through the National Association of Interpretation as a Certified Interpretive Guide.

Special Instructions

You will be provided with 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. Applicants must submit an online application to be considered for this position. DCR does not accept applications, résumés, cover letters, or other materials in any format outside of the online system. Please ensure your online application and/or résumé are complete and accurately reflect your duties, skills, and relevant work experience.

The selected candidate will work in a variety of environments, including outdoor settings with exposure to seasonal weather conditions, dust, animals, and insects. The position involves performing physical tasks such as standing, bending, pulling, climbing, and regularly lifting up to 50 pounds.

Current certification in First Aid, CPR, and AED, or the ability to obtain these within 12 months of hire, is required. The candidate must also be able to facilitate Project WILD, Project Underground, and Project WET training workshops. Possession of, or the ability to obtain within 12 months of employment, a Virginia State Parks Certified Interpretive Guide credential is required.

A valid driver’s license is required to operate a state vehicle or a personal vehicle while conducting official business on behalf of the agency.

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 and work a varied schedule, including weekends and holidays.

DCR encourages applications from minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and those with experience with the National Park Service or the federal government. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO/AA/TT).

🌲 Explore Virginia State Parks — On Us!

As a DCR employee, you’ll enjoy exclusive access to the natural beauty and outdoor experiences that make Virginia’s State Parks extraordinary — with free admission, special discounts, and perks that turn every visit into something memorable.

Employee benefits include:

• Free parking and admission to all Virginia State Parks.
• Overnight stay discounts for DCR classified, retired, and wage staff (after six months of service):
  • Free camping outside the Memorial Day to Labor Day season for sites accommodating up to six people.
  • Free Sunday–Thursday camping (excluding the night before holidays) during the Memorial Day–Labor Day period.
  • 50% off cabins (up to three bedrooms) outside the Memorial Day–Labor Day season for up to 14 nights. Two‑night minimum required. Bunkhouses, camping cabins, and yurts are included; one‑night yurt stays receive a 25% discount.

Join us and make Virginia’s great outdoors part of your life — it’s one of the many ways we show our appreciation for the people who make DCR’s mission possible!

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.