Title: Youth Engagement Coordinator

State Role Title: Prog Admin Specialist I

Hiring Range: $22.00 to $25.50 per hour

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Dept Conservation & Recreation

Location: Main Street Center

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 habitats, and open spaces.

Serving a diverse commonwealth rich in nature and culture, DCR touches all Virginians’ lives.

Join our team in preserving what people care about most: access to the outdoors, natural habitats, open spaces, clean water, and safe infrastructure.

Virginia State Parks is accepting applications for a Youth Engagement Coordinator.

This position is responsible for managing the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) program and other related youth engagement initiatives across Virginia State Parks. This position reports to our Community Engagement and Volunteerism Manager and collaborates with central office staff, park managers, and other field staff to ensure a successful youth outreach program.

As the Youth Engagement Coordinator, you will:

• Recruit, interview, and hire Crew Leaders and Members for the YCC program.
• Assist with recruitment for other VSP career development and volunteer programs as needed.
• Review the YCC Operational Handbook and update forms and program procedures.
• Develop and administer annual Crew Leader training, booking third-party trainers and catering.
• Interact with park staff, stakeholders, parents, and youth. Work with community partners on youth engagement initiatives.
• Gather feedback from Crew Leaders, Members, and park staff on the YCC program annually and work with administration to order YCC program materials annually.
• Responsible for pack-out of all YCC materials, certificates, gear, and correspondence with park staff in preparation for hosting a YCC crew.
• Conducts site visits to parks hosting YCC crews as needed during the program and in preparation, and leads nightly calls with leaders when crews are out serving at parks.
• Attend recruitment events, job fairs, and other off-site opportunities representing Virginia State Parks and the programs of the Office of Community Engagement and Volunteerism.
• Attend all OCEV staff meetings (generally every other week) and facilitate the meeting on a rotating basis.
• Submit relevant items for the weekly report, budget, and quarterly email updates.

Learn more about the YCC program here: VA State Parks YCC Program

Wage/seasonal positions are not eligible for Commonwealth of Virginia benefits (health care, paid leave, etc.) and are limited to 1,500 hours from May 1 to April 30.

DCR provides the opportunity for wage employees to participate in tax-deferred compensation programs, supplemental disability insurance, and supplemental retirement accounts made available through the Commonwealth’s provider network at the employee’s expense.

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

• Valid Driver’s License
• Basic knowledge of computer operation and Microsoft Office 365 software, including Word, Excel, Forms, PowerPoint, and Teams.
• Good writing and verbal communication skills.
• Customer service experience, either in person or through telecommunication.
• Experience in volunteer management, summer camp administration, and/or special events coordination.
• Capable of working independently and as a team member.

Additional Considerations

• Previous experience working in outdoor recreation environments and knowledge of worksite safety regulations.
• Experience in state government procurement and use of eVA.
• Education or experience in natural resource management, environmental science, education, or another related field.

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.

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.

Telework eligibility will be in accordance with the Commonwealth's Teleworking policy. This position may require occasional in-state and overnight travel.

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 make every visit 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 nights 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.