Title: District Ranger - Public Safety & Law Enforcement - District 1

State Role Title: Law Enforcement Officer II

Hiring Range: $55,000 - $70,000

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Dept Conservation & Recreation

Location: District 1 (Tidewater) Office; To Be Determined Upon Successful Applicant

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).

WORK UNIT

The main office for the Public Safety and Law Enforcement Staff is located in Richmond, Virginia. This position will work out of other offices in the assigned district; however, operational requirements may span throughout the Commonwealth and will require travel.

This position will be assigned in District I, which is currently comprised of eight park sites, with seven parks open for public use. Operating on an annual budget of $3 million, the 41 classified staff and approximately 200 wage staff greet an average of 2 million visitors per year with revenues exceeding $4.3 million. The parks are located within five counties and in the City of Virginia Beach. Six of the parks provide overnight camping and have cabins or other lodging as part of their offerings. Most popular day use activities include 105 miles of hiking, biking, horseback riding trails, and 10 miles of shoreline to explore. These parks are located on tidal bodies of waters ranging from the Atlantic Ocean, Chesapeake Bay, and its tributaries the James, York, and Rappahannock Rivers. Known for its Colonial history, the Tidewater region was founded on principles of English gentry in a developing nation where patriotism, freedom and waterborne livelihoods existed. Earlier history shares the incredible stories of Native Americans who lived there. The Tidewater region is generally flat and low flooded river plains composed of tidal marshes and large expanses of swamp. The higher elevations have been important sites for agricultural activities.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Operating under the Deputy Chief of Public Safety & Law Enforcement, or designee, with input and coordination with the District Manager, the primary purpose of this position is to ensure the protection of people, property, and resources on land owned, leased, or operated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation through articulated and displayed specialized knowledge of public safety and law enforcement activities. This will include providing law enforcement services by patrolling agency properties in a vehicle, on foot, and by other modes of transportation. This will also include assisting with covering law enforcement staffing at specific parks in the event of staffing shortages, special events, special operations, and search and rescue operations. Additionally, this position will respond to and conduct initial and supplemental investigation of incidents, serve as a resource for public safety and law enforcement matters, assisting Law Enforcement Rangers assigned to specific park with law enforcement functions and support the provision of statewide law enforcement services as necessary.

Additional duties can include, but may not be limited to:

• Serving as a Field Training Officer, a General Instructor (as required), and as an instructor in at least one public safety and law enforcement specialty (i.e., firearms, defensive tactics, driving, etc.), or as an instructor for Basic First Aid/Wilderness First Aid/CPR/AED.
• Serving as part of the Accreditation Team and supporting accreditation efforts (e.g., coordinating proofs, reviewing standards, etc.).
• Serving as an ad-hoc member of the Law Enforcement Ranger or Search and Rescue (SAR) Working Groups.
• Responding to, leading, and coordinating SAR (Search and Rescue) responses within the assigned district. Employee will be expected to obtain and maintain advanced SAR certification.
• Responding to and assisting in the management of wildfire response incidents and supporting prescribed fire operations as necessary. Employee will be expected to meet DCR standards for prescribed fire crewmembers.
• Assisting with the development of operational/ICS event plans the ICS process, including and reviewing District ICS plans, serving as team member on the DCR SAR Team; assist with administrative law enforcement operations including inspections and audits outlined in general orders. Employee will be expected to obtain and maintain ICS certifications.
• Coordinating the training of non-law enforcement staff in public safety, law enforcement and crime prevention related topics (e.g., personal safety, identification of counterfeit currency, fraud, and theft prevention).
• Assisting with developing and reviewing of Emergency Action Plans and working with District Management and Park Management to ensure that accurate, up to date, EAPs are maintained at all district state parks.
• Undertaking, leading, and coordinating public facing public safety & law enforcement outreach and recruitment efforts in conjunction with Department, Division, Park, or other identified specific public events.
• Monitoring and evaluating DCR properties and data for public safety needs, as well as responsive and proactive crime prevention and crime reduction efforts and making referrals for actions and resolutions as appropriate.
• Assist in the identification and preparation of grant programs to enhance public safety and law enforcement operations.
• Assisting with the interview and selection of applicants for law enforcement positions within the district.
  

This position serves as a sworn, commissioned, and certified law enforcement officer as defined in the Code of Virginia § 9.1-101, with responsibility to enforce the laws of the Commonwealth and the regulations of the Department. As one of Virginia’s Law Enforcement Rangers, the successful candidate supports park programs and services with special emphasis on providing public safety, law enforcement, and resource protection by enforcing park rules, regulations, and state laws. Duties include conducting law enforcement patrols, basic investigations, and responding to calls for public safety and law enforcement services.

Minimum Qualifications

• Working knowledge of law enforcement principles and practices.
• Experience planning and organizing a complex array of public safety and law enforcement actions and developing independent solutions to public safety and law enforcement issues with little immediate leadership input.
• Working knowledge of recreational or conservation management principles and practices.
• Experience training, encouraging, and evaluating others.
• Experience effectively addressing multiple assignments with critical deadlines; and working within program goals, objectives, and priorities.
• Experience making and supporting difficult and/or unpopular decisions, to both demonstrate and elicit accountability.
• Experience providing customer service in public settings.
• Experience communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
• Experience establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Current Law Enforcement Certification from Virginia DCJS and experience in a law enforcement role.

Additional Considerations

• Law enforcement experience that includes progressive patrol, training, and investigative responsibilities.
• Involvement with recreational law enforcement programs or service as a Law Enforcement Ranger.
• Knowledge of agency organizational functions.
• A working knowledge of state park operations (e.g., building and grounds maintenance, resource management, etc.) will enhance the District Park Ranger – Public Safety and Law Enforcement ability to respond to visitor, staff, and resource needs.
• Current certification as a DCJS Field Training Officer, and General Instructor, or ability to acquire within 12 months of hire.

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 position will be required to reside within the boundaries of the assigned district. For District I, these counties include: Accomack, Richmond, Northumberland, Middlesex, Mathews, Charles City, New Kent, Prince George, Hampton, Newport News, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Southampton, Isle of Wight, Norfolk, York, Lancaster, Surry, Virginia Beach, Northampton, Gloucester, James City.

Position requires incumbent to be or become a Sworn Conservation Officer and attend a 21-week Law Enforcement Academy located in Salem, Virginia. Candidates selected for hire are provided living accommodations during the academy. Must be a US citizen; be at least 21 years old; H.S. grad or possess GED; possess or be able to obtain certification as a LE Officer in VA from the VA Dept. of Criminal Justice Service which includes accepting responsibilities related to being equipped with and using firearms. Successful applicants: shall not have a felony conviction(s) or have pled no contest to a felony or any offense that would be a felony if committed in VA; shall not have a misdemeanor conviction(s) involving moral turpitude, including larceny, concealment, uttering, embezzlement, or perjury; shall not have conviction(s) for a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence; shall not have positive results on pre-employment drug screening.

Conditions of employment for this position require the successful completion of a physical agility test and behavioral assessment. Also, successful completion of a physical exam is required to be identified as suitable for the position prior to beginning 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 to include standing, bending, pulling, climbing, and frequent lifting up to 50 lbs. Must possess or have the ability to obtain a valid Virginia driver’s license, certifications in CPR, First Aid, or other certifications as required. This position requires shift work, which includes weekends and holidays. This position also is required to wear state-issued uniforms and equipment in accordance with Uniform Policies.

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.