Title: Park Ranger Maintenance - Pocahontas State Park

State Role Title: Natural Resource Spec II

Hiring Range: $40,000 - $56,000

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Dept Conservation & Recreation

Location: Pocahontas State Park

Agency Website: https://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 aVnd 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
Pocahontas State Park is located in Chesterfield and is just a short drive from downtown Richmond. Pocahontas is approximately 8,000 acres of diverse natural, cultural, and recreational resources with approximately 1.2 million visitors per year. The park offers boating, picnicking, camping, camping cabins, trails, and nature and history programs. Pocahontas has a 2,000-seat amphitheater, and aquatic center, which offers two tubular waterslides, leisure pools, and activity pools.

THE OPPORTUNITY
As the Park Ranger-Maintenance, you will join an exceptional team and be responsible for supervising maintenance operations to ensure facilities and grounds are safe and meet current standards.

The incumbent will:

• Maintain, improve, and protect park facilities, grounds, systems, resources, vehicles and equipment by performing and supervising maintenance projects.
• Use their skills in variety of trades including carpentry, electrical, plumbing, painting, landscaping, small engine repair, and systems troubleshooting.
• Supervise and coach wage employees, volunteers and alternative labor in the successful performance of these operations.
• Provide user safety and satisfaction by providing clean, safe and well-maintained facilities and grounds; providing good information to guests; and assisting with guest services.

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

• Experience with leading, directing, and training others.
• Ability to use a variety of tools, materials and equipment to maintain facilities and grounds.
• Experience in grounds maintenance (i.e., mowing, landscaping, snow removal, tree work, and trail maintenance).
• Skills in basic construction/maintenance trades (i.e., carpentry, plumbing, electrical, masonry etc.)
• Verbal and written communication skills to interact with staff and guests, and compose emails, correspondence, and reports.

Additional Considerations

• Demonstrated customer service experience.
• Demonstrated experience with supervising groundskeeping, maintenance, construction or other work related to the upkeep and operation of recreational areas.
• Experience overseeing workplace safety, OSHA compliance, and safety training.
• Previous work experience within parks and recreation or similar environment.
  

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.

Ability to work in diverse conditions including exposure to the outdoors, weather in all seasons, dust, animals and insects is required. Ability to perform heavy manual labor to include standing, bending, pulling, climbing, and frequent lifting up to 50 pounds is required. Must possess or have the ability to obtain a valid driver’s license, certifications in CPR, First Aid, or other certifications as required. This position requires shift work which includes weekends and holidays.

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.

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.virgina.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.