Title: District Resource Management Assistant - District 5

State Role Title: Natural Resource Specialist II

Hiring Range: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Dept Conservation & Recreation

Location: Staunton River State Park

Agency Website: www.dcr.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Join Our Team at the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation!

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is hiring! Join us in preserving what people care about most – access to the outdoors, natural habitats, open spaces, clean water, and safe infrastructure.

District 5 of the VA State Park System is accepting applications for a District Resource Management Assistant.

Job Summary:
This position will assist the District Resource Specialist with implementation of resource management projects across State Park District 5, which includes Staunton River, Smith Mountain Lake, Claytor Lake, Occoneechee, Mayo River and Fairy Stone State Parks. The position is based at Staunton River State Park in Halifax County, Virginia. The position requires daily travel and occasional overnight travel.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist the District V Resource Specialist
• Supervise seasonal staff in performing resource management activities including invasive species treatment, prescribed burns, boundary marking, vegetation surveys, permanent monitoring plot establishment, and long-term land management planning and implementation.
• Will also provide state park/system-wide support in data management using ESRI Arc Pro.
• Requires working in a variety of outdoor conditions and terrain including heat, cold, rain, humidity, insects, dust, etc.
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of regional tree/non-woody plant species and ecosystems, and tree species identification strongly recommended.
• Ability to organize and maintain tools and equipment associated with resource activities such as GPS units, backpack sprayers, trail building tools, etc. 
• Good writing and communication skills, capable of working independently.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Additional Considerations

• Knowledge and experience using GIS/GPS equipment and mapping software, specifically ESRI Arc Pro preferred.
• VA Pesticide Applicator’s License or Registered Technician Certification License preferred. If not currently licensed will be required to obtain.
• NWCG fire fighter crew level certification preferred. Certification will need to be obtained within 12 months.
• Education, experience, or training in natural resources or related field.

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. 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. To be considered for an interview, the candidate must demonstrate the minimal qualifications within their application or resume.

Special requirements:

• Virginia Registered Technician Certification (pesticide) License, if not currently licensed, will need to be obtained within 6 months. 
• DCR Sawyer Apprentice qualification or the ability to obtain within 6 months

We provide on the job training. Employees may be required to perform other park related duties during emergencies, or on a non-recurrent basis. Wage employment can be an outstanding first step toward a lasting career with the park service.

• Background Check: Employment in all Virginia State Parks positions is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.
• Employment Eligibility: Selected candidates must complete the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form. DCR participates in E-Verify.
• Driver’s License Requirement: A valid State Driver's License is required if operating a state or personal vehicle for agency business.
• Work Requirements: Wage/seasonal positions are not eligible for benefits and are limited to 1,500 hours from May 1 to April 30. Typical work week for this position is Monday - Friday, although some weekend or holiday availability may be required.

Minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people with National Parks Service experience are encouraged to apply. EEO/AA/TT

DCR employees are encouraged to visit Virginia State Parks! Check out our employee discounts.

• Free parking or admission to all Virginia State Parks.
• DCR classified, retired, and wage staff (after six months of service), are entitled to overnight facility discounts such as:
  • Free camping outside of the Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day period in sites designed for up to six people.
  • Free camping Sunday night through Thursday night (excluding the night prior to a holiday) from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
  • Fifty percent discount on cabins (up to 3 bedrooms) outside of Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, for a maximum of 14 nights. All reservations require a two-night minimum. Bunkhouses, camping cabins and yurts are included; one night yurt stays only receive a 25% discount.
    
    

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: NA

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.