Title: Ranger Conservation Corps - Operations

State Role Title: Conservation Intern

Hiring Range: $16.50 per hour

Pay Band: UG

Agency: Dept Conservation & Recreation

Location: MAIN STREET CENTRE

Agency Website: https://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 for Ranger Conservation Corps positions! Join us in preserving what people care about most – access to the outdoors, natural habitats, open spaces, clean water, and safe infrastructure.

Ranger Conservation Corps offers participants a great way to get started in a career in a state park. The program is held in the summer and introduces participants to a variety of park operations. This experience prepares applicants for entry-level positions through training and exposure to all operational aspects of a Virginia State Park.

Candidates accepted into the program will spend 12 weeks working and, in most cases, living in a state park. Participants who perform well are invited to participate the following summer and will be assigned to a different park. Upon successful performance in the program, participants are encouraged to apply for park ranger, chief ranger, and other positions in the state park system.

The duties of a participant in the Ranger Conservation Corps- Operations program include a wide variety of responsibilities. Experiences in the program typically include Maintenance, Customer Service, Enterprise, Interpretation/Education, Housekeeping, Public Safety, Administration, and Resource Management.

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

• Basic experience in leading, directing, mentoring, and/or training others
• Experience using computers and software applications
• Experience speaking in public or educational settings, engaging in phone calls, and interacting with others.
• Must be at least 18 years old to participate in the Ranger Conservation Internship program
• Must have a valid Driver's license.
• Must be willing to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. 

Additional Considerations

• Experience volunteering or in community service
• Foundational skills for minor building repairs or grounds/equipment maintenance
• Training, education, or experience in parks or other outdoor recreational settings, including Youth Conservation Corps, AmeriCorps, or similar programs

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. 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 and/or resume are complete with duties and skills associated with your work experience. 

IF YOU ARE A STUDENT SEEKING INTERNSHIP CREDIT, AND YOU ARE SELECTED FOR THE PROGRAM, YOU MUST OBTAIN A SIGNED MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT (MOA) BETWEEN THE STUDENT’S COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY AND DCR.  THE MOA WILL BE PROVIDED BY DCR AND IT WILL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT TO HAVE IT COMPLETED BEFORE EMPLOYMENT BEGINS.

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. Must be able to work in diverse conditions, including exposure to the outdoors, weather in all seasons, dust, animals, and insects. Must be able to perform manual labor including standing, bending, pulling, climbing, and lifting.

Minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people with National/Federal 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 before 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: 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.