Title: Zoology Lab Manager

State Role Title: Environmental Specialist I

Hiring Range: $20/hourly

Pay Band: UG

Agency: Dept Conservation & Recreation

Location: MAIN STREET CENTRE

Agency Website: dcr.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is the state’s lead conservation agency, and it takes a diverse agency to conserve resources for a diverse commonwealth.

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.

This position is responsible for:

• Oversee the daily operations of the Division of Natural Heritage zoology labs under the supervision of the Senior Zoologist. In coordination with the Senior Zoologist and Lead Field Zoologist, ensure that zoology lab technicians and volunteers have lab-related tasks to perform on a daily basis.
• Provide training to zoology lab technicians and volunteers in insect curatorial techniques, including pinning/pointing and labelling of moths, butterflies, bees, and other insect specimens in a manner that conforms to standard entomological protocols. Periodically review quality of work of lab technicians and volunteers.
• Provide training to zoology lab technicians and volunteers in database entry methodology for insect specimens using Microsoft Access and Excel software. Ensure quality control of data entries.
• Establish and direct zoology staff and volunteers on appropriate lab workflows, such as locations of specimens for various projects and in different stages of the curatorial process. Prioritize current projects with guidance from the Senior Zoologist and Lead Field Zoologist.
• Maintain and expand reference specimen collections. Organize excess, processed specimens for donation to natural history museums and researchers.
• Maintain zoology labs in an organized, clean manner. Identify the need for new or replenished lab supplies and equipment and work with the Senior Zoologist to purchase any needed materials.
• Participate in Inventory and All Staff meetings, agency wide trainings, and other opportunities if able (with permission of Senior Zoologist).
• Serve as safety officer for the Division of Natural Heritage zoology labs, staff, and volunteers. Training will be made available if not currently possessed.

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 insurances, and supplemental retirement accounts made available through the Commonwealth’s provider network at the employee’s expense.

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated advanced knowledge and experience in biology, zoology, entomology, wildlife science, environmental science, or a related biological science.
• Demonstrated experience in working in a lab setting.
• Demonstrated experience in insect preparation techniques.
• Proficiency with computers and applications including word processing and data management software such as Excel and Access.
• Ability to provide effective communication interpersonally, verbally, and in writing.

Additional Considerations

• Demonstrated knowledge of general entomology.
• Experience in lab safety protocols, preferably including OSHA training.
• Experience with GIS software for mapping and spatial information management.
• Experience working with volunteers and/or other part-time employees.
• Good organizational skills
• Ability to follow instructions carefully, pay close attention to detail, and work independently
• Ability to conduct infrequent field work upon request, which may include overnight trips.

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., 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.

A valid Driver's License is required to operate a state vehicle or if operating a personal vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the agency.

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.