Chief Ranger – Law Enforcement – Natural Tunnel State Park Job at Virginia Dept of Conservation & Recreation
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 41 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 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 41 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 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).
THE PARK
More than 850 feet long and 10 stories high, Natural Tunnel was naturally carved through a limestone ridge over thousands of years. William Jennings Bryan called it the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Other scenic features include a wide chasm between steep stone walls surrounded by several pinnacles, or “chimneys.” Facilities include two campgrounds, cabins, picnic areas, an amphitheater, a visitor center, a camp store and a gift shop. You’ll also find the Wilderness Road historic area and a chairlift to the tunnel floor. Guests enjoy cave tours and canoe trips on the Clinch River, as well as the Cove Ridge Center, which offers environmental education, conference facilities and overnight dorm accommodations. The Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Interpretive Center at 371 Technology Trail Lane in Duffield is a satellite facility of this park. The center has a museum, library, conference room, gift shop and outdoor classroom. Various events, workshops and programs, which are listed under Natural Tunnel’s events, are held here.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The primary purpose of the Chief Ranger is to provide direct, day-to-day supervision of paid permanent, seasonal, and temporary employees and volunteers in the protection of state park lands, natural and cultural resources, and the maintenance, operation, and repair of state park structures, facilities, equipment, and utility systems. To include the chairlift and pool (when in operation) and the parks surplus property program.
The Chief Ranger will assume the role of head of park operations in the absence of the Park Manager and Assistant Manager so all park operations continue. In addition to the above duties, the Chief Ranger ensures public safety and resource protection by enforcing park rules and regulations and state laws a sworn conservation officer.
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 41 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 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 41 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 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).
THE PARK
More than 850 feet long and 10 stories high, Natural Tunnel was naturally carved through a limestone ridge over thousands of years. William Jennings Bryan called it the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Other scenic features include a wide chasm between steep stone walls surrounded by several pinnacles, or “chimneys.” Facilities include two campgrounds, cabins, picnic areas, an amphitheater, a visitor center, a camp store and a gift shop. You’ll also find the Wilderness Road historic area and a chairlift to the tunnel floor. Guests enjoy cave tours and canoe trips on the Clinch River, as well as the Cove Ridge Center, which offers environmental education, conference facilities and overnight dorm accommodations. The Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Interpretive Center at 371 Technology Trail Lane in Duffield is a satellite facility of this park. The center has a museum, library, conference room, gift shop and outdoor classroom. Various events, workshops and programs, which are listed under Natural Tunnel’s events, are held here.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The primary purpose of the Chief Ranger is to provide direct, day-to-day supervision of paid permanent, seasonal, and temporary employees and volunteers in the protection of state park lands, natural and cultural resources, and the maintenance, operation, and repair of state park structures, facilities, equipment, and utility systems. To include the chairlift and pool (when in operation) and the parks surplus property program.
The Chief Ranger will assume the role of head of park operations in the absence of the Park Manager and Assistant Manager so all park operations continue. In addition to the above duties, the Chief Ranger ensures public safety and resource protection by enforcing park rules and regulations and state laws a sworn conservation officer.
Minimum Qualifications
As it relates to MINIMUM qualifications, successful applicants will highlight in their applications:
- Considerable knowledge of and ability to train others in the areas of buildings and grounds maintenance, building materials, tools and equipment maintenance, and any related skill.
- Demonstrated skills in effective verbal communications with diverse audiences as well as subordinate and auxiliary staff.
- Demonstrated experience supervising and training staff, including the ability to provide performance feedback, on topics such as: the proper use of tools and equipment; procedures necessary for safe operation and efficient completion of projects.
- Skill in leading and ensuring quality of work requiring the performance of plumbing, carpentry, painting, and grounds keeping tasks.
- Demonstrated ability to reach logical conclusions, apply policies, rules, and regulations.
- Skill in leading work related to the interpretation, conservation, preservation and rehabilitation of natural, cultural, or historic resources.
Preferred Qualifications
As it relates to PREFERRED qualifications, successful applicants will highlight:
- Demonstrated work history or volunteer experience in a parks and recreation or similar environment
- Current VA Sworn Conservation Officer Commission
- Resource management experience
- Knowledge of State Government procurement policies and practices
- Bachelor’s degree in resource management, wildlife management, and/or environmental or natural science or equivalent work experience.
- Skill in leading work related to the interpretation, conservation, preservation and rehabilitation of natural, cultural, or historic resources.
- Previous experience managing project budgets.
Special Requirements
The position requires shift work, which includes weekends and holidays. The Chief Ranger LE is required to wear state-issued uniforms and use state issued equipment. Position requires the incumbent to become a Sworn Conservation Officer. Sworn Conservation Officer requirements:
Must be a US citizen; be at least 21 years old; H.S. grad or possess GED; pass a background investigation including fingerprint-based criminal history records check; 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.
Valid VA Driver’s License or ability to attain required. Fingerprint-based criminal history record check, references, work history and DMV driving record will be verified prior to 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.
Ability to obtain First Aid, CPR certifications within 12 months of employment.
Chief Ranger LE positions require shift work which includes weekends, holidays, and overtime. As a non-exempt position, Chief Ranger LE is covered by the FLSA minimum wage and overtime requirements. DCR has elected to grant overtime leave instead of overtime pay when non-exempt employees work more than 40 hours in any work week. When 80 hours of overtime leave have been accumulated, hours worked over 40 in a work week will be compensated by time & one-half rate of pay. These positions are required to wear state-issued uniforms and equipment. On occasion, critical agency business needs may require position reassignments within the salary range. Chief Ranger incumbents must reside in state-owned housing to provide security and operational efficiencies during non-working hours which requires entering into a lease agreement and acquisition of liability.
Must be a US citizen; be at least 21 years old; H.S. grad or possess GED; pass a background investigation including fingerprint-based criminal history records check; 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.
Valid VA Driver’s License or ability to attain required. Fingerprint-based criminal history record check, references, work history and DMV driving record will be verified prior to 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.
Ability to obtain First Aid, CPR certifications within 12 months of employment.
Chief Ranger LE positions require shift work which includes weekends, holidays, and overtime. As a non-exempt position, Chief Ranger LE is covered by the FLSA minimum wage and overtime requirements. DCR has elected to grant overtime leave instead of overtime pay when non-exempt employees work more than 40 hours in any work week. When 80 hours of overtime leave have been accumulated, hours worked over 40 in a work week will be compensated by time & one-half rate of pay. These positions are required to wear state-issued uniforms and equipment. On occasion, critical agency business needs may require position reassignments within the salary range. Chief Ranger incumbents must reside in state-owned housing to provide security and operational efficiencies during non-working hours which requires entering into a lease agreement and acquisition of liability.
Special Instructions to Applicants
State applications will only be accepted as submitted online by 11:59 pm on the closing date through the Recruitment Management System (RMS). State applications submitted via email, postal mail, fax, or in person will not be considered. This website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your RMS Account to check the status of your application for this position. 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. Employment in all positions within the Virginia State Parks is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check.
Commonwealth’s Alternate Hiring Process: 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 Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: https://www.vadars.org/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx , or call DARS at 800-552-5019.
Commonwealth’s Alternate Hiring Process: 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 Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: https://www.vadars.org/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx , or call DARS at 800-552-5019.
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