Virginia State Parks Natural Resource Specialist
Application deadline: October 16, 2020. Applications must be submitted at:
Apply here:
Hiring Range: $48,000 – $70,000
VirginiaÃf¢ÒÂEURÃ’Â(tm)s state park system is extremely diverse in natural, cultural, historical and recreational resources. The system boasts of features 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. The system also offers over 20,000 educational programs and workshops each year. Visitation tops 10 million visitors annually, which contribute an economic impact of over $200 million to the Commonwealth. The annual operating budget for the system is $45 million. A full time staff of 275 and a wage staff of over 1000 during the prime season operate and manage the Virginia State Park system. There are 6 districts within the system and State Park Headquarters is located in Main Street Centre in downtown Richmond.
District Two is in Northern Virginia. There are seven parks in the district. Geographically the parks in this district range from the Tidewater Northern Neck Region to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Often termed the Potomac District, five of the parks are situated along this major river and all are within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. One large lake park at Lake Anna is included in this district. Guests in this district are most commonly from the NOVA/DC, Richmond City, and Maryland State areas.
The history of the parks in this district varies widely with civil war, civil rights, railroad, Native American and Civilian Conservation Corps all playing major roles in the stories of these parks. Three of the parks provide overnight camping and two of the parks have housekeeping cabins as part of their offerings. The five Potomac parks all offer paddle in campsites. One park provides conference center type meeting facilities. Popular day use activities are offered within these parks; and there are miles of hiking, biking, horseback riding and water trails. Two of the parks provide swimming Ãf¢ÒÂEURҔ one in a lake and one having a pool facility. One park has a marina operation and fuel sales. Each of the parks in the district provides a variety of natural, cultural, historical, educational and recreational programs.
The District Resource Specialist position helps to further Department and Division resource management goals by providing professional assistance to park managers within the assigned district. This involves a variety of resource management methods including: developing natural and cultural resource management plans; coordinating and executing management prescriptions and activities using a variety of techniques such as prescribed fire and pesticide application; coordinating and executing cooperative resource management programs; providing protection of resources; and serving as a liaison between park staff and other resource management agencies.
Minimum Qualifications
– Knowledge of practices relating to conservation, preservation, and restoration of natural, cultural, historical or recreational resources
– Ability to apply natural, cultural, historical, or recreational resource prescriptions
– Ability to recognize and address impacts on natural, cultural, historical or recreational resources
– Proficient in the use of a personal computer, smartphones and other electronic devices.
– Knowledge of GIS software and data collection
– Knowledge of wildland fire practices and/or the application of prescribed fire
– Knowledge of the design, construction, and maintenance of sustainable trails
– Basic skill in verbal and written communication
– Experience in supervising employees and/or volunteers
– Be able to obtain and maintain certification in CPR/AED and First Aid
– Ability to obtain and maintain VA pesticide applicator certification
– Ability to obtain and maintain NWCG FFT2 fire training, and over time achieve and maintain DCR prescribed fire burn boss certification
Preferred Qualifications
– Undergraduate 4 year degree, or advanced degree, in resource management, forestry, wildlife management, or related natural resource field
– Ability to provide effective interpersonal communications with co-workers, staff, and other potential contacts internal and external to organization
– Ability to work independently and knowledge of leadership practices
– Ability to plan, organize and oversee the safe use of tools, equipment, materials and staff to accomplish resource management projects
– Ability to obtain and maintain DCR Sawyer certification
Special Requirements
– Position requires a criminal background check.
– Must possess a valid driverÃf¢ÒÂEURÃ’Â(tm)s license at the time of hire; driving record must meet DCR standards at the time of hire and throughout employment
– May be required to travel overnight and occasionally work weekends or holidays
– Must be able to pass the moderate level, NWCG work capacity test. (Walk 2 miles with a 25lb pack in 30 minutes or less.)
– Must wear a DCR supplied uniform and comply with appearance code when on duty
– Must comply with and adhere to applicable federal, state, local, and agency rules, laws, and policies
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 Ãf¢ÒÂEURÃ’ÂoeYour ApplicationÃf¢ÒÂEURÃ’Â in your RMS Account to check the status of your application for this position. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is an Equal Opportunity Employer by both policy and practice. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Employment in all positions within the Virginia State Parks is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check.
Laura Nelson PHR, SHRM Ãf¢ÒÂEURҔ CP
Human Resource Generalist
Department of Conservation and Recreation
600 East Main Street 24th Floor
Richmond, Virginia 23219
804-786-5657(phone) 804-371-0315 (Fax)
Application deadline: October 16, 2020. Applications must be submitted at: