Chief Ranger Law Enforcement - Bear Creek Lake State Park

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 43 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 43 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 8 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
Nestled in the heart of the Cumberland State Forest in central Virginia, Bear Creek Lake is less than an hour west of Richmond. It’s the perfect getaway for the outdoor enthusiast. Activities center on the 40-acre lake with a boat launch, fishing pier, boat rentals and a swimming beach. Other attractions include a meeting facility, cabins, camping, picnicking, an archery range and playgrounds. Guests also enjoy the park’s trails and access to the adjoining 16,000-acre Cumberland State Forest, including the 14-mile Cumberland Multi-use Trail, which is available for hiking, biking and horseback riding.

THE OPPORTUNITY
The Chief Ranger Law Enforcement Officer will be responsible for recruiting, hiring, training, and supervising classified and seasonal staff who provide support for park programs. Duties include assisting with the overall management and operation of the park with special emphasis on visitor and resource protection and management; concession management; providing visitor/customer service about park programs/operations; performing preventive maintenance of park buildings and grounds as well as supervising staff who perform buildings and grounds maintenance activities; and assisting in the development of the park budget and annual operating plan. The Chief Ranger will also be responsible for assisting with managing and implementing the operations and marketing of park interpretive programs to include verbally delivering information about the park’s natural and historical features to the public, and assisting with advertising, promotion, and outreach activities for interpretive programs.

This position is also responsible for providing public safety and resource protection by enforcing park rules and regulations and state laws through use of conservation officer powers. The position requires the incumbent, if not already certified through Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), to meet the required steps for the initial certification as a Virginia Law Enforcement Officer within 12 months of an assigned academy class date to maintain employment. The incumbent must be able to complete the agency required Basic Law Enforcement Academy and obtain DCJS certification within 18 months of hire.

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation offers paid leave; 12 paid holidays; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; retirement plans (including 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan); and is a federally recognized Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer.

Minimum Qualifications

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Work history providing customer service to diverse audiences.
• Experience providing personnel management/supervision and training to staff or volunteers.
• Considerable knowledge, skills, and abilities in the performance of preventive maintenance on buildings and grounds maintenance duties to include associated tools, vehicles, and equipment.
• Must be able to complete the agency required Basic Law Enforcement Academy and obtain DCJS certification within 18 months of hire.

Additional Considerations

• Experience preparing and monitoring budgets.
• Working knowledge of OSHA regulations.
• Current Virginia DCJS law enforcement officer certification.
• Familiarity with procurement transactions, policies, and procedures.
• Progressive work experience related to nature and the environment, facilities and grounds maintenance, or standard business operations including retail sales and cash management.

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.

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.