Chief Ranger Law Enforcement

Virginia Information Technologies Agency • Gloucester, VA

8d • $44,000 - $60,564 • Onsite

About The Position

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is seeking a Chief Ranger Law Enforcement to serve as a sworn, commissioned, and certified law enforcement officer at Kiptopeke State Park. This role involves enforcing the laws of the Commonwealth and the regulations of the Department, providing public safety, law enforcement, and resource protection by enforcing park rules, regulations, and state laws. The position ensures the protection of people, property, and resources on DCR properties through specialized knowledge of public safety and law enforcement activities. This includes patrolling agency properties via vehicle, on foot, and by other modes of transportation, as well as assisting with special events, special operations, and search and rescue operations.

Requirements

• Experience working with the public and/or customer service experience.
• Knowledge of how to prioritize operations and staffing based on seasonal needs.
• Experience managing, supervising, and training staff or volunteers, including scheduling work, assigning tasks, and ensuring that results meet standards.
• Experience with ground maintenance (i.e., mowing, landscaping, tree work, or trail maintenance).
• Experience with basic construction/maintenance trades (i.e., carpentry, plumbing, electrical, masonry, HVAC, automotive repair, etc.).
• Must be able to complete the agency-required Basic Law Enforcement Academy and obtain DCJS certification within 18 months of hire.
• Knowledge in the use of computer programs, Microsoft Office products.
• Must be a US citizen.
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Must be a high school graduate or possess a GED.
• Must 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.
• Shall not have 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 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.
• Must be able to perform physically demanding tasks, including standing, bending, pulling, climbing, and frequently lifting 50 pounds.
• Must be willing to carry and properly use firearms as part of assigned duties.
• A valid driver’s license is required to operate a state vehicle or a personal vehicle while conducting official business on behalf of the agency.

Nice To Haves

• Current Virginia DCJS law enforcement officer certification.
• Practical experience in custodial maintenance, such as cleaning facilities, restrooms, and general housekeeping.
• Working knowledge of OSHA regulations.
• Training or certifications as a sawyer, prescribed burn crew, pesticide technician, and trail construction.

Responsibilities

• Working directly with management and maintenance staff to ensure routine maintenance projects are scheduled and completed on time.
• Recruiting, hiring, training, and supervising classified and seasonal staff, volunteers, and other work program participants.
• Overseeing maintenance of buildings, trails, and grounds, including tools, equipment, and preventive maintenance performed by staff.
• Ensuring the effective operation of all park facilities.
• Performing hands-on preventive maintenance of park buildings and grounds as needed.
• Assisting with developing and monitoring park budgets, including maintenance projects and the annual operating plan.
• Reviewing and completing various tasks using maintenance management software to perform timekeeping, create schedules, assign work, procurement, and accident reports.
• Assisting with the development of the park budget and annual operating plan.
• Performing grounds, trails, and facilities development; construction, management, and maintenance of assigned construction/site improvement projects, and natural resource management.

Benefits

• Paid leave
• A minimum of 13 paid state holidays per year
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Retirement plans (including 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan for classified positions, and VaLORS for law enforcement positions)
• Federally recognized Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer
• Free parking and admission to all Virginia State Parks
• Overnight stay discounts for DCR classified, retired, and wage staff (after six months of service): Free camping outside the Memorial Day to Labor Day season for sites accommodating up to six people.
• Free Sunday–Thursday camping (excluding the night before holidays) during the Memorial Day–Labor Day period.
• 50% off cabins (up to three bedrooms) outside the Memorial Day–Labor Day season for up to 14 nights. Two nights minimum required. Bunkhouses, camping cabins, and yurts are included; one night yurt stays receive a 25% discount.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED