Park Ranger - Public Safety & Law Enforcement

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Virginia Beach, VA

1d•$42,000 - $57,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is seeking a Park Ranger - Public Safety & Law Enforcement to serve as an on-site public safety and law enforcement representative. This role is crucial for protecting people, property, and natural resources on DCR-managed lands through specialized public safety and law enforcement practices. The position operates under the supervision of the Park Manager and receives functional leadership from the Chief of Public Safety & Law Enforcement or their designee.

Requirements

Experience working with the public and/or in customer service.
Written and verbal skills in public speaking and communications.
Ability to solve problems and develop solutions.
Ability to work with teams or independently with minimal supervision.
Familiarity with 2-way radios, electronic devices, and computers, including Microsoft Office Suite.
Basic knowledge of home/grounds maintenance (e.g., cleaning, debris removal, or minor home maintenance).
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must be at least 21 years old.
Must be a high school graduate or possess a GED.
Must be able to complete the agency-required Basic Law Enforcement Academy and obtain DCJS certification within 18 months of hire.
Must be able to complete the agency-required Basic Law Enforcement Academy and obtain DCJS certification within 18 months of hire.
A valid driver’s license is required for this position to operate a state vehicle or a personal vehicle while conducting official business on behalf of the agency.
Must be a US citizen; be at least 21 years old; H.S. graduate or possess a GED; 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 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.

Nice To Haves

Current Virginia DCJS law enforcement officer certification.
Basic knowledge of park/recreation operations (e.g., building and grounds maintenance, resource management, etc.).
Experience in leading, directing, and training others.
Experience reaching logical conclusions from interpreting policy and regulations.
Experience in responding to or handling emergencies.
Certification in Search and Rescue and/or First Aid/CPR/AED

Responsibilities

Conduct proactive and reactive public safety and law enforcement activities.
Patrol agency properties by vehicle, on foot, and through other authorized modes of transportation.
Support law enforcement staffing needs at specific parks during personnel shortages, special events, special operations, or search and rescue incidents.
Respond to, conduct initial and supplemental investigations of, and document incidents occurring on DCR property.
Support Public Safety & Law Enforcement staff in fulfilling statewide law enforcement functions as needed.
Provide visitor support to ensure guest concerns related to park resources and facilities are addressed promptly and appropriately.
Identify basic maintenance needs for equipment or facilities and either resolve the issue directly or coordinate with appropriate technical maintenance personnel.

Benefits

Paid leave
A minimum of 13 paid state holidays per year
Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
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‑night minimum required. Bunkhouses, camping cabins, and yurts are included; one‑night yurt stays receive a 25% discount.