Park Ranger - Public Safety & Law Enforcement

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Chesapeake, VA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is seeking a Park Ranger for Public Safety & Law Enforcement at First Landing State Park. This role involves following state and DCR policies related to personnel management, ensuring staff receive clear communication and feedback, and meeting performance evaluation deadlines. The position requires addressing performance and safety issues promptly and documenting them appropriately. DCR is the state's lead conservation agency, dedicated to conserving the natural, scenic, historic, and cultural resources of the Commonwealth.

Requirements

Experience working with the public and/or customer service experience.
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 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 to operate a state vehicle or if operating a personal vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the agency.
Selected candidate(s) will need to complete the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form.
Must be a US citizen.
Must be at least 21 years old.
Must have a H.S. 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.
Successful completion of a physical agility test and behavioral assessment.
Successful completion of a physical exam is required to be identified as suitable for the position before beginning employment.
Satisfactory completion of a background check including a criminal history record check.

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 planning and conducting programs and events.
Experience in leading, directing and training others.
Experience reaching logical conclusions from interpreting policy and regulations.
Experience in responding to or handling emergency situations.

Responsibilities

Follow applicable State and DCR policies relating to personnel management.
Ensure staff receive frequent, constructive feedback, including interim evaluations as appropriate.
Ensure staff have the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to accomplish goals.
Meet the requirements of the performance planning and evaluation system, completing evaluations by established deadlines with proper documentation.
Address and document performance issues as they occur.
Review and communicate safety issues to ensure a safe and healthy workplace and a reduction in work-related absences.
Serve in an on-call capacity, as needed, to provide security and operational efficiencies.
Respond to calls outside scheduled hours within a prescribed timeframe.

Benefits

Paid leave
A minimum of 13 paid state holidays
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 or admission to all Virginia State Parks
Overnight facility discounts (after six months of service for classified, retired, and wage staff)
Free camping outside of the Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day period in sites designed for up to six people.
Free camping Sunday night through Thursday night (excluding the night prior to a holiday) from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Fifty percent discount on cabins (up to 3 bedrooms) outside of Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, for a maximum of 14 nights.
Bunkhouses, camping cabins, and yurts are included.
One night yurt stays only receive a 25% discount.