Park Ranger-Public Safety & Law Enforcement - Westmoreland State Park

Title: Park Ranger-Public Safety & Law Enforcement - Westmoreland State Park

State Role Title: Natural Resource Spec II

Hiring Range: $40,000 - $56,000

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Dept Conservation & Recreation

Location:Westmoreland State Park

Agency Website:https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

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
On the Potomac River's Northern Neck, Westmoreland State Park offers many opportunities for family fun. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has a bathhouse, meeting area, snack bar, camp store and power-boat ramp. You'll also find a visitor center, campgrounds, camping cabins, cabins, a playground, a fishing pier, boat rentals and 6 miles of trails.

THE OPPORTUNITY
The Park Ranger Public Safety & Law Enforcement position serves as a sworn, commissioned, and certified law enforcement officer as defined in the Code of Virginia § 9.1-101, with responsibility to enforce the laws of the Commonwealth and the regulations of the Department. As one of Virginia's Law Enforcement Rangers, the successful candidate supports park programs and services with special emphasis on providing public safety, law enforcement, and resource protection by enforcing park rules, regulations, and state laws. This position ensures the protection of people, property, and resources on land owned, leased, or operated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation through articulated and displayed specialized knowledge of public safety and law enforcement activities. This will include providing public safety and law enforcement services by patrolling agency properties in a vehicle, on foot, and by other modes of transportation. This will also include assisting with special events, special operations, and search and rescue operations as knowledge and skills permit. This is an entry level position and is expected to respond to and conduct initial investigations of incidents and serve as a resource for public safety and law enforcement matters, within their assigned park and support the provision of statewide law enforcement services as necessary. 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.

In this role, you will join a winning team and assist the Chief Ranger, Park Manager, and other staff in the overall management and safe operation of the park. In addition to public safety and law enforcement duties, this position will be responsible for the maintenance and cleaning of facilities and grounds along with the operation of all related tools and equipment and will assist with natural resource and trail management activities. This position also supervises and trains wage staff and volunteers in the maintenance of grounds, facilities, resources, and equipment.

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

• Ability to lead, direct, and train others.
• Ability to work independently.
• Possess verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience providing customer service in public settings.
• Must be able to complete the agency required Basic Law Enforcement Academy and obtain DCJS certification within 18 months of hire.

Additional Considerations

• Experience in facilities and/or grounds maintenance and the associated tools and equipment (i.e., mowing, landscaping, snow removal, tree work, and trail maintenance.)
• A combination of training and experience in natural resources, resource management, parks and recreation, criminal justice, public administration, or a related field.
• Law enforcement experience that includes patrol responsibilities.
• Current Virginia DCJS law enforcement officer certification.
• Previous work experience in parks and recreation or similar environment.

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.

A valid State Driver's License is required to operate a state vehicle or if operating a personal vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the agency.

DCR is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and the highest ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that our greatest strength lies in the individual differences, experiences, and skillsets that our employees bring to the table. Because of this, we strongly encourage applications from all walks of life, and we welcome all contributions in terms of age, beliefs, color, culture, disability, education, ethnicity, gender identity/expression, language, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and veteran's status.

Selected candidate(s) will need to complete the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form. DCR participates in E-Verify.

Submission of an online application is required for this position. DCR does not accept applications, resumes, cover letters, etc. for this vacancy in any other format. When applying for jobs, please ensure your online application or resume is complete with duties and skills associated with your work experience.

Minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people with National Service experience are encouraged to apply. EEO/AA/TT

Employment in all positions within the Virginia State Parks is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check including a criminal history record check.

Position requires incumbent to be or become a Sworn Conservation Officer and attend a 21-week Law Enforcement Academy located in Salem Virginia. Candidates selected for hire are provided living accommodations during the academy. Must be a US citizen; be at least 21 years old; H.S. grad or possess GED; pass a background investigation including fingerprint-based criminal history records check; 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. Successful applicants: 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.

Conditions of employment for this position require the successful completion of a physical agility test and behavioral assessment. Also, successful completion of a physical exam is required to be identified as suitable for the position after being selected for employment.

Ability to work in diverse conditions including exposure to the outdoors, weather in all seasons, dust, animals, and insects. Ability to perform heavy manual labor to include standing, bending, pulling, climbing, and frequent lifting up to 50 lbs.

Must possess or have the ability to obtain: a valid driver's license; certifications in CPR, First Aid, or other certifications as required.

Park Ranger-Public Safety & Law Enforcement positions require shift work which includes weekends, holidays, and overtime. As a non-exempt position, the Park Ranger-PS & 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 rare occasions, critical agency business needs may require position reassignments within the salary range.

Contact Information

Name: N/A

Phone: N/A

Email: N/A

In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.