Job Duties
As a Chief Ranger - Visitor Experience for Machicomoco State Park, you will:
1. Assist Park management in directing and supervising park operations and performing administrative functions.
2. Develop and lead interpretive and educational programs for park visitors, schools, and tour groups, as well as thematic programs on cultural heritage, science, and the environment.
3. Manage special events, ensuring positive visitor experiences and community engagement.
4. Manage the volunteer program, including engagement with individuals, YCC, scouts, etc.
5. Handle administrative responsibilities, including reporting, budget, and program tracking, and resource management.
6. Recruit, hire, train, and supervise staff within the interpretive department, managing employee performance and development.
7. Develop and implement marketing strategies to promote park programs and enhance public participation.
8. Apply knowledge of natural and cultural resources to design and deliver engaging educational and interpretive programs.
9. Conduct and oversee research related to the collection, documentation, and protection of cultural and historical artifacts.
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is the state’s lead conservation agency, and it takes a diverse agency to conserve resources for a diverse commonwealth.
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation offers 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); and is a federally recognized Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer.
DCR’s Mission is to conserve the natural, scenic, historic, and cultural resources of the Commonwealth. We invite you to learn more about DCR’s efforts to CONSERVE.
Minimum Qualifications
10. Knowledge of and/or experience with managing natural, historic, and cultural resources.
11. Experience with planning, developing, and conducting educational programs, natural resource programs, and special events.
12. Volunteer and Citizen Support Organization management experience.
13. Experience with training, supervising, and evaluating staff and/or volunteer performance.
14. Experience with marketing, advertising, and promoting programs and special events.
15. Strong public speaking skills and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups and audiences.
16. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint.
Additional Considerations
17. Certification through the National Association for Interpretation (NAI) as a Certified Interpretive Guide and/or related certifications (e.g., First Aid/CPR).
18. Work experience in history, environmental education, interpretive program management, or a related field.
19. Strategic visitor experience planning and interpretive program development experience.
20. Experience with designing and leading school-age programs aligned with Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL).
21. Experience with budget planning, tracking, and expense management.
22. Experience with developing visual communication materials, including flyers, signage, brochures, and pamphlets.
23. Trail management and maintenance experience.
24. Experience with working with Recognized Tribes.
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.
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 and/or resume is complete with duties and skills associated with your work experience.
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. DCR participates in E-Verify.
Minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people with National/Federal Service experience are encouraged to apply. EEO/AA/TT
Must possess a valid Driver's License.
Employment in all positions within the Virginia State Parks is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check including a criminal history record check.
DCR employees are encouraged to visit Virginia State Parks! Check out our employee discounts.
25. Free parking or admission to all Virginia State Parks.
26. DCR classified, retired, and wage staff (after six months of service) are entitled to overnight facility discounts such as: 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. All reservations require a two-night minimum. Bunkhouses, camping cabins, and yurts are included; one night yurt stays only receive a 25% discount.
Contact Information
Name: Human Resources
Phone: N/A
Email: ov
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.