Park Ranger - Public Safety & Law Enforcement

Title: Park Ranger - Public Safety & Law Enforcement

State Role

Title:

Natural Resource Spec II

Hiring Range: $42,

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Dept Conservation & Recreation

Location:First Landing State Park

Agency Website: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is the state’s lead conservation agency, providing access for outdoor recreation, strengthening communities’ flood resilience, and protecting what Virginians care about: clean water, parks, natural habitat, and open spaces.
Serving a diverse commonwealth rich in nature and culture, DCR touches all Virginians’ lives.
DCR 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.

Operating under the supervision and direction of the Park Manager and receiving functional leadership from the Chief of Public Safety & Law Enforcement or their designee, the Park Ranger – Public Safety & Law Enforcement position serves as an on‑site public safety and law enforcement representative for the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).

The primary purpose of this position is to protect people, property, and natural resources on land owned, leased, or operated by DCR through the application of specialized knowledge in public safety and law enforcement practices.

• 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).
• Requires the incumbent, if not already certified through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice (DCJS), to meet the required steps for the initial certification as a Virginia Law Enforcement Officer within 12 months of an assigned class date to maintain employment.
• Must be able to complete the agency-required Basic Law Enforcement Academy and obtain DCJS certification within 18 months of hire.
• Due to Law Enforcement requirements, the successful candidate must be a U.S. citizen, be at least 21 years old, and be a high school graduate or possess a GED.

• 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

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.

DCR encourages applications from minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and those with experience with the National Park Service or the federal government. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO/AA/TT).

This position requires the 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 with living accommodation during the academy. 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. Successful applicants: shall not…