Park Ranger Manager

Department:

PARKS AND RECREATION Compensation Grade:

A11

Compensation Range & Starting Salary:

Pay Range: $60,174.40 - $93,766.40

Starting salary may be negotiable based on qualifications

Job Exempt (If No, Position is eligible for overtime):

Yes Scheduled Weekly

Hours:

40

About Us:

At Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation, our success is because of our dedicated employees. We are intentional about creating an employee experience where you are empowered to reach your full potential, are supported through strength-based initiatives, and are confident in your abilities. We champion a workplace culture built on our cultural foundations:
Professionalism, Respect, Accountability, Integrity, and Citizenship. These guiding principles of behavior cultivate a positive and high performing work environment. Success is recognized and celebrated, and legendary experiences are the core of who we are.

Job Duties and

Preferred Qualifications:

Our Quest Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation is seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as the Park Ranger Manager and lead the development of our new Park Ranger Unit. This is a unique opportunity to build and shape a new team dedicated to protecting Virginia Beach’s parks, facilities, and the millions of visitors who enjoy them.

We are looking for a collaborative and forward-thinking leader who is comfortable turning a vision into an operational Park Ranger Unit that reflects the high standards and values of Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation.

The Park Ranger Manager will oversee formation and implementation of the Park Ranger Unit from the ground up, establishing the operational foundation, culture, and standards that will guide the program. Initial responsibilities will include recruiting and hiring ranger staff, coordinating the purchase and deployment of vehicles and specialized equipment, developing standard operating procedures and training programs, and establishing effective protocols for ranger operations, public engagement, safety, and incident response.

Day to Day Duties Provide leadership and oversight of park safety and security operations, maintain a visible presence throughout parks, lead outreach and community engagement efforts, enforce park rules and regulations, and respond to incidents, emergencies, and public safety concerns.
• Supervise Park Ranger staff to include hiring, training, evaluating, and discipline.
• Conduct patrols as needed to support field operations.
• Oversee citywide patrol operations, ensuring adequate staffing and coverage across all parks.
• Coordinate and administer policies and procedures across the department, recommend revisions, and maintain consistency in enforcement operations.
• Serve as primary liaison with Virginia Beach Police, Fire, EMS, and Sheriff’s departments for planning and emergency coordination.
• Detain individuals in accordance with established procedures until law enforcement arrives.
• Serve as on-site commander during critical field emergencies.
• Oversee emergency readiness and response.
• Represent the department at events, meetings, and public forums.
• Lead outreach and community engagement strategies.
• Manage budgets, equipment, vehicles, uniforms, incident trend analysis, reporting, policy updates, and strategic planning.
• Design, oversee, and ensure compliance with training programs for the Park Ranger division.
• Provide high-level decision-making affecting unit operations, emergency response, enforcement strategy, and policy implementation.
• Ensure the maintenance of required certifications and operational readiness.

Perform other job duties requiring skills, knowledge, and physical requirements as demanded by those duties described or less. Individual assignments will be determined by the supervisor based on the current workloads and department needs.

Preferences Supervisory experience as a Park Ranger or Police/Security management in a local, state, or federal agency.

Schedule This position is a 7 day a week operation could including early mornings, evening, weekend and holidays.

Alpha IThe position you are applying for is designated as Alpha I, requiring the selected candidate to work, regardless of the City’s…