Chief Ranger Law Enforcement - Mason Neck State Park

Title: Chief Ranger Law Enforcement- Mason Neck State Park

State Role Title: Natural Resource Spec II

Hiring Range: $42,000 - $58,800

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Dept Conservation & Recreation

Location: Mason Neck 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

Mason Neck State Park consists of 1856 acres and is just a short drive from Washington, D.C. in Fairfax County, Virginia. This park offers many outdoor activities and programs. It has hiking trails, 3 miles of paved multi-use trails, a large picnic area, a playground, a car-top canoe launch and a visitor center. Canoe, kayak and bicycle rentals are also available. Bird watching, especially for American bald eagles, and guided canoe trips of Kane's Creek and Belmont Bay are favorites with park visitors. The park's wetlands, forest, open water, ponds and open fields make it ideal for environmental study and wildlife observation. Nearby attractions include the Elizabeth Hartwell National Wildlife Refuge, Gunston Hall and Pohick Bay Regional Park.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Division of State Parks is seeking qualified applicants to fill the Chief Ranger Law Enforcement position at Mason Neck State Park. This position serves as the frontline supervisor of maintenance operations at the park. The Chief Ranger LE works directly with management and maintenance staff to ensure that all routine maintenance projects are scheduled and completed in a timely fashion as well as any maintenance issues that arise. This position is responsible for overseeing maintenance of buildings, trails, and grounds, including all related tools and equipment, and effective the operation of all facilities. The Chief Ranger LE will also be responsible for recruitment and management of volunteers and assists with developing park budgets for maintenance projects and other park operations. This position assists with the overall personnel management of the park by recruiting, hiring, training, and supervising classified and seasonal staff, volunteers, and other work program participants. The Chief Ranger LE also assists with the overall management of the park which includes cost accounting, park administration, and the logistic support of outdoor and historical programs which promote the natural, environmental, cultural, and historical assets of the park.

Additionally, the Chief Ranger LE supports park services with special emphasis on community involvement, public safety, and resource protection by enforcing park rules and regulations and state laws through use of conservation officer powers. 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.

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

• Experience managing, supervising, and training staff or volunteers.
• Experience providing customer service to diverse audiences.
• Experience effectively communicating, orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of grounds and facility maintenance.
• Experience using personal computer applications and/or software.
• Must be able to complete the agency required Basic Law Enforcement Academy and obtain DCJS certification within 18 months of hire.

Additional Considerations

• Work or volunteer experience in a parks and recreation or similar environment.

• Training or work experience in resource management or trail maintenance.

• Knowledge of and experience implementing park policies and rules that directly impact visitors and resources.

• Familiarity with state accounting procedures, procurement of goods, and financial systems.

• Current Virginia DCJS law enforcement officer certification.

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.

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; 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.

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.

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 prior to beginning employment.

THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO LIVE IN PARK HOUSING.

In accordance with 10.1-109.B of the code of Virginia, this position is required to reside in Department-controlled housing for the purposes of providing security and operational efficiencies to the property of the Department. The incumbent must enter into a lease agreement and demonstrate possession of liability and personal property insurance.

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.

Ability to obtain CPR and First Aid certifications within 12 months of employment.

Chief Ranger LE positions require shift work which includes weekends, holidays, evenings, and overtime. As a non-exempt position, Chief Ranger 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 occasion, critical agency business needs may require position reassignments within the salary range.

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.

Contact Information

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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.