Park Ranger Career Development Program
Virginia Department of Conservation (DCR) 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 40 Virginia State Parks, which have thousands of campsites, hundreds of cabins, beaches, festivals, educational programs, more than 500 miles of trails… the list goes on.
DCR is currently searching for participants to join our Park Ranger Career Development Program in multiple locations throughout the state.
The Park Ranger Career Development Program offers participants a great way to get started in a state parks career. Ideally it’s a two to three-year program, held in the summer, which introduces participants to park operations and ensures that applicants are prepared for entry level positions.
Those accepted into the program will spend from 10 to 12 weeks each summer working in a state park. Participants are trained in all aspects of state park operations. Participants that perform well are invited to participate the following summer and will be assigned to a different park. Upon successful performance in the program, participants are encouraged to apply for park ranger, chief ranger and other positions in the state park system.
The duties of a participant in the Park Ranger Career Development Program include a wide variety or responsibilities. The goal of the program is to provide experiences in the many facets of state park operations including: Maintenance, Customer Service, Enterprise, Interpretation/Education, Housekeeping, Administration and Resource Management.
If you’re someone who wants to love what you do and make a difference, DCR is the place for you!
Minimum Qualifications
In order to be considered for the Park Ranger Career Development Program, you must:
Be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license.
Have experience in a customer service capacity – this could be volunteer or paid.
Experience with volunteering; community service; participant in sports, clubs or other team environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Volunteering or paid experience with cash management (running a cash register, tendering cash etc.).
Education and/or experience working in parks or other outdoor recreational settings, including Youth Conservation Corps or similar program.
Experience or knowledge in building and grounds maintenance.
Experience or knowledge of supervising employees, employee safety and record keeping.
Special Requirements
Criminal history record check, references, work history and DMV driving record will be verified prior to 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.
Special Instructions to Applicants
State applications will only be accepted as submitted online by 11:59 pm on the closing date through the Recruitment Management System (RMS). State applications submitted via email, postal mail, fax, or in person will not be considered. This website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your RMS Account to check the status of your application for this position. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is an Equal Opportunity Employer by both policy and practice. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Employment in all positions within the Virginia State Parks is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check.
STUDENTS SELECTED FOR THE POSITION, AND WANTING TO GAIN INTERNSHIP CREDIT, MUST OBTAIN A SIGNED MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT (MOA) BETWEEN THE STUDENT’S COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY AND DCR. THE MOA WILL BE PROVIDED BY DCR AND IT WILL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT TO HAVE IT COMPLETED BEFORE EMPLOYMENT BEGINS.