Park Ranger Maintenance - Sweet Run State Park

Title: Park Ranger Maintenance - Sweet Run State Park

State Role Title: Natural Resource Spec II

Hiring Range: $40,000 - $56,000

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Dept Conservation & Recreation

Location: Sweet Run 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
Sweet Run State Park consists of 843 acres on the East slope of Blue Ridge Mountain in Loudoun County, Virginia. This park offers many opportunities for family fun. Miles of hiking and equestrian trails crisscross the meadows and steep terrain. Birding enthusiasts find the park an excellent site for spotting an array of song birds and raptors. There are two streams that hold significant populations of wildlife including native trout and endangered wood turtles. The park features primitive camping and the Demory House rental that accommodates 8-10 guests and is a restored 19th century farmhouse. The park has a rich history and numerous 18th and 19th century buildings. Environmental education and nature interpretation are a major focus for this site. In addition, the park features a leased organic farming operation that is used to both sustain the culture of farming in the region and interpret the site.

THE OPPORTUNITY
The Park Ranger is responsible for supervising the part-time operations of the maintenance staff to ensure facilities and grounds are safe and meet current standards. Duties include performing on-going routine maintenance and repair to facilities, grounds, and equipment; providing daily supervision and work assignments for hourly employees, volunteers, and alternate workforce; performing fee collection, public relations, and visitor assistance; and educating park guests on park rules and regulations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to lead, direct, and train others.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to use a variety of tools, materials, and equipment to maintain facilities and grounds.
• Skills in providing customer service.
• Skills in basic construction/maintenance trades such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical, masonry, finish carpentry/millwork, and painting.
• Experience in grounds maintenance such as mowing, landscaping, snow removal, tree work, and trail maintenance.

Additional Considerations

• Experience working with volunteers.
• Experience in an agricultural setting or knowledge of agricultural practices.
Experience overseeing workplace safety, OSHA compliance, and safety training.

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.

Ability to work in diverse conditions including exposure to the outdoors, weather in all seasons, dust, animals and insects is required. Ability to perform heavy manual labor to include standing, bending, pulling, climbing, and frequent lifting up to 50 pounds is required. Must possess or have the ability to obtain a valid driver’s license, certifications in CPR, First Aid, or other certifications as required. This position requires shift work which includes weekends and holidays.

Contact Information

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Phone: N/A

Email: N/A

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.