Conservation Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Title: Natural Heritage Tech

State Role Title: Environmental Specialist I

Hiring Range: $15.00 - $17.00 / Hourly

Pay Band: UG

Agency: Dept Conservation & Recreation

Location: MAIN STREET CENTRE

Agency Website: https://www.dcr.virginia.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 space.
Serving a diverse commonwealth rich in nature and culture, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation touches all Virginians' lives.

Wage/seasonal positions are not eligible for Commonwealth of Virginia benefits (health care, paid leave, etc.) and are limited to 1,500 hours from May 1 to April 30.

DCR provides the opportunity for wage employees to participate in tax-deferred compensation programs, supplemental disability insurance, and supplemental retirement accounts made available through the Commonwealth's provider network at the employee's expense.
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.

Job Duties

• Perform assigned lab-related duties in coordination with the Senior Zoologist and Zoology Lab Manager.
• Prepare insect specimens following standard curatorial techniques, including pinning/pointing and labelling of moths, butterflies, bees, and other insect groups as assigned.
• Carefully and accurately database insect specimens using Microsoft Access and Excel software.
• Adhere to established lab workflows, such as locations of specimens for various projects and in different stages of the curatorial process. Prioritize current projects with guidance from the Senior Zoologist and Zoology Lab Manager.
• As assigned, assist with maintaining and expanding reference specimen collections.
• As assigned, help to organize excess, processed specimens for donation to natural history museums and researchers.
• Help maintain zoology labs in an organized, clean manner. Notify Zoology Lab Manager of the need for new or replenished lab supplies and equipment.
• Participate in Inventory and All Staff meetings, agency wide trainings, and occasional field work (with permission of Senior Zoologist).
• Adhere to established safety protocols of the zoology labs.
• Assist with relocation of the zoology wet lab.

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated advanced knowledge and experience in biology, zoology, entomology, wildlife science, environmental science, or a related biological science.
• Demonstrated experience in working in a lab setting.
• Demonstrated experience in insect preparation techniques.
• Proficiency with computers and applications including word processing and data management software such as Excel and Access.
• Ability to provide effective communication interpersonally, verbally, and in writing.
• Ability to follow directions, work as part of a team and work independently.

Additional Considerations

• Demonstrated knowledge of general entomology.
• Experience in lab safety protocols, preferably including OSHA training.
• Experience with GIS software for mapping and spatial information management.
• Experience working with volunteers and/or other part-time employees.
• Good organizational skills
• Ability to follow instructions carefully, pay close attention to detail, and work independently.
• Ability to conduct infrequent field work upon request, which may include overnight trips.
• Valid driver's license

Special Instructions

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 and/or resume is complete with duties and skills associated with your work experience.
A valid Driver's License is required to operate a state vehicle or if operating a personal vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the agency.
Selected candidate(s) will need to complete the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form. DCR participates in E-Verify.
Minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people with National/Federal Service experience are encouraged to apply. EEO/AA/TT
DCR employees are encouraged to visit Virginia State Parks! Check out our employee discounts:

• Free parking or admission to all Virginia State Parks.
• DCR classified, retired, and wage staff (after six months of service) are entitled to overnight facility discounts such as:
  • Free camping outside of the Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day period in sites designed for up to six people.
  • Free camping Sunday night through Thursday night (excluding the night prior to a holiday) from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
  • Fifty percent discount on cabins (up to 3 bedrooms) outside of Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, for a maximum of 14 nights. All reservations require a two-night minimum. Bunkhouses, camping cabins, and yurts are included; one night yurt stays only receive a 25% discount.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: N/A

Email: HR@DCR.Virginia.gov

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.