Conservation Enforcement Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chief Ranger Law Enforcement
Job no: 5111557
Work type: Full-Time (Salaried)
Location: Gloucester, Virginia
Categories: Public Safety
Title: Chief Ranger Law Enforcement
State Role Title: Natural Resource Spec II
Hiring Range: $44,000 - 60,564
Pay Band: 3
Agency: Dept Conservation & Recreation
Location: Kiptopeke State Park
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 habitats and open spaces.
Serving a diverse commonwealth rich in nature and culture, DCR touches all Virginians' lives.
DCR offers paid leave; a minimum of 13 paid state holidays per year; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; retirement plans (including 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan for classified positions, and VaLORS for law enforcement positions); and is a federally recognized Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer.
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.
The Chief Ranger Law Enforcement position at Kiptopeke State Park serves as a sworn, commissioned, and certified law enforcement officer as defined in the Code of Virginia § 9.1-101, with responsibility to enforce the laws of the Commonwealth and the regulations of the Department.
As one of Virginia's Law Enforcement Rangers, you will support park programs and services by providing public safety, law enforcement, and resource protection by enforcing park rules, regulations, and state laws. You will ensure the protection of people, property, and resources on land owned, leased, or operated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation through articulated and displayed specialized knowledge of public safety and law enforcement activities. This includes providing public safety and law enforcement services by patrolling agency properties in a vehicle, on foot, and by other modes of transportation. You will also assist with special events, special operations, and search and rescue operations as knowledge and skills permit.
Job Duties

• Working directly with management and maintenance staff to ensure routine maintenance projects are scheduled and completed on time.
• Recruiting, hiring, training, and supervising classified and seasonal staff, volunteers, and other work program participants.
• Overseeing maintenance of buildings, trails, and grounds, including tools, equipment, and preventive maintenance performed by staff.
• Ensuring the effective operation of all park facilities.
• Performing hands-on preventive maintenance of park buildings and grounds as needed.
• Assisting with developing and monitoring park budgets, including maintenance projects and the annual operating plan.
• Reviewing and completing various tasks using maintenance management software to perform timekeeping, create schedules, assign work, procurement, and accident reports.
• Assisting with the development of the park budget and annual operating plan.
• Performing grounds, trails, and facilities development; construction, management, and maintenance of assigned construction/site improvement projects, and natural resource management.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience working with the public and/or customer service experience.
• Knowledge of how to prioritize operations and staffing based on seasonal needs.
• Experience managing, supervising, and training staff or volunteers, including scheduling work, assigning tasks, and ensuring that results meet standards.
• Experience with ground maintenance (i.e., mowing, landscaping, tree work, or trail maintenance).
• Experience with basic construction/maintenance trades (i.e., carpentry, plumbing, electrical, masonry, HVAC, automotive repair, etc.).
• Must be able to complete the agency-required Basic Law Enforcement Academy and obtain DCJS certification within 18 months of hire.
• Knowledge in the use of computer programs, Microsoft Office products.

Additional Considerations

• Current Virginia DCJS law enforcement officer certification.
• Practical experience in custodial maintenance, such as cleaning facilities, restrooms, and general housekeeping.
• Working knowledge of OSHA regulations.
• Training or certifications as a sawyer, prescribed burn crew, pesticide technician, and trail construction.

Special Instructions
Applicants must submit an online application to be considered for this position. DCR does not accept applications, résumés, cover letters, or other materials in any format outside of the online system. Please ensure your online application and/or résumé are complete and accurately reflect your duties, skills, and relevant work experience.
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 purpose 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.
This position requires the incumbent to be or become a Sworn Conservation Officer and attend a 21-week Law Enforcement Academy located in Salem, Virginia. Selected candidates are provided with living accommodation during the academy. Must be a US citizen; be at least 21 years old; be a high school graduate or possess a 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.
Employment conditions 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 before beginning employment.
The position involves regular outdoor work in all seasons, with exposure to weather, dust, animals, and insects. Candidates must be able to perform physically demanding tasks, including standing, bending, pulling, climbing, and frequently lifting 50 pounds. The selected applicant will be required to obtain CPR and First Aid certifications and must be willing to carry and properly use firearms as part of assigned duties. This role also requires wearing uniform and law enforcement equipment in accordance with DCR Public Safety & Law Enforcement Uniform standards.
Law Enforcement Rangers are required to work various shifts, which include weekends, holidays, and overtime. As needed, incumbents will serve in an on-call capacity to provide security and operational efficiencies. Responding to calls outside scheduled hours requires a response within a prescribed timeframe.
A valid driver's license is required to operate a state vehicle or a personal vehicle while conducting official business on behalf of the agency.
DCR encourages applications from minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and those with experience with the National Park Service or the federal government. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO/AA/TT).
🌲 Explore Virginia State Parks - On Us!
As a DCR employee, you'll enjoy exclusive access to the natural beauty and outdoor experiences that make Virginia's State Parks extraordinary - with free admission, special discounts, and perks that turn every visit into something memorable.
Employee benefits include:

• Free parking and admission to all Virginia State Parks.
• Overnight stay discounts for DCR classified, retired, and wage staff (after six months of service):
  • Free camping outside the Memorial Day to Labor Day season for sites accommodating up to six people.
  • Free Sunday-Thursday camping (excluding the night before holidays) during the Memorial Day-Labor Day period.
  • 50% off cabins (up to three bedrooms) outside the Memorial Day-Labor Day season for up to 14 nights. Two nights minimum required. Bunkhouses, camping cabins, and yurts are included; one night yurt stays receive a 25% discount.

Join us and make Virginia's great outdoors part of your life - it's one of the many ways we show our appreciation for the people who make DCR's mission possible!
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.
Advertised: 01 Sep 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 11 Sep 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
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