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Virginia State Park Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lodge Desk Clerk

Charleston, WV · On-site

$27K - $45K/yr

Nature of Work Parks and Recreation/Blackwater Falls State Park Under general supervision, at the ... Virginia State Parks. Ability to type and file accurately and efficiently. Ability to operate ...

NFIP State Coordinator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

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 ...

$100 - $160/hr

Current West Virginia state license, DEA and ATLS, ACLS and PALS certifications are required ... Chief Logan State Park consists of 3,300 acres, with campsites, an amphitheater, a wildlife center ...

Park Ranger

Charleston, WV · On-site

$35K - $61K/yr

Makes recommendations to park superintendent and assists in the initiation and performance of ... Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Accounting) 12/09/2023 West Virginia State ...

Park Ranger

Charleston, WV · On-site

$35K - $61K/yr

Nature of Work Parks and Recreation/Beech Fork State Park Under limited supervision the employee in this classification is responsible for providing assistance to the Superintendent and Assistant ...

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Virginia State Park information

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How much do virginia state park jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for virginia state park in the United States is $19.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $23.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Virginia State Park?

Virginia State Parks are a collection of public parks managed by the state of Virginia, offering a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and boating. Established in 1936, the system includes over 40 parks located throughout the state, each featuring unique natural resources, historical sites, and educational programs. These parks are open to the public year-round and provide facilities for families, individuals, and groups to enjoy nature and outdoor activities.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a Virginia State Park Ranger?

To thrive as a Virginia State Park Ranger, you need knowledge of natural resource management, park operations, and public safety, typically supported by a degree in environmental science, natural resources, or a related field. Familiarity with park management software, GPS units, and basic first aid or law enforcement certifications is often required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and customer service skills help rangers educate visitors and handle diverse situations. These skills ensure the protection of natural resources, visitor safety, and a positive park experience for all guests.

What are common challenges faced by Virginia State Park employees, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Employees at Virginia State Parks often face challenges such as working outdoors in varying weather conditions, managing large crowds during peak seasons, and addressing diverse visitor needs. New hires can best prepare by familiarizing themselves with park policies, developing strong communication skills, and being physically ready for active, outdoor tasks. Teamwork is essential, as staff frequently collaborate to maintain park safety and provide excellent visitor experiences. Flexibility and a positive attitude are key to thriving in this dynamic environment.

What is the difference between Virginia State Park vs Virginia Park Ranger?

AspectVirginia State ParkVirginia Park Ranger
Primary RoleManage and maintain state parks, provide visitor services, oversee park activitiesEnforce park rules, assist visitors, conduct safety patrols, and perform conservation tasks
Required CertificationsBasic park management training, possibly certifications in first aid or CPRPark safety, law enforcement, first aid, and conservation certifications
Work EnvironmentOutdoor settings within state parks, seasonal and full-time rolesOutdoor and sometimes indoor environments, law enforcement or safety-focused
Employer & IndustryVirginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, public parksVirginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, public safety and parks

Virginia State Parks focus on park management and visitor experience, while Virginia Park Rangers emphasize safety, enforcement, and conservation enforcement within parks. Both roles require outdoor work and relevant certifications, but Park Rangers have additional law enforcement responsibilities.

More about Virginia State Park jobs

What cities are hiring for Virginia State Park jobs?

Cities with the most Virginia State Park job openings:

What states have the most Virginia State Park jobs?

States with the most job openings for Virginia State Park jobs include:

Infographic showing various Virginia State Park job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,261 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Park Ranger Public Safety & Law Enforcement

State of Virginia

Gloucester, VA

$42K - $57K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


State Of Virginia rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 50 rated states


Job description

Park Ranger Public Safety & Law Enforcement

Apply now Job no: 5110977
Work type: Full-Time (Salaried)
Location: Gloucester, Virginia
Categories: Public Safety

Title: Park Ranger Public Safety & Law Enforcement

State Role Title: Natural Resource Spec II

Hiring Range: $42,000 - $57,680

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Dept Conservation & Recreation

Location: Machicomoco 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 habitat and open space.
Serving a diverse commonwealth rich in nature and culture, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation 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.

Job Summary

If you have always wanted to work in a beautiful and serene environment, then we have the perfect Park Ranger - Public Safety and Law Enforcement position at Machicomoco State Park! 

The Park Ranger - PS&LE position serves as a sworn, commissioned, and certified law enforcement officer, as defined in the Code of Virginia 9.1-101, with responsibility for enforcing the laws of the Commonwealth and the regulations of the Department.
As one of Virginia's Law Enforcement Rangers, the position will:

  • Support Machicomoco State Park programs and services with special emphasis on providing public safety, law enforcement, and resource protection by enforcing park rules, regulations, and state laws.
  • 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.
  • Patrol properties in a vehicle, on foot, and by other modes of transportation.
  • Assist with special events and search and rescue operations.
  • Respond to and conduct initial investigations of incidents, including felonies, crimes, and violations of rules, public use, safety requirements, and motor vehicle accidents, crowd control activities, responding to calls for public safety and law enforcement services, and proactively protecting property resources from all forms of degradation.
  • Serve as a public safety resource by interacting with park visitors.

Job Duties

The Park Ranger - PS&LE's will also:

  • Assist with natural resource protection, which includes medical services, as well as facilitating stewardship and orientation.
  • Assist in wilderness management, boundary enforcement, and protection of natural and cultural resources (e.g., wildlife, plants, archaeological sites, historic buildings).
  • Support wildland fire suppression protection, including such duties as wildlife management.
  • Maintain Park boundaries and signage, marking forest roads/trails, and completing quarterly written trail inspections as well as other forms of written documentation.
  • Facilitate stewardship (e.g., diagnosing basic maintenance issues and ensuring public safety through basic facilities and grounds maintenance) and use of appropriate safety equipment and equipment.
  • Supervise and train seasonal and wage staff and volunteers, and other work program participants in the maintenance of grounds, facilities, and equipment as appropriate.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Experience working with the public and/or in customer service.
  • Written and verbal skills to include public speaking communication.
  • Experience solving problems and developing solutions.
  • Experience working with teams or independently with minimal supervision.
  • Familiarity with 2-way radios, electronic devices, and computers, including Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Basic knowledge of home/grounds maintenance (e.g., cleaning, debris removal, or minor home maintenance).
  • Requires the incumbent, if not already certified through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice (DCJS), to meet the required steps for the initial certification as a Virginia Law Enforcement Officer within 12 months of an assigned class date to maintain employment.
  • Position requires completing the agency Basic Law Enforcement Academy and obtain DCJS certification within 18 months of hire.
  • Due to Law Enforcement requirements, the successful candidate must be a U.S. citizen, be at least 21 years old, and be a high school graduate or possess a GED.

Work requires exposure to the outdoors, weather in all seasons, dust, animals, and insects. Successful candidate must be able to perform manual labor to include standing, bending, pulling, climbing, and frequent lifting up to 50 pounds. Successful candidate must obtain certifications in CPR and First Aid and accepts responsibilities related to being equipped with and using firearms and will be required to wear a uniform and related law enforcement equipment and comply with the DCR Public Safety & Law Enforcement Uniform standards.

Additional Considerations

  • Current Virginia DCJS law enforcement officer certification.
  • Basic knowledge of park/recreation operations (e.g., building and grounds maintenance, resource management, etc.)
  • Experience in planning and conducting programs and events.
  • Experience in leading, directing, and training others.
  • Experience reaching logical conclusions from interpreting policy and regulations.
  • Experience in responding to or handling emergencies.
  • Certification in Search and Rescue and/or First Aid/CPR/AED.
  • Experience in responding to or handling emergency situations.

Special Instructions

Submission of an online application is required for this position. DCR does not accept applications, resumes, cover letters, etc., in any other format. When applying for jobs, please ensure your online application and/or resume are complete with duties and skills associated with your work experience.

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.
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 in all law enforcement positions within DCR is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background investigation, including a criminal history record check. Employment conditions for this position require the successful completion of a physical agility test and a 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.
PARK HOUSING IS NOT GUARANTEED FOR THIS POSITION. If park housing is available and chosen by the incumbent, the following will apply: In accordance with 10.1-109.B of the Code of Virginia, this position is required to reside in Department-controlled housingfor the purpose of providing security and operational efficiencies to DCR property. The incumbent must enter into a lease agreement and demonstrate possession of liability and personal property insurance.
Full-time Law Enforcement Rangers are eligible to take home their assigned vehicle in accordance with agency General Orders.
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: 24 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 06 Sep 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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