State Parks - First Landing State Park - Interpretive Ranger - Closes on 08/14/2026
Virginia State Parks · State Center, IA · 3 days ago
OTHR$17/hrFull-time
Home » Job openings at DCR Job openings at DCR DCR is looking for talented people to fill positions listed below. Unless stated otherwise, you must complete and submit an electronic state application by the job announcement's close date. Generally applications must be made through the RMS (electronic state application). We will, however, accept paper applications (Word) for some state park slots. Be sure to refer to the individual recruitment for specific requirements. Full-time (salaried) employment offers A choice of healthcare plans.Vacation, family, personal and sick leave.A retirement plan.A sickness and disability plan.Employer-paid life insurance.Deferred compensation with employer match. Certain positions require a criminal background check, a conflict of interest financial statement or both. Law-enforcement positions require a fingerprint-based FBI investigation. DCR is an EEO/AA/ADA Employer. For seasonal and hourly-wage positions at state parks, contact the particular park for details. E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, all new hires must complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. Executive branch agencies are required to use the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization. For additional information on these openings, contact hr@dcr.virginia.gov. Find positions available throughout Virginia at Virginia Jobs. Job openings at DCR Education Support Specialist II Interpretive Ranger Closes On: 08/14/2026 State Parks - First Landing State Park Apply Now Hourly Rate: $17.00 Join Our Team at the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation! The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is hiring! Join us in preserving what people care about most – 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. First Landing State Park is accepting applications for the Interpretive Ranger position. Job Summary Seeking an outgoing, energetic, and responsible individual to provide meaningful educational opportunities and experiences for park guests by interpreting the significance of the park's natural, historical, and cultural resources. This position plays a key role in the park’s educational and interpretive programs and involves working with a diverse range of visitors. The ideal candidate will be able to effectively prioritize tasks, communicate clearly, and maintain a positive, professional attitude while interacting with the public and staff. Key Duties And Responsibilities Development, coordination, and facilitation of interpretive programs and educational outreach – to include youth summer programs and special events. These tasks often require corresponding with the general public, public and private schools, scout groups, local organizations, etc. Manage the daily care and health of exhibit animals including maintaining daily logs.Maintain all interpretive supplies, interpretive displays and educational material to ensure they are in good working order.Assist park guests while providing excellent customer service and keeping accurate records for program and visitation attendance.Development of the interpretive program schedule as well as designing flyers, interpretive signage, and other marketing materials. Must be willing to work rotating shifts to include weekdays, evenings, weekends, and holidays in all weather conditions. Minimum Qualifications Ability to develop, organize, and facilitate natural, cultural, and historical programs and events for all ages. Must be comfortable with public speaking and possess strong verbal and written communication skills to respond to emails and phone calls and interact with the public professionally.Provide excellent customer service to the public.Must be friendly, outgoing and able to work unsupervised and/or with a team.Must be willing to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. Must be at least 18 years of age. Additional Considerations Experience in biology, history, parks and recreation, elementary education, and/or wildlife studies.Experience in natural and/or historical interpretation to include knowledge of Virginia history; understanding of ecology and familiarity with the area's flora and fauna.Experience marketing, advertising, and promoting programs and special events.Experience using Canva, Flickr, and Microsoft Office software. Special Instructions Background Check: DCR is committed to second chance hiring and inclusivity. Employment in all Virginia State Parks positions is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.Employment Eligibility: Selected candidates must complete the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form. DCR participates in E-Verify.Driver’s License Requirement: A valid State Driver's License is required if operating a state or personal vehicle for agency business.Work Requirements: Wage/seasonal positions are not eligible for benefits and are limited to 1,500 hours from May 1 to April 30. Minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people with National Park or Federal 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 before 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. Apply Now Job openings at DCR DCR is looking for talented people to fill positions listed below. Unless stated otherwise, you must complete and submit an electronic state application by the job announcement's close date. Generally applications must be made through the RMS (electronic state application). We will, however, accept paper applications (Word) for some state park slots. Be sure to refer to the individual recruitment for specific requirements. Full-time (salaried) employment offers A choice of healthcare plans.Vacation, family, personal and sick leave.A retirement plan.A sickness and disability plan.Employer-paid life insurance.Deferred compensation with employer match. Certain positions require a criminal background check, a conflict of interest financial statement or both. Law-enforcement positions require a fingerprint-based FBI investigation. DCR is an EEO/AA/ADA Employer. For seasonal and hourly-wage positions at state parks, contact the particular park for details. E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, all new hires must complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. Executive branch agencies are required to use the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization. For additional information on these openings, contact hr@dcr.virginia.gov. Find positions available throughout Virginia at Virginia Jobs.