State Parks - First Landing State Park - Interpretive Ranger - Closes on 08/14/2026

Join the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) in preserving outdoor recreation, flood resilience, clean water, parks, natural habitat, and open space. First Landing State Park is seeking an Interpretive Ranger to deliver educational and interpretive programs.

About the role

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 effectively prioritize tasks, communicate clearly, and maintain a positive, professional attitude while interacting with the public and staff.

Responsibilities

• Development, coordination, and facilitation of interpretive programs and educational outreach – to include youth summer programs and special events. Correspond with the general public, public and private schools, scout groups, and local organizations.
• 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.
• Develop the interpretive program schedule as well as design flyers, interpretive signage, and other marketing materials.
• Work rotating shifts to include weekdays, evenings, weekends, and holidays in all weather conditions.

Requirements

• Ability to develop, organize, and facilitate natural, cultural, and historical programs and events for all ages.
• Comfort with public speaking and strong verbal and written communication skills to respond to emails, phone calls, and interact with the public professionally.
• Provide excellent customer service to the public.
• Friendly, outgoing, and able to work unsupervised and/or with a team.
• Willing to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
• At least 18 years of age.

Qualifications

• Experience in biology, history, parks and recreation, elementary education, and/or wildlife studies.
• Experience in natural and/or historical interpretation, including knowledge of Virginia history, 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.

Pay

Hourly Rate: $17.00

Schedule

Wage/seasonal positions are limited to 1,500 hours from May 1 to April 30.

Benefits

Wage/seasonal positions are not eligible for benefits. DCR employees receive the following discounts:

• Free parking or admission to all Virginia State Parks.
• 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.

Employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check, I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification, and possession of a valid State Driver's License if operating a vehicle for agency business.