DirectJobHub
Jobs · OTHR · Iowa

State Parks - Kiptopeke State Park - Chief Ranger Law Enforcement - Closes on 09/11/2026

Virginia State Parks · State Center, IA · 1 mo ago
OTHR$44k–$61k/yrFull-time

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

  • 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.

Pay

Hiring Range: $44,000 – 60,564

Benefits

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.

As a DCR employee, you'll enjoy exclusive access to Virginia's State Parks with free parking and admission to all Virginia State Parks, plus overnight stay discounts for 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.

Similar jobs