State Parks - Mason Neck State Park - Chief Ranger - Visitor Experience - Closes on 09/09/2026

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 spaces. Serving a diverse commonwealth rich in nature and culture, DCR touches all Virginians’ lives.

About the role

We are hiring a Chief Ranger - Visitor Experience at Mason Neck State Park. As the Chief Ranger for Visitor Experience, you will assist park management with directing and supervising park operations and performing administrative functions as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing visitor services; interpretive and environmental education programming for school and tour groups, along with theme-based programs about cultural heritage, history, science, and the environment.
• Management of volunteer program and special events.
• Handling administrative functions, including reporting, budget tracking, and program tracking.
• Manage recruiting, hiring, training, supervising, and employee performance within the interpretive department.

Requirements

• Knowledge and experience managing natural, historic, and cultural resources.
• Experience with budget planning/tracking.
• Familiar with planning and conducting programs and events.
• Experience marketing, advertising, and promoting programs and special events.
• Supervisory experience including training, supervising, and evaluating staff performance.
• Possess excellent customer service skills.
• Current certification in First Aid, CPR, and AED, or the ability to obtain these within 12 months of hire.
• Ability to facilitate Project WILD, Project Underground, and Project WET training workshops.
• Possession of, or the ability to obtain within 12 months of employment, a Virginia State Parks Certified Interpretive Guide credential.
• 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.
• Employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check, including a criminal history record check.
• All employees within Virginia State Parks are required to wear state-issued uniforms and work a varied schedule, including weekends and holidays.

Qualifications

• Work experience in History, Environmental Education, Interpretive Program Management, or related field.
• Experience designing and leading interpretive formal and informal programming for school groups, special interest groups, and the general public.
• Experience with developing visual communication in the form of fliers, signage, or pamphlets.
• Certification through the National Association of Interpretation as a Certified Interpretive Guide.

Skills

The position involves performing physical tasks such as standing, bending, pulling, climbing, and regularly lifting up to 50 pounds. The selected candidate will work in a variety of environments, including outdoor settings with exposure to seasonal weather conditions, dust, animals, and insects.

Benefits

• 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).
• Federally recognized Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer.
• 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-night minimum required. Bunkhouses, camping cabins, and yurts are included; one-night yurt stays receive a 25% discount.

Pay

Hiring Range: $45,000 - $60,564