State Parks - New River Trail State Park - Maintenance Ranger Lead - Open Until Filled

Join the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) in preserving Virginia’s natural resources, outdoor access, and park infrastructure. This position is located at New River Trail State Park, Foster Falls.

About the role

This skilled position supports park operations by performing and leading a variety of maintenance tasks, including groundskeeping, minor equipment upkeep, building cleaning, and assisting with skilled repairs. The role serves as a lead for lower-level staff and may perform minor repairs independently.

Responsibilities

• Perform and supervise janitorial duties, including cleaning park buildings and restrooms.
• Perform and supervise facility and grounds maintenance, such as mowing, weed eating, leaf removal, landscape work, and trash/litter pickup.
• Operate equipment including tractors and landscaping tools (mowers, weed eaters, blowers).
• Assist with facility inventory, ordering parts and supplies, and vehicle/equipment maintenance.
• Perform skilled facility and equipment repairs (e.g., small engine diagnostics, carpentry, plumbing).
• Support trail/volunteer projects, independent project designs, and execution.
• Work weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings as needed.

Requirements

• Ability to lead and set an example for lower-level staff in work performance.
• Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds unassisted and work in outdoor conditions.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate maintenance vehicles and landscaping equipment.
• Ability to perform minor maintenance on equipment (e.g., mowers, weed eaters, blowers).
• Knowledge of basic hand and power tools.
• Ability to follow verbal or written instructions.
• Prior understanding of OSHA/VOSH regulations or equipment-specific training for proper use and maintenance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of carpentry, plumbing, electrical, or masonry.

Pay

Hourly range: $15.00 – $19.00.

Benefits

• 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–Labor Day season (sites for up to six people).
  • Free Sunday–Thursday camping (excluding the night before holidays) during Memorial Day–Labor Day.
  • 50% off cabins (up to three bedrooms) outside Memorial Day–Labor Day (up to 14 nights; two-night minimum).
  • Bunkhouses, camping cabins, and yurts included; one-night yurt stays receive a 25% discount.

Employment is contingent on a satisfactory criminal history background check, I-9 verification, and a valid driver’s license if operating state or personal vehicles for agency business. Wage/seasonal positions are limited to 1,500 hours from May 1 to April 30 and are not eligible for benefits.