State Parks - Seven Bends State Park - Volunteer and Resource Specialist - Open Until Filled

About the Role

Seven Bends State Park is accepting applications for a Volunteer and Resource Specialist position. Primary duties will be to assist park leadership and supervise individuals and groups in performing resource management activities. The position will also coordinate the park's complex volunteer program.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist park leadership
• Supervise seasonal staff, interns, and volunteers in performing resource management activities including invasive species treatment, prescribed burns, trail work, GIS data collection and management, boundary marking, plant and wildlife surveys, habitat restoration, operating and maintaining equipment, and other tasks
• Provide state park/system-wide support in GIS data management and mapping
• Work in a variety of outdoor conditions and terrain, including heat, cold, rain, humidity, insects, dust, etc.
• Maintain the volunteer database and records, post volunteer opportunities, and distribute a volunteer newsletter
• Organize and prepare projects, and develop, plan, facilitate, schedule, and coordinate special events

Minimum Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of resource management issues, practices, and procedures
• Knowledge of regional tree/non-woody plant species and ecosystems; tree and plant identification skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Valid driver's license required
• Position requires Virginia Registered Technician Certification (pesticide) License; if not currently licensed, it will need to be obtained within 6 months
• DCR Sawyer Apprentice qualification or the ability to obtain it within 6 months
• Position requires the ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Physical demands associated with this position include extensive walking, lifting, bending, stooping, etc., and carrying heavy weighted materials (up to 50 pounds)

Additional Considerations

• Knowledge and experience using GIS software
• Experience or demonstrated ability to operate, organize, and maintain tools and equipment associated with resource management, such as trail tools, pesticide application equipment, utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), small gas-powered engines, etc.
• Experience training and leading volunteers, interns, or staff
• NWCG (FFT2) crew-level certification
• Education or experience in parks and recreation, education, communication, marketing, or public administration

Pay

Hourly Rate: $15.00 - $20.00

Schedule

Requires regular work on weekends, holidays, and evenings.

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 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