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DCR employees

Job openings at DCR

If you feel like saving the world, you belong at DCR

DCR is looking for talented people to fill positions listed below. Unless stated otherwise, you must complete and submit an electronic state application by the job announcement's close date.

Generally applications must be made through the RMS (electronic state application). We will, however, accept paper applications for some state park slots. Be sure to refer to the individual recruitment for specific requirements.

Full-time (salaried) employment offers

  • A choice of healthcare plans.
  • Vacation, family, personal and sick leave.
  • A retirement plan.
  • A sickness and disability plan.
  • Employer-paid life insurance.
  • Deferred compensation with employer match.

Certain positions require a criminal background check, a conflict of interest financial statement or both. Law-enforcement positions require a fingerprint-based FBI investigation. DCR is an EEO/AA/ADA Employer.

For seasonal and hourly-wage positions at state parks, contact the particular park for details.

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, all new hires must complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. Executive branch agencies are required to use the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

For additional information on these openings, contact hr@dcr.virginia.gov. Find positions available throughout Virginia at Virginia Jobs.

Job openings at DCR

Environmental Specialist I

State Parks Planning Assistant

Closes On: 06/11/2025

State Parks - Division of State Parks

Apply Now

Hiring Range: $20.00 - $24.00 per hour

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is the state’s lead conservation agency, and it takes a diverse agency to conserve resources for a diverse commonwealth.

Virginia’s award-winning state park system, a division of DCR, boasts an incredible and diverse array of natural, cultural, historical, and recreational resources including parks in the mountains, on the ocean, on the Chesapeake Bay, on 8 major rivers, on 4 major lakes, 4 rail trails, 3 battlefield sites, and 32 sites listed on the National Historic Registry. Our parks encompass over 75,000 acres, offering campsites, cabins, trails, shorelines, lakes and ponds, international dark sky sites, and over 20,000 educational programs and workshops each year.

Job Summary:

As the State Parks Planning Assistant, you will assist our State Parks Planner in facilitating the development of park resource plans and other products in a manner ensuring suitability and long-term viability of the Commonwealth's cultural and natural resources. In this position, you will:
 

  • Lead the development, management and routine updating of Natural Resource Management Plans for Virginia State Parks, including plan preparation, coordination with Resource Management and Operations staff, field work, writing, and data management utilizing ESRI Hub and GIS StoryMaps.
  • Assist the State Parks Planner with the development, writing, design, editing, and/or review of manuals, reports, documents, guidelines and policy in partnership with a variety of Virginia State Parks teams including but not limited to Resource Management, Operations, Business Revenue & Administration, and Visitor Experience.
  • Aid the State Parks Planner through the DCR Master Planning process, including but not limited to the development, writing, design, editing, and/or review of natural, cultural and physical resource summaries, visitor experience planning summaries, comprehensive trail planning, and other State Parks planning products.
  • Attend staff meetings and employee training as required.
  • Provides additional field support for the Resource Management Team such as assistance with field work, studies, surveys, data collection, and maintaining various geospatial and non-geospatial databases on an as-needed basis.


DCR’s Mission is to conserve the natural, scenic, historic, and cultural resources of the Commonwealth. We invite you to learn more about DCR’s efforts to CONSERVE.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated skills in document writing, design, editing and review intended for a variety of internal or external audiences.
  • Expressed knowledge of parks planning, natural resource planning, comprehensive trail planning, and/or master planning processes and products.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Basic knowledge of Microsoft applications including Microsoft Suite, including Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams.

Additional Considerations:

  • Academic background or experience in Planning, Park Planning, Resource Management, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geographic Information Systems or a related field.
  • Experience in local, state or regional park planning or equivalent.
  • Demonstrated Geographic Information Systems (GIS) skills and abilities, including familiarity with ESRI software products such as ArcPro and ArcGIS Online.

Special Instructions:

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position. DCR does not accept applications, resumes, cover letters, etc. for this vacancy in any other format. When applying for jobs, please ensure your online application or resume is complete with duties and skills associated with your work experience. To be considered for an interview, the candidate must demonstrate the minimal qualifications within their application or resume.

  • Background Check: Employment in all Virginia State Parks positions is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.
  • Employment Eligibility: Selected candidates must complete the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form. DCR participates in E-Verify.
  • Driver’s License Requirement: A valid State Driver's License is required if operating a state or personal vehicle for agency business.
  • Work Requirements: Wage positions are not eligible for Commonwealth of Virginia benefits (health care, paid leave, etc.) and are limited to 1,500 hours from May 1 to April 30.
  • Telework Eligibility: Eligibility will be in accordance with the Commonwealth's Teleworking policy.


Minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people with National/Federal Service experience are encouraged to apply. EEO/AA/TT


DCR employees are encouraged to visit Virginia State Parks! Check out our employee discounts.

  • Free parking or admission to all Virginia State Parks.
  • DCR classified, retired, and wage staff (after six months of service), are entitled to overnight facility discounts such as:
    • 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 prior to 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.
       

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: NA

Email: HR@dcr.virginia.gov

 

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Apply Now

Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
600 East Main Street, 24th floor | Richmond, VA 23219-2094 | 804-786-6124
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Last Modified: Wednesday, 28 May 2025, 03:09:33 PM
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