Join Our Team at the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation! 

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is hiring! Join us in preserving what people care about most – access to the outdoors, natural habitats, open spaces, clean water, and safe infrastructure.

​Westmoreland State Park is accepting applications for a Resources Maintenance Ranger position.

Job Summary:

The Resources Maintenance Ranger is a responsible, result-oriented individual who can prioritize tasks and positively interact with the public with a focus on the maintenance and development of the natural resources of the park. Performs recurring natural resource care, equipment maintenance, and light construction. Includes, but is not limited to, trail construction and maintenance, invasive weed management, habitat maintenance, bucking, limbing, and felling, and general maintenance as needed. The successful candidate must be able to safely operate a chainsaw after apprenticeship training; demonstrate the ability to safely operate a trailer and transport tractors, implements, and other heavy equipment on parklands and public roads; and demonstrate a willingness to efficiently operate independently of constant supervision as well as assist in leading and training new staff.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• ​​Support the construction and maintenance of trails, including clearing and grading tread, pruning and trimming of trees and brush, cleaning and repair of drainage structures, construction and repair of structures, and sign installation and repairs.
• Conduct the management and treatment of an integrated invasive weeds management plan through monitoring, manual, mechanical, and chemical treatments (e.g. trimming, hand-pulling, mowing, herbicide application).
• Support habitat maintenance and restoration, including at the park’s wetlands, shorelines, and grasslands; such as conducting managed burns, all working with the working with the District Resource Management Specialist as needed.
• Remove dead, damaged, or dying trees and limbs through bucking, limbing, and felling techniques after completing sawyer apprenticeship training.
• Work with the Volunteer Coordinator to provide volunteer opportunities for the public to safely conduct natural resource management activities, including trail maintenance.
• Safely operate power tools and specialized equipment, including mowers, tractors, weed eaters, chainsaws, skid steers, ATVs/UTVs, and mini excavators.
• Provide courteous assistance to park visitors, answer questions, and ensure a positive visitor experience.
• Support additional maintenance and operational tasks, as assigned by supervisors.
• Must have the ability to work flexible schedules, including weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings; hours may vary seasonally.
• Capable of performing manual labor outdoors in all weather conditions, including frequent walking, bending, standing, and lifting up to 50 lbs. unassisted.

Minimum Qualifications:

• ​​Experience working with minimal supervision and experience that demonstrates organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.  
• Ability to organize and maintain tools and equipment associated with resource activities, such as mowers, trimmers, chainsaws, trail-building tools, backpack sprayers, etc.
•  Ability to be a leader and set an example for lower-level staff positions in the performance of work duties.
• Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds unassisted and work in outdoor conditions.
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Possess a valid driver’s license.

Additional Considerations:

• Experience supervising and training seasonal staff and/or volunteers, including delegating assignments and ensuring task completion.
• Experience in conducting natural resources management activities (e.g., trail maintenance).

Special Instructions:

• 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/seasonal positions are not eligible for benefits and are limited to 1,500 hours from May 1 to April 30.

Minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people with National Park 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 before 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.