Chief Ranger Visitor Experience

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

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 Chief Ranger Visitor experience (CRVE) position.

As Chief Ranger Visitor Experience, you will:

• Assist Park management in directing and supervising park operations and performing administrative functions.
• Develop and lead interpretive and educational programs for park visitors, schools, and tour groups, as well as thematic programs on cultural heritage, science, and the environment.
• Manage special events, ensuring positive visitor experiences and community engagement.
• Manage the volunteer program, including engagement with individuals, YCC, scouts, etc.
• Handle administrative responsibilities, including reporting, budget, and program tracking, and resource management.
• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise staff within the interpretive department, managing employee performance and development.
• Develop and implement marketing strategies to promote park programs and enhance public participation.
• Apply knowledge of natural and cultural resources to design and deliver engaging educational and interpretive programs.
• Conduct and oversee research related to the collection, documentation, and protection of cultural and historical artifacts.

The Virginia Department of jobshiringnearme.org and Recreation offers paid leave; 13 paid holidays; 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); and is a federally recognized Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer.

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

• Knowledge and/or experience managing natural, historic, and cultural resources
• Experience planning, developing, and conducting educational programs, natural resource programs, and special events
• Volunteer and Citizen Support Organization management experience
• Demonstrated experience training, supervising, and evaluating staff and/or volunteer performance
• Experience in marketing, advertising, and promoting programs and special events
• Strong public speaking skills and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups and audiences
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint
• Valid Driver’s License required

Additional Considerations

• Certification through the National Association for Interpretation (NAI) as a Certified Interpretive Guide and/or related certifications (e.g., First Aid/CPR)
• Work experience in history, environmental education, interpretive program management, or a related field
• Strategic visitor experience planning and interpretive program development experience
• Experience designing and leading school-age programs aligned with Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL)
• Experience with budget planning, tracking, and expense management
• Experience developing visual communication materials, including flyers, signage, brochures, and pamphlets
• Trail management and maintenance experience