Assistant Park Manager

Job Duties

THE AGENCY 

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation is the state’s lead conservation agency and it takes a diverse agency to work for a diverse commonwealth. DCR protects what people care about – access to the outdoors, natural habitats, open spaces, clean water and safe infrastructure. 
 
We manage 43 Virginia State Parks, which has thousands of campsites, hundreds of cabins, beaches, festivals, educational programs, more than 500 miles of trails… the list goes on. 
 
If you’re someone who wants to love what you do, and make a difference, DCR is the place for you 

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation offers paid leave, 12 paid holidays, medical, dental, vision and life insurance, retirement plans (including 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan) and is a federally recognized Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer. 

THE DIVISION 
The Division of Virginia State Parks fulfills its mission “to conserve the natural, scenic, historic and cultural resources of the Commonwealth and provide recreational and educational opportunities consistent with the good stewardship of these lands, waters and facilities that leaves them unimpaired for future generations” by operating a system of 41 state parks that encompass over 75,000 acres; over 1200 buildings, almost 1700 campsites; over 300 cabins; over 700 miles of trails; nearly 500 miles of shoreline; 36 lakes and ponds; 11 swimming beaches; 4 international dark sky sites, and offers over 20,000 educational programs and workshops each year. 

Managed by a full-time staff of 275 and a wage staff of 1000+ during the prime season, Virginia’s award-winning state park system 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; and 3 battlefield sites, and 32 sites listed on the National Historic Registry. It is our honor and privilege to play host to more than 10 million visitors annually and to offer recreational enjoyment that positively impacts local communities and the Commonwealth overall (to the tune of an economic impact that exceeds $324 million). 

THE PARK

A traditional family park since 1936, Douthat is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for the role its design played in the development of parks nationwide. Amid some of Virginia's most breathtaking mountain scenery, visitors enjoy interpretive programs, four miles of stream fishing, a 50-acre lake stocked with trout, a sandy swimming beach with a snack bar, boat rentals, a gift shop and camp store, cabins, and more than 43 miles of hiking, mountain biking and bridle trails. Plus, there are playgrounds, an amphitheater, picnic areas, tent and trailer camping. The park also has 32 cabins and three lodges that accommodate 15, 16 and 18 guests each. 

THE OPPORTUNITY 
In this role you will join a winning team and assist the Park Manager in the direction of personnel, expenditures, and operations for the general management of a major state park. 

The Assistant Park Manager will be responsible for oversight of day-to-day operation of the park including, but not limited to ensuring park staff adhere to park, division/agency policy, coordinating human resources functions including recruiting, hiring, training, supervising, and managing employee performance. The Assistant Park Manager will also manage and track expenses; procure materials/services; and assist with development of the annual park budget to include prioritizing projects and equipment replacement needs. This position also assists with fixed assets accounting inventory and small value assets tracking and monitors revenue collection and procurement/purchasing procedures for assigned staff according to division and state policy. 

Additionally, the Assistant Park Manager provides supervision and inspection of cyclical facilities/grounds/equipment maintenance tasks to ensure tasks are completed in compliance with OSHA, VDH, agency standards, or in compliance with other pertinent regulations. The incumbent of this position also provides assistance with managing and maintaining cultural and natural resources of the park and provides supervision and oversight for volunteer programs. In the absence of the Park Manager, the Assistant Park Manager has direct responsibility to ensure and maintain continuity of operations and adherence to the goals and objectives of the park and division.

Minimum Qualifications

Previous work history which demonstrates experience and knowledge of grounds/facility maintenance practices. 

Previous work history which demonstrates experience and knowledge of personnel management/supervision and providing staff training. 

Previous experience performing duties related to revenue collection/reporting, and financial/budget tracking. 

Previous experience, which demonstrates the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to external and internal stakeholders. 

Experience that demonstrates the ability to communicate in writing to complete business correspondence, reports, and other similar documents. 

Working knowledge of resource management techniques, procedures, and guidelines. 

Previous experience assisting management activities for special events such as planning, scheduling, working with partners and marketing. 

Additional Considerations

Sworn conservation officer designation with certification in CPR/AED and First Aid. 

Considerable knowledge of natural and cultural resource issues and processes, and regulatory requirements with the ability to accommodate them into facility management. 

Working knowledge of major trades and constructions techniques. 

Previous experience in managing/ tracking sale; performing procurement transactions, credit card purchasing; coordinating inventory tracking and loss prevention management. 

Assist with activities that promote marketing and increase revenue for enterprise operations. 

Previous work history, which demonstrates experience and knowledge of managing park interpretive programs. 

Possession of a Pesticide License 

Experience in heavy Equipment Operation 

Experience in chainsaw Operation 

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.

A valid State Driver's License is required to operate a state vehicle or if operating a personal vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the agency. 

DCR is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and the highest ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that our greatest strength lies in the individual differences, experiences, and skillsets that our employees bring to the table. Because of this, we strongly encourage applications from all walks of life, and we welcome all contributions in terms of age, beliefs, color, culture, disability, education, ethnicity, gender identity/expression, language, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and veteran’s status. 

Selected candidate(s) will need to complete the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form. DCR participates in E-Verify. 

Submission of an online application is required 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. 

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

Employment in all positions within the Virginia State Parks is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check including a criminal history record check. 

Current sworn conservation officers will have the option to keep their Law Enforcement certification or relinquish their certification. Law enforcement is NOT a requirement for this position. 

THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO LIVE IN PARK HOUSING. 

In accordance with 10.1-109.B of the code of Virginia, this position is required to reside in Department-controlled housing for the purposes of providing security and operational efficiencies to the property of the Department. The incumbent must enter into a lease agreement and demonstrate possession of liability and personal property insurance. 

Ability to work in diverse conditions including exposure to the outdoors, weather in all seasons, dust, animals, and insects. Ability to perform heavy manual labor to include standing, bending, pulling, climbing, and frequent lifting up to 50 lbs. Ability to obtain CPR and First Aid certifications within 12 months of employment. 

Contact Information

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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.