Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Due to the expected impact of the winter storm, all Virginia State Park overnight facilities will be closed from Friday, Jan. 23 through Tuesday, Jan. 27. This decision is based on the forecast for unsafe conditions and potential power outages. For updates click here.
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.
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.
Hiring Range: $6,500 total stipend for Crew Leaders; $7,500 total stipend for Head Crew Leaders
Job Duties
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.
The mission of Virginia State Park’s Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) is to connect Virginia's youth with the natural world through a structured program of meaningful service projects on public lands. Youth build trails, friendships, environmental literacy, and self-confidence as they work to preserve access to the outdoors for generations to come. YCC has operated for over two decades as a residential program at select parks for youth, consisting of work projects during weekdays and environmental education and adventure opportunities during evenings and weekends.
In 2026, at each participating park, three to four adult Crew Leaders will guide crews of 10 youth aged 14 to 17 in all aspects of work, crew life, and recreation during a two-week session. Under the guidance of the leaders, the crew learns to live and work as a team of diverse individuals with the common goal of improving public lands across the Commonwealth.
Crew leaders will have opportunities for career development training, from shadowing a park employee to receiving certification in Red Cross First Aid, CPR/AED, Basic Trail Building Training, and Youth Mental Health First Aid. The YCC Crew Leader position is a unique field opportunity, allowing Crew Leaders to enhance their skills in leadership, communication, youth supervision, and program administration. Additionally, this position increases competitiveness for positions with Virginia State Parks and other conservation and recreation agencies and organizations.
Successful Crew Leader applicants must be committed to making every Crew Member's safe, successful experience their top priority. The duties of a YCC Crew Leader are divided into four main areas: safety, leadership and mentorship, program management and implementation, and administration. These categories correspond with the training categories Crew Leaders will receive.
Safety: Crew Leaders are responsible for supervising Crew Members on and off the worksite. They ensure that Crew Members are wearing proper uniforms and personal protective equipment (PPE), and that they stay hydrated. Crew Leaders also transport crews in 7-8 passenger vehicles around the park and to recreational activities off the park on weekends. Crew Leaders will oversee gender segregated living accommodations for the Crew Members.
Leadership and Mentorship: Crew Leaders lead by example and ensure that their crews are following all program rules and guidelines. They also promote individual Crew Member development by creating a healthy teamwork atmosphere that empowers Crew Members to learn and challenge themselves.
Program Management and Implementation: Crew Leaders are capable of thinking on their feet, while also investing in advanced planning on and off the worksite to ensure the program runs smoothly. This includes navigating interpersonal issues among the crew, communicating frequently via phone and email with park and program staff, taking pictures, and using a Conservation Education Curriculum to enrich the program.
Administration: Crew Leaders complete and submit documentation, including work reports, Crew Member evaluations, program surveys, deliverables, accident reports, and discipline forms. They also oversee budgeting and grocery shopping for their crews.
The period of employment for YCC Crew Leaders includes a week-long training in June; two 2-week sessions, and time at a park in between sessions, engaging in professional development opportunities. Crew Leaders will have selected days off between sessions.
Head Crew Leaders will be selected based on highly ranked responses to interview questions that reflect a high degree of competency in the skills and abilities called for in the YCC Crew Leader position.
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
Additional Considerations
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. 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 and/or resume are complete with duties and skills associated with your work experience.
Minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people with National/Federal Service experience are encouraged to apply. EEO/AA/TT
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.
