Natural Resource Field Manager

https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/jobs?j=2025-07-09-16-16-02-286720-3jr

Natural Resource Field Manager

Environmental Specialist II

State Parks – Headquarters (Remote Duty Location)

Closes On: 07/24/2025

Hiring Range: $85,000 – $105,000

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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.

DCR is hiring a Natural Resource Field Manager. In this position, you will work closely with our Natural Resource Manager and six District Resource Specialists in facilitating the implementation of park resource management plans and initiatives in a manner ensuring sustainability and long-term viability of the Commonwealth’s natural and cultural resources.

While this position will report to a remote duty location; there will be extensive travel throughout the state as you will be directly supervising six full-time District Resource Specialists who provide support to all 43 state parks.

You will support the following components:

Personnel Management:

• Provide direct supervision of six full-time District Resource Specialists and indirect supervision of wage Resource Specialist Assistants who plan and implement on-site activities and projects for the parks within their districts.

Technical Assistance:

• Provide guidance and supervision to six District Resource Specialists across all Districts in relation to wildlife, fisheries, forestry, and vegetation management issues. Coordinate as appropriate with the Natural Resource Manager, District Resource Specialists, District Managers, and Park Managers on the scheduling and implementation of resource management (natural resource) projects in the parks.
• Maintain technical proficiency related to resource management, including but not limited to proficiency in utilizing field data collection technology; proficiency in the use of ArcGIS software; prescribed fire; pesticide applicator certification and relevant categories; DCR sawyer certification; ATV and UTV operator certification; and first aid and CPR certifications.
• Provide input with the Natural Resource Manager and District Resource Specialists to the GIS Manager for the development and coordination of relevant and necessary GIS layers and attributes for resource management GIS collection and consolidation.
• Serve as a Burn Crew Member to support prescribed fire and occasional wildfire response. Overtime, serve as Squad Boss, Burn Boss, and Fire Manager for the Division of State Parks while ultimately being responsible for technical review of state park burn plans and coordination of statewide prescribed burn implementation and training.
• Work closely with the Natural Resource Manager on various initiatives, including but not limited to the trail training program, deer management, research and collecting permits, and natural resource based working groups.
• This position must safely operate or have the ability to learn how to safely operate vehicles and equipment such as pickup trucks and trailers, tractors, ATVs, UTVs, chainsaws, herbicide sprayers, hand tools, power tools, and prescribed fire equipment.
• Support the development of natural resource management plans (NRMPs) with the State Parks Planner and support District Resource Specialists with prioritization and implementation of projects outlined in the NRMPs.
• Provide input and comments to various plans and initiatives, such as but not limited to master plans, invasive species management plans, comprehensive trail plans, etc.

Business Administration:

• Review procurement of materials and services and ensure compliance with procurement policies and procedures (eVA & SWaM) for all District Resource Specialists and provide input and supporting documentation for the preparation and implementation of the resource management section budget.

Cultural Resource Management:

• Find and implement cohesive themes between natural and cultural resource management with the Cultural Resource Manager and the District Resource Specialists.
• Ensure appropriate setbacks or mitigations are in place to protect cultural resources while natural resource projects are implemented.

Prescribed Fire Management:

• Support prescribed burns and occasional wildfire response minimally as a Burn Crew Member and ideally as a Squad Boss, Burn Boss, and Fire Manager. A DCR Type 2 Burn Boss must meet all training and experience requirements as outlined in the DCR Prescribed Burn Management manual and may implement prescribed burns with a complexity rating of low or moderate.

DCR offers paid leave; 13 paid holidays; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; as well as retirement plans including 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan. DCR is also a federally recognized Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer and a certified Virginia Values Veteran (V3) 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

• Advanced knowledge of resource management and environmental issues, practices, and procedures.
• Demonstrated experience in managing, supervising, leading, and mentoring staff.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, manage, and adhere to budgets.
• Basic knowledge of state and federal environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
• Familiar with the development and implementation of prescribed burns and / or wildfire response.
• Familiar with GIS data collection and basics of GIS software.
• Experience conducting field work, such as trail maintenance, prescribed burns, invasive species management, species surveys, etc. and / or using equipment, such as chainsaws, ATVs, UTVs, skid steers, mini-ex, drones, etc.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Suite applications, such as Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Teams.
• Valid Driver’s License is required.

Additional Considerations

• Advanced fire qualifications, such as Burn Boss, Fire Planner, Fire Manager, and / or other advanced courses.
• Demonstrated GIS skills and abilities to conduct analyses or make / enhance decisions, including familiarity with ESRI software products such as ArcPro and ArcGIS Online.
• Demonstrated knowledge and / or experience in managing natural resources in active recreation areas, parks, and / or similar environments.
• Knowledge of trail sustainability concepts, practices, construction, and / or maintenance.