Stewardship Tech

The Coastal Region (CR) consists of the Virginia Eastern Shore (Lower Delmarva Peninsula) including Northampton and Accomack counties, plus the cities of Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth and Norfolk in Tidewater Virginia. The successful candidate will be managed from the Regional Work Center in the Town of Belle Haven on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. The Coastal Region Assistant Steward will assist the Regional Steward and Operations Steward in stewardship of the twelve Natural Area Preserves in the region, focusing on the three Preserves south of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. The successful candidate will primarily work out of the North Landing River Natural Area Preserve in Virginia Beach but will be required to report to the Regional Work Center regularly. The ideal candidate will be responsible for assisting with resource management activities, engaging with the public, interacting with Inventory Section staff, collecting natural heritage data, and working on maintaining trails, roads, boardwalks and other public access facilities. Occasional weekend work may be required., * Conduct walking trails, boardwalk, and facilities maintenance.

• Assist with resource management activities, including invasive species management and biological resource monitoring.
• Provide on-site presence and interpretation about natural resources and preserve rules at CR NAPs as needed and directed. Help to ensure a balance between resource protection and public use.

• Basic knowledge of resource management issues, practices, and procedures.
• Basic knowledge of Windows-based computer operation and the ability to effectively use Microsoft Office programs (including Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, etc.)
• Proficient data organization skills to include documenting, updating, and maintaining records; logging data; and keeping inventory of supplies on-hand and/or needed.
• Valid Driver’s license required and experience driving a tow vehicle with a utility trailer.
• Experience using GIS programs and/or mobile applications.
• Maintain high level of physical fitness.
• Experience working outdoors plus operating and maintaining tools and equipment.
• Ability to follow directions, work as part of a team and work independently.

Additional Considerations

• Demonstrated knowledge of biology, botany, resource management, or a similar field.
• Experience with pesticide application and VDACS Registered Technician certification or ability to obtain certification.
• CPR and First Aid certification or ability to obtain certification.
• DCR chainsaw sawyer apprentice certification (or equivalent) or ability to obtain certification.
• Successful completion of the Virginia Boater Safety Course and experience operating vessels; ability to operate a vessel up to 21’.
• Experience working with and/or training volunteers.
• Certifications that allow participation as VDCR burn crew member or the ability to obtain them, including being able to pass a work capacity test (pack test)-arduous level.

Special Instructions

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 is complete with duties and skills associated with your work experience.

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

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

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.

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is the state’s lead conservation agency, providing access for outdoor recreation, strengthening communities’ flood resilience, and protecting what Virginians care about: clean water, parks, natural habitat and open space.

Serving a diverse commonwealth rich in nature and culture, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation touches all Virginians’ lives.

Wage/seasonal positions are not eligible for Commonwealth of Virginia benefits (health care, paid leave, etc.) and are limited to 1,500 hours from May 1 to April 30.

DCR provides the opportunity for wage employees to participate in tax-deferred compensation programs, supplemental disability insurance, and supplemental retirement accounts made available through the Commonwealth’s provider network at the employee’s expense.

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.