THE AGENCY

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) 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 42 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 Planning and Recreational Resources (PRR) manages a broad range of recreational programs throughout Virginia. The programs that the division manages includes master planning for state parks, Virginia scenic rivers program, statewide trails program, design and construction of recreational facilities for state parks and natural area preserves, development of the Virginia Outdoors Plan, DCR’s internal review process, and administration of grants including the federal Land and Water and Recreational Trails Programs, as well as the American Battlefield Protection Grants. Many of these programs are directed and enforced by the Code of Virginia. PRR also provides guidance and oversight of resource management planning, design, and construction for Virginia State Parks including scenic and cultural resources, physical resources (infrastructure and the built environment), as well as coordination of local planning efforts. The PRR Planning Section, where this position will be housed, is directly responsible for several of these programs including master planning for over 40 State Parks.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Planning and Recreation Resources (PRR) GIS Coordinator is one of several staff that serve under the direct supervision of the Chief Planner for the PRR Planning Section. This position is responsible for supporting GIS needs for state park master planning, its primary programmatic area. This position will also support the Design and Construction Section and their GIS and AutoCAD needs, as well be responsible for other administrative responsibilities including the Division's fleet management. The GIS Coordinator works in collaboration with other divisions, and the public, to understand local planning efforts, and efforts related to scenic, natural, and cultural resources and the built environment to develop and update GIS and AutoCAD resources in a manner that ensures the sustainability and long-term viability of the Commonwealth’s resources while providing and/or enhancing appropriate public utilization. At the discretion of the Chief Planner, this position may help develop and implement other Planning Section and PRR Division program area products, related to trails, the Virginia scenic rivers program, special studies, and the Virginia Outdoors Plan.

This position will be responsible for:

• Developing and updating GIS maps and resources for State Park Master Plans in accordance with §10.1-200 of the Code of Virginia and according to established schedule and agency format.
• Coordinating with other Division and Department staff including Design and Construction, State Park, Natural Heritage, and Real Property to identify and address GIS and AutoCAD needs.
• Providing support to fellow planners in the completion of their master planning duties, as needed.
• Presenting GIS and AutoCAD products to PRR Chief Planner, PRR, and other Division staff for review.
• Ensuring timely/accurate completion of assignments for distribution/review and posting.
• Analyzing map information for park projects and prepare maps for reports and presentations.
• Providing technical assistance to local planning districts and local governments, as needed.
• Working collaboratively within a team, and across divisions and specialty areas.
• Researching current and predictive trends for park and recreation planning.
• Thinking critically and incorporating information from various disciplines in decision making.
• Independently making technical decisions and providing guidance and recommendations to resolve technical problems, within scope authority and under limited supervision.
• Communicating effectively orally and in writing with federal, state, and local government officials/agencies, businesses, professional associations, public interest groups, and the public.
• Developing and implementing Planning Section and PRR Division program area products, as needed.
• Managing Divisions' fleet needs under limited supervision.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience with applying GIS to address current and/or long-range planning needs in a local, state, or federal government setting.

Additional Considerations

• Certified GIS professional or significant education and/or professional experience in GIS.
• Knowledge and proficiency with ESRI products including ArcMap, and capacity to use/learn to use other software including AutoCAD, Photoshop, and Acrobat Professional.
• Experience applying GIS to address parks, outdoor recreation, and/or natural resources issues.
• Experience developing and/or updating GIS-based components of comprehensive plans, master plans, and/or similar documents.
• Experience working with diverse user groups, across various subject matter areas and levels of expertise to address GIS based questions/concerns.
• Knowledge of scenic, natural, cultural, and/or physical resources.
• Experience with project management, landscape architecture, and/or planning.
• Experience with technical writing, review, and editing and ability to produce technical documents.
• Knowledge of asset management and tracking systems.