Youth Program Coordinator for Va. State Parks – Richmond

Prog Admin Specialist I
Youth Programs Coordinator
Closes On: 09/05/2021
Division of State Parks

Hiring Range: 20.00 – 22.00 / hourly

The Youth Programs Coordinator plays an important role in promoting and sustaining youth engagement in state parks and natural resource conservation.

They coordinate, manage and implement youth programs and outreach within Virginia State Parks, including two three-week Youth Conservation Corps residential program sessions in the summer, several fall and spring weekend or day events. They also work with community organizations to expand the reach of Virginia State Parks youth programming to youth of all races, ethnicities, economic backgrounds, and abilities.

This position manages selection of parks that will participate in youth opportunities and works with park managers and other park staff to orient park staff and youth leaders, assisting park staff as needed.

They coordinate marketing of the programs including working with the State Parks Visitor Services Director on press releases, blog posts, email newsletter articles, publications, flyers and website information. They strategize to increase recruitment to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive youth program. The position manages and tracks a large inventory of supplies including backpacks, shirts, hats, first-aid kits, personal protective equipment, and awards and orders supplies as necessary in a timely fashion.

The Youth Programs Coordinator develops recruitment strategies for youth leaders and program participants, reviews their applications and selects participants.  Significant interaction with applicants and parents is required. Each year, they develop and run a training program for staff at parks who will supervise Youth Conservation Corps crews and in-person, multi-day training for crew leaders. During summer sessions, they maintain close contact with the programs, including scheduled phone check-ins, and visit crews onsite and work with park staff, leaders and parents to deal with any behavioral issues or incidents that impact the program. They manage a collection of photos from every crew using Flickr.

They manage a collection of required state hiring paperwork for selected crew members and leaders and work with human resources to ensure participants receive stipends.

Additionally, the Youth Programs Coordinator will develop a written strategic plan for maintaining connections to Youth Conservation Corps alumni and other youth program attendees and will implement it. They will develop and maintain relationships with community partners and stakeholders.

This position works in an office setting at the State Parks Main Street Center in Richmond with frequent site visits during the summer programs. Work is full time from April through August and may include weekends.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience working with youth.

Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, databases, and photo sharing platforms.

Ability to coordinate multiple groups and projects at the same time, manage shifting priorities and respond to critical incidents.

Exceptional organizational, scheduling and time-management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience working in a youth development program or similar.

Previous experience with Youth Conservation Corps, AmeriCorps, Student Conservation Association or similar conservation service organization.

Experience working with underserved populations.

Special Requirements

Must have current CPR and First Aid certifications or ability to acquire them.

Must be willing to work weekends and evenings. There are no health benefits or paid vacation leave associated with the job. Employees are limited to working no more than 1500 hours in 12 months from May 1 to April 30. Employment in all positions within Virginia State Parks is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check. Employer participates in e-Verify.

Criminal history record check, references, work history and DMV driving record will be verified prior to employment. Ability to work in diverse conditions including exposure to the outdoors, weather in all seasons, dust, animals and insects.

Special Instructions to Applicants

State applications will only be accepted as submitted online by 11:59 pm on the closing date through the Recruitment Management System (RMS). State applications submitted via email, postal mail, fax, or in person will not be considered. This website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your RMS Account to check the status of your application for this position. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is an Equal Opportunity Employer by both policy and practice. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Employment in all positions within the Virginia State Parks is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check.