Project Manager

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free parking

Admission to Virginia State Parks

Overnight stay discounts for staff

Job summary

The Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead agency-wide projects, drive process improvements, and deliver results that enhance efficiency and service statewide. You will own the full project lifecycle under the Deputy Director for Administration and Finance, collaborating with leaders across divisions.

Desirable are PMP/CAPM certification and a strong background in Agile, Scrum, or Waterfall, with proficiency in MS Project, Trello,

Qualifications

• Strong project management background with multi-stakeholder projects and defined timelines.
• Experience managing projects in public sector or government environments.
• Knowledge of PM frameworks and tools; ability to guide discussions and decisions.

Responsibilities

• Lead agency-wide projects across Administration and Finance and drive the full project lifecycle.
• Advance efficiency, accountability, and service delivery through governance and change management.
• Collaborate with agency leaders to align projects with strategic goals.

Skills

Strong project management

Stakeholder management

PM methodologies (Agile, Scrum, Waterf

Effective communication

Independent, proactive work

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

PM certification (PMP or CAPM)

Tools

Microsoft Project

Trello

Asana

Job description

Title: Project Manager

State Role Title:Prog Admin Specialist II

Hiring Range: $95,000 - $115,000

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Dept Conservation & Recreation

Location:MAIN STREET CENTRE

Agency Website: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

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 habitats and open spaces.

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

DCR offers paid leave; a minimum of 13 paid state holidays per year; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; retirement plans (including 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan for classified positions, and VaLORS for law enforcement positions); and is a federally recognized Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) 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.

Job Duties

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is seeking an experienced, energetic, and forward-thinking Project Manager who thrives on building better systems, improving processes, and leading changes which directly support the agency’s mission. This role champions high impact, agencywide projects that elevate operations, streamline workflows, and advance strategic goals across Administration and Finance. Owning the full project lifecycle, this position drives clarity, strengthens collaboration, and turns ideas into action – delivering meaningful results that enhance efficiency, accountability, and service delivery statewide. Working under the direction of the Deputy Director for Administration and Finance and collaborating with leaders across all agency divisions, the Project Manager serves as a pivotal force for innovation, using modern project management approaches and emerging technologies to accelerate progress and shape DCR’s success across the Commonwealth.

Minimum Qualifications

• Strong project management background, including handling complex, multi stakeholder projects with defined scopes and timelines.
• Practical experience managing projects within local, state, or federal government environments or comparable public sector settings.
• Broad capability to manage varied projects effectively, using sound judgment, structured approaches, and clear organizational strategies.
• Solid technical understanding of project management methodologies (Agile, Scrum, Waterfall) and familiarity with tools such as Microsoft Project, Trello, Asana, or Gantt based systems.
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with a track record of guiding discussions and supporting informed decisions.
• Proven ability to work independently, prioritize multiple tasks, adapt to shifting demands, and collaborate constructively with internal teams and external partners.

Additional Considerations

• Background working within DCR, state government, or similar public sector environments, with familiarity in navigating agency processes and multi stakeholder initiatives.
• Training or certification in recognized project management frameworks (PMP, CAPM, or comparable), supported by practical application in real world projects.
• Strong foundation in designing or leading organization wide initiatives, process improvements, and change management efforts, including projects focused on operational efficiency.
• Understanding of modern project management tools and emerging technologies, including the use of AI to support planning, tracking, and decision making.

Employee benefits include:

• Free parking and admission to all Virginia State Parks.
• Overnight stay discounts for DCR classified, retired, and wage staff (after six months of service):
  • Free camping outside the Memorial Day to Labor Day season for sites accommodating up to six people.
  • Free Sunday–Thursday camping (excluding the night before holidays) during the Memorial Day–Labor Day period.
  • 50% off cabins (up to three bedrooms) outside the Memorial Day–Labor Day season for up to 14 nights. Two nights minimum required. Bunkhouses, camping cabins, and yurts are included; one night yurt stays receive a 25% discount.

Join us and make Virginia’s great outdoors part of your life — it’s one of the many ways we show our appreciation for the people who make DCR’s mission possible!

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: N/A

Email: [e-mail]

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.

DCR encourages applications from minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and those with experience with the National Park Service or the federal government. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO/AA/TT).