DCNR Ranger Trainee (Seasonal) - Point State Park

If you have a passion for exploring our state parks and a desire to help others enjoy their beauty, consider applying for the position of Seasonal DCNR Ranger Trainee. In this role, you will significantly enhance the experiences of visitors while working outdoors and interacting with a diverse array of people. You will promote the natural wonders of Point State Park, serve as a representative of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and help enforce park rules and regulations. Additionally, you will provide educational and recreational activities for all who come to visit. Apply today to make a difference in our community!

Watch this video to see how DCNR Rangers make Pennsylvania a better place to work, live and play!

The role involves comprehensive training to effectively patrol the park's grounds and boundaries, ensuring public interaction, visitor safety, adherence to park regulations, and compliance with the Commonwealth's Criminal and Vehicle Codes.

Patrolling duties require the operation of various vehicles, including motor vehicles, ATVs, or boats, to monitor the State Park's premises. This training emphasizes visitor safety and resource protection, equipping personnel to assist visitors in need. Regular inspections of buildings, structures, and facilities are conducted to assess security and safety standards. Additionally, it is essential to keep informational posters, bulletin boards, and signs up to date and in good condition. Maintaining assigned equipment and work areas in a clean and orderly manner is also a critical aspect of the training.

In terms of public relations, the training focuses on cultivating a professional image as a Park Ranger, which includes maintaining a proper uniform appearance, honing verbal communication skills, and demonstrating knowledge of the park's environment, history, rules, and regulations. Rangers are trained to provide information and assistance to visitors, staff park offices and visitor centers, and register park visitors using the Park Registration and Reporting System (PRRS).

Law enforcement training prepares rangers to uphold legal provisions relevant to State Parks, including making physical arrests and issuing citations and warrants in accordance with established State, Departmental, and Bureau guidelines. Rangers investigate complaints, accidents, and crimes, determining appropriate actions, preparing incident reports, and collaborating with local and state police as well as Fish and Game Commissions. They are also responsible for prosecuting cases, presenting evidence and witnesses, and testifying on behalf of the Commonwealth in court. Additionally, maintaining a property log, tracking lost and found items, and managing attendance reports are part of their duties, along with overseeing the inventory and repair of radio equipment.

In emergency situations, rangers are trained to take command, ensuring the safety and protection of both visitors and park resources during incidents such as search and rescue operations and accidents. They are equipped to provide first aid and CPR, demonstrating their commitment to visitor welfare and emergency preparedness.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• This is a seasonal, full-time position with no healthcare benefits. There is not an option to buy into health care benefits. The season runs from approximately March 2026 until November 2026 at which time the employee will be placed on leave without pay. The employee will automatically be returned to employment March 2027.
• Shift hours and days vary due to operational need, 8 hour shifts, 5 days per week.
• Weekends, holidays, and all shifts as needed at 40 hours per week.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Six months of experience providing visitor services in a public park, forest, recreation area, or a privately-owned and operated nature or outdoor education center; or
• Completion of 15 college credits in natural or environmental sciences, natural resource management, park management, parks or outdoor recreation, forestry, environmental education, ecology, wildlife management, or in a closely related field; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

• Must be at least 21 years of age at time of employment
• All positions require possession of an active motor vehicle license
• All employees must successfully complete a structured law enforcement training program to obtain authority in exercising the powers of arrest during the trainee period.
• All employees must obtain valid certification in standard first aid and adult, child, and infant CPR approved by the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or equivalent during the trainee period.
• All employees must pass psychological testing (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). Failure to pass this test is a basis for removal from the position.
• All employees must pass Pennsylvania State Police and FBI Criminal Background Checks. A record of conviction of a criminal offense for which more than one year in prison can be imposed as punishment is a basis for removal from the position.

Other Requirements:

• This position requires employees to successfully pass a physical fitness test within 6 months of the start of employment. Click here to learn more about these requirements.
• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• You must pass a background investigation.
• This position falls under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law.
  • Under the Law, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports including, but not limited to, PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.