DCNR Ranger Trainee

Full Job Description

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is seeking a dedicated and community-minded individual to join the Shikellamy State Park Complex as a full-time seasonal DCNR Ranger Trainee. In this role, you will serve as a public service, safety, and law enforcement presence across several beautiful and diverse locations, including Shikellamy Marina, Shikellamy Overlook, Milton State Park, Susquehanna State Park, and the Adam T. Bower Memorial Inflatable Dam. This is an excellent opportunity to protect natural resources, support visitors, and make a meaningful impact in one of Pennsylvania’s most scenic park regions. Apply today and become part of a team committed to stewardship and public service.

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

Requirements

This position offers a unique opportunity to build the foundational skills needed to become a DCNR Ranger through a combination of formal instruction and hands-on experience. Over the course of one year, you will develop essential knowledge in public service, outdoor recreation, conservation, safety, environmental education, and law enforcement while gaining practical experience supporting park operations and visitor services. In this role, you will help ensure the safety, enjoyment, and overall experience of visitors throughout the Shikellamy State Park Complex. Your work will involve patrolling park grounds, supporting public engagement, enforcing laws and regulations, responding to emergencies, and maintaining accurate reports and documentation. You will serve as a knowledgeable, professional presence who protects both the public and the natural resources entrusted to the Bureau of State Parks.

Key Responsibilities

• Patrols
  • Patrol park property on foot, bicycle, motorized vehicle, and motorboat to ensure visitor safety and resource protection.
  • Assist visitors and provide general public service.
  • Inspect buildings, equipment, and facilities for safety and security.
  • Ensure signage, bulletin boards, and posted information are current and in good condition.
  • Maintain assigned equipment and work areas in a clean, orderly state.
    
• Public Relations
  • Present a professional ranger image through appearance, communication, and knowledge of park rules, history, and natural resources.
  • Provide information and assistance to visitors, school groups, civic organizations, and other groups on and off park property.
  • Staff park offices and visitor centers.
  • Prepare permits and process transactions using the Reservation and Revenue System.
  • Collect fees, verify daily receipts, and assist with bank deposits.

• Law Enforcement
  • Enforce laws and regulations related to State Parks, including making arrests and issuing citations or warnings.
  • Investigate complaints, accidents, and crimes; prepare incident reports; and coordinate with local and state law enforcement agencies.
  • Present evidence and testimony in court on behalf of the Commonwealth.
  • Maintain logs for property, lost and found items, attendance, and radio equipment.

• Emergencies
  • Take command during emergencies, accidents, and search and rescue operations to ensure visitor safety.
  • Provide first aid and CPR within current certification.
  • Direct traffic when needed.
    

• Reports and Inspections
  • Complete daily and monthly logs documenting facility conditions, incidents, citations, arrests, accidents, and attendance.
  • Use computer programs such as Microsoft Office, Outlook, Windows systems, and the Reservation and Revenue System.
  • Prepare written correspondence, reports, and other required documentation.
  • Consult with supervisors on non-routine tasks and submit all reports for review and signature.

• Miscellaneous
  • Perform additional duties as assigned to support park operations and management.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

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.

Days/Shifts will vary, holidays, weekends, and evenings will be required.

Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.

Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.

You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• 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
• 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
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Special Requirements:

• You 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:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• 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.

All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only.

Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on 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.

Additional Information

• 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.