DCNR Ranger Trainee (Seasonal) - Gifford Pinchot State Park

Full Job Description

If you have a passion for the great outdoors, enjoy engaging with the community, and aspire to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others, this may be the career move you have been waiting for! The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is eager to welcome a dedicated and collaborative professional to join the Gifford Pinchot State Park team as a Seasonal DCNR Ranger Trainee. In this role, you will have the opportunity to interact with the public while gaining the skills necessary to enforce essential State Park rules and regulations, further ensuring the preservation of our natural resources. This position not only allows you to experience the fulfillment that comes from serving the community but also offers avenues for professional development and career advancement. Apply today and take pride in knowing that your diligent efforts are providing for a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors!

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

Requirements

As a DCNR Ranger Trainee, you will participate in a one-year formal and on-the-job training to develop the necessary skills and techniques in the areas of public contact and customer service; current developments and issues in the areas of outdoor recreation and conservation; conservation principles; environmental education; public safety; departmental policies, procedures, rules, and regulations; and law enforcement, in order to perform the work of a DCNR Ranger.

Specific duties will include assisting with patrols of the park and its facilities, and responding appropriately to any situation which may arise.

These situations may include safety issues, park visitors that require assistance, emergencies, and violations of Commonwealth or park laws, rules, or regulations.

Other duties may include completing monthly and daily logs including the status and condition of campgrounds, facilities, equipment, visitor safety, incidents, citations, arrests, accidents and attendance; preparing launching, mooring, and camping permits by entering the information into the Reservation and Revenue System; and collecting fees and assisting in the preparation of transmittals by checking daily receipts for accuracy and making bank deposits.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

This is a seasonal, full-time, 40 hours/week 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 in March 2027.

Work will be scheduled 5 days/40 hours per week, and will include a 30-minute lunch. Work days and shifts will vary and will include holidays, weekends, and evenings.

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 obtain commission as a State Park or State Forest Officer and maintain this commission for the duration of employment in this job.
• 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 probationary 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.
• 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:

• 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.