Park Resource Ranger, DCNR - French Creek State Park Complex

Full Job Description

The Department of Conservation & Natural Resources is seeking a Seasonal Park Resource Ranger to join the visitor services team at the French Creek State Park Complex.

This is a non–law enforcement position focused on public service, safety, and visitor support.

As a key point of contact both in the park office and throughout the park complex, you will help ensure a positive experience for all visitors.

While patrolling the parks, you will promote the safe use of park facilities, provide information, answer questions, and direct visitors to the appropriate staff when needed.

If you enjoy working outdoors, engaging with the public, and supporting the mission of Pennsylvania’s state parks, this is a great opportunity to get involved.

Apply now and be part of a team that helps visitors enjoy and appreciate our natural spaces.

Requirements

Duties Description

• Serve as a primary public contact in the park office and throughout the park complex, providing information to visitors and promoting safe use of park facilities.
• Assist with office operations, including answering phones, operating radios and computers, issuing permits, researching park information, and completing assigned clerical tasks.
• Prepare and deliver environmental, historical, and park-related educational programs; assist with research for interpretive materials.
• Organize and supervise volunteer projects and ensure the campground contact station is fully stocked and orderly.
• Provide accurate information about park facilities, activities, and local attractions; handle written inquiries and maintain a clean, organized office and contact station.
• Use the Pennsylvania State Parks Reservations & Revenue System to issue keys, prepare permits, and complete reservation reports.
• Perform light maintenance tasks such as litter pickup, sign painting, trail marking, and kiosk upkeep.
• Maintain park vehicles by completing logs, checking fluids and tire pressure, reporting issues, and keeping vehicles clean.
• Monitor park facilities and visitors by foot, vehicle, bicycle, or boat; encourage compliance with park rules using courtesy and tact.
• Assist during emergencies by providing First Aid/CPR, directing traffic, and participating in search and rescue operations.
• Support PA Fish & Game personnel when needed and operate park radios following proper procedures.
• Open and close park gates and buildings as directed; work weekends, holidays, varying shifts, and in all weather conditions.
• Participate in traffic control during busy periods once trained.

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 due to the seasonal nature of the position , employee will work 37.5 hrs/5 days per week including holidays and weekends.

This position reports to Marsh Creek State Park

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

QUALIFICATIONS

Special Requirements:

• This position requires possession of an active motor vehicle license.
• This position requires all employees to obtain valid certification in standard first aid and adult, child, and infant CPR approved by the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or equivalent within 60 days of employment.

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.
• In accordance with Act 153 of 2014 this position is required to complete Child Abuse, Criminal and Federal Criminal History Checks around the time of hire and thereafter every 5 years.

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.