Park Resource Ranger, DCNR - Gifford Pinchot State Park

Full Job Description

The Department of Conservation & Natural Resources is excited to announce an opportunity for a Seasonal non-law enforcement role as a Park Resource Ranger. This position involves engaging with the public to deliver essential services and ensure safety within Gifford Pinchot State Park and other state park or forest areas. As a Park Resource Ranger, you will be responsible for providing visitors with valuable information about the various programs, resources, facilities, and activities available to enhance their experience. Additionally, you will play a crucial role in communicating park regulations and monitoring compliance to ensure that all visitors adhere to the rules governing the use of Bureau of State Park lands. If you are passionate about nature and enjoy working with the public, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding position!

Requirements

In this position, your primary responsibility will be to patrol the grounds, boundaries, and facilities of Gifford Pinchot State Park, ensuring adherence to Bureau rules and regulations while prioritizing visitor safety. You will be required to promptly notify a Park Manager or a DCNR Ranger when faced with situations necessitating law enforcement intervention. Your duties may include operating various vehicles such as motor vehicles, bicycles, all-terrain vehicles, and boats to effectively monitor the park. Additionally, you will conduct foot patrols throughout the campground, park trails, and day-use areas, with a specific requirement to perform two foot patrols of the Quaker Race Day Use swimming area during each shift throughout the swimming season. Regular inspections of buildings, structures, and facilities will be part of your role to guarantee security and safety. You will also be responsible for identifying and addressing safety hazards, either by rectifying them directly or reporting them to park management or maintenance staff. Light maintenance tasks related to public safety and information dissemination will be part of your responsibilities, as will ensuring the protection and proper utilization of the park’s natural resources by visitors. Providing assistance to park guests in both visitor service and first-responder capacities will be essential, along with maintaining up-to-date park posters, bulletin boards, and signs to ensure clear communication of information. Lastly, you will be expected to keep assigned equipment and work areas in a clean and professional state.

In terms of public relations, you will be tasked with presenting a professional image to the public by adhering to the Bureau’s mission and demonstrating professional language and conduct. This includes maintaining a neat uniform appearance, ensuring vehicle cleanliness and readiness, and possessing a comprehensive understanding of the park and its operations. Your demeanor should be confident and approachable, complemented by strong verbal and telephone communication skills, as well as well-honed visitor service abilities. You will provide essential information and assistance to park visitors while also helping to maintain the clarity and visibility of posted information for the public. To excel as a public guide, you will need to demonstrate and communicate an in-depth knowledge of the park and its natural features, ensuring that visitors receive accurate and helpful guidance during their experience.

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 October 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, holidays and weekends will be required, will work 37.5 hrs./5 days 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

QUALIFICATIONS

Special Requirements:

• This position requires possession of an active motor vehicle license.
• This position requires employees obtain a 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.
• 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.

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.