DCNR Ranger Trainee (Seasonal) - Presque Isle State Park

THE POSITION

Embark on a meaningful and adventure-filled career as a DCNR Ranger Trainee, where you will gain the skills and confidence needed to protect Pennsylvania's natural resources and serve the public. In this role, you will receive hands-on training in public safety, environmental education, conservation practices, customer service, and foundational law enforcement. This program is designed to help you grow professionally while preparing you for the responsibilities of a full DCNR Ranger. If you are looking for a vibrant career path that blends outdoor work, public service, and personal development, this trainee position is an excellent first step toward a rewarding and impactful future.

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

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position involves completing a one-year combination of formal instruction and on-the-job training designed to develop the skills needed to perform the work of a DCNR Ranger. Throughout the program, you will gain experience in public contact and customer service, outdoor recreation and conservation issues, environmental education, public safety, departmental policies and procedures, and foundational law enforcement. As a trainee, you will assist with park patrols, respond to a variety of situations, and support daily park operations while building the knowledge and confidence required for full ranger responsibilities.

Training & Skill Development

• Participate in structured training covering public safety, customer service, environmental education, conservation principles, and law enforcement fundamentals.
• Learn and apply Departmental policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Develop practical skills through hands-on assignments and field experience.

Patrol & Public Safety

• Assist with patrols of the park and its facilities to ensure visitor safety and resource protection.
• Respond appropriately to situations such as safety concerns, visitor assistance needs, emergencies, and violations of Commonwealth or Park laws and regulations.
• Support rangers in managing incidents and maintaining a safe environment for all park users.

Operational Support & Documentation

• Complete daily and monthly logs documenting campground conditions, facility status, equipment needs, visitor safety issues, incidents, citations, arrests, accidents, and attendance.
• Prepare launching, mooring, and camping permits by entering information into the Reservation and Revenue System (PRRS).
• Collect fees, verify daily receipts for accuracy, and assist with preparing transmittals and bank deposits.

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. 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.
• Shift hours and days vary due to operational need, 40 hours per week, to include holidays and weekends.
• 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.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

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.

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.