DCNR Ranger Trainee (Seasonal) - Raymond B Winter State Park Complex

THE POSITION

Step into a rewarding role as a Full-time Seasonal DCNR Ranger Trainee with the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources. This position gives you the chance to help visitors enjoy Raymond B Winter State Park Complex while protecting its natural resources. You will be part of a team that values public service and outdoor stewardship. Join us and help keep one of Pennsylvania's remarkable parks safe and welcoming.

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

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This role focuses on visitor support, park protection, and learning the full range of ranger responsibilities. As a Full-time Seasonal DCNR Ranger Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Patrol Activities: Patrol park grounds on foot, by vehicle or by boat to promote safety and protect facilities
• Visitor Assistance: Provide guidance, answer questions and help visitors understand rules and available services
• Law Enforcement: Apply park laws and regulations, respond to incidents and prepare detailed reports
• Emergency Response: Assist in emergencies, give first aid and help maintain safe conditions during incidents
• Communication Tasks: Share essential information with supervisors and managers, especially during urgent situations
• Reports and Inspections: Complete logs, review facility conditions and use computer systems to prepare official materials

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 and shifts will vary, and the schedule will include 40 hours per week across five workdays. Work on holidays and weekends will be required.
• 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.
• 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:

• This position requires employees to successfully pass a physical fitness test within 6 months of the start of employment. Click here to learn more about these 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 Serv