DCNR Ranger Trainee; Seasonal - Trough Creek State Park

Position Overview

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) invites applicants to join the Canoe Creek State Park Complex as a Ranger Trainee. The role supports public safety, visitor service, and resource protection in Trough Creek State Park and the Canoe Creek State Park Complex. The position is seasonal, full‑time (March–November 2026) and requires no health‑care benefits.

• Patrol park areas to observe and support safe visitor use.
• Assist visitors by providing information and a professional presence.
• Enforce park laws, investigate incidents, and prepare reports.
• Respond to emergencies, including search and rescue, accidents, and other urgent situations.
• Complete daily, monthly, and annual records, including incidents, citations, arrests, and safety logs.
• Operate vehicles, communication equipment, and other tools required for duties.

• Seasonal full‑time position (approximately March 2026 – November 2026). Employee placed on unpaid leave thereafter and automatically returned to employment in March 2027.
• Work 5 days per week, 40 hours per week with a 30‑minute lunch. Shifts include weekends, holidays, and evenings.
• No telework option.
• No health‑care benefits.

• Six months of visitor‑service experience in a public park, forest, recreation area, or privately‑owned nature or outdoor education center.
• Or completion of 15 college credits in natural or environmental sciences, natural resource management, park management, outdoor recreation, forestry, environmental education, ecology, wildlife management, or a closely related field.
• Or an equivalent combination of experience and training.

• Minimum age 21 at time of employment.
• Active motor‑vehicle license.
• Successful completion of a structured law‑enforcement training program during the trainee period.
• 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.
• Pass psychological testing (MMPI). Failure may result in removal.
• Pass Pennsylvania State Police and FBI criminal background checks. Conviction of a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment may result in removal.

• Pass a physical fitness test within 6 months of start of employment.
• Meet Pennsylvania residency requirement.
• Must be able to perform essential job functions.

• Must pass background investigation.
• Falls under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law, requiring satisfactory criminal history reports including PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI fingerprint clearance.

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents are not reviewed. Eligibility must be demonstrated within the application form.
• Attach a copy of college transcripts for any claimed education to satisfy the minimum requirements.
• Submit application by the posting closing date. Late applications are not accepted.
• Compliance with application requirements is necessary; failure may eliminate consideration.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience. Generative AI tools may be used only for preparation; use to misrepresent or to assist during interviews is prohibited.

• Pennsylvania law provides employment preference for qualified veterans. For more information, see the Veterans page on PA.gov.

• Contact 711 for hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals.

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.

• Completing the application and supplemental questions serves as the exam for this position. No additional test is required.
• The score is based solely on the information provided in the application and supplemental questions. The score is valid for this posting only.
• Accuracy of information is required. Inaccurate information may result in a lower score or disqualification.
• Only one application/ test is permitted for this posting.
• Results will be provided via email.