DCNR Ranger Trainee; Seasonal - Susquehannock Forest District

DCNR Ranger Trainee

The DCNR Ranger Trainee position at the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources offers a rewarding path for individuals who enjoy working outdoors and helping others. As a trainee, you will support forest safety and resource protection while building confidence and professional skills, preparing you for future ranger responsibilities in a supportive learning environment. Take the first step toward a career that makes a positive impact across Pennsylvania parks and forests.

In this role, you will undergo formal and on‑the‑job training to learn about supporting visitor safety, protecting forest resources, and providing helpful public contact throughout the forest district. Your duties include:

• Visitor Support:
  Provide assistance, information, and guidance to visitors throughout the forest district.
• Patrol
  
  Activities:
  
  Conduct routine patrols by vehicle or foot to support safety and forest protection.
• Investigating Incidents:
  Examine complaints, accidents, and violations to determine appropriate follow‑up actions.
• Emergency Response:
  Assist with emergencies, wildland fires, accidents, and search and rescue operations.
• Facility Checks:
  Inspect recreational facilities, equipment, and forest areas to ensure safe and orderly conditions.
• Documentation:
  Complete logs, reports, and records related to incidents, inspections, and daily activities.

• This is a seasonal, full‑time position with no healthcare benefits. The season runs from approximately March 2026 to November 2026, after which the employee will be placed on leave without pay and automatically returned to employment in March 2027.
• Work schedule is 40 hours per week, including holidays, nights, and weekends.
• Telework:
  Not available in this position.

• 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
• 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
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

• Must be at least 21 years of age at the 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 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 (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 with a possible prison term of more than one year is a basis for removal from the position.

• Must meet the PA residency requirement.
• Must be able to perform essential job functions.

• 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.

• 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 the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry website and click on Veterans.

• 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.