DCNR Ranger Trainee; Seasonal - Memorial Lake State Park Complex

THE POSITION

If you have a passion for the great outdoors, enjoy engaging with the community, and aspire to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others, this may be the career move you have been waiting for! The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is eager to welcome a dedicated and collaborative professional to join the Memorial Lake State Park Complex team as a Seasonal DCNR Ranger Trainee.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to interact with the public while gaining the skills necessary to enforce essential State Park rules and regulations, further ensuring the preservation of our natural resources. This position not only allows you to experience the fulfillment that comes from serving the community but also offers avenues for professional development and career advancement.

Apply today and take pride in knowing that your diligent efforts are providing for a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors! Watch this video to see how DCNR Rangers make Pennsylvania a better place to work, live and play!

As a DCNR Ranger Trainee, you will participate in a one‑year formal and on‑the‑job training to develop the necessary skills and techniques in the areas of public contact and customer service; current developments and issues in the areas of outdoor recreation and conservation; conservation principles; environmental education; public safety; departmental policies, procedures, rules, and regulations; and law enforcement, in order to perform the work of a DCNR Ranger.

Specific duties will include assisting with patrols of the park and its facilities, and responding appropriately to any situation which may arise. These situations may include safety issues, park visitors that require assistance, emergencies, and violations of Commonwealth or park laws, rules, or regulations. Other duties may include completing monthly and daily logs including the status and condition of campgrounds, facilities, equipment, visitor safety, incidents, citations, arrests, accidents and attendance;

preparing launching, mooring, and camping permits by entering the information into the Reservation and Revenue System; and collecting fees and assisting in the preparation of transmittals by checking daily receipts for accuracy and making bank deposits.

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.
• Work will be scheduled 5 days/40 hours per week, and will include a 30‑minute lunch. Work days and shifts will vary and will 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.

• 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.

• 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…