DCNR Ranger - William Penn Forest District

DCNR Ranger Position in the William Penn Forest District

The DCNR Ranger position in the William Penn Forest District offers an exciting chance to serve the public while protecting natural spaces. This role allows you to patrol beautiful forest areas, respond to emergencies, and help visitors enjoy the outdoors safely. You will take on meaningful work that supports conservation and strengthens community connections. This is a great opportunity for applicants who want an engaging and rewarding career.

This position serves the public by providing safety, education, and enforcement services throughout the William Penn Forest District. It combines emergency response, public interaction, and resource protection. As a DCNR Ranger, you will perform the following duties:

• Public Interaction: Engage visitors professionally and provide information on forest rules, recreation and natural resources
• Law Enforcement: Patrol assigned areas, issue citations, and conduct investigations in accordance with State Forest Officer responsibilities
• Educational Outreach: Present programs, lead hikes, and assist in developing materials that support environmental education
• Emergency Response: Administer aid, assist in search efforts, and monitor communications to support public safety
• Resource Support: Maintain signs, assist with social media efforts and help manage camping areas and recreational sites
• Fire Assistance: Support wildland fire prevention programs and participate in fire activities within qualification limits

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• 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, weekends, and evenings.
• Overtime and travel may be required
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Successful completion of the DCNR Ranger Trainee (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration) program; or
• Completion of a department approved law enforcement training program and 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
• One year of experience as a forest or park ranger at a park or recreational facility which includes the authority to exercise the powers of arrest.

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 obtain commission as a State Park or State Forest Officer and maintain this commission for the duration of employment in this job.
• 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 probationary 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.  (Download PDF reader) to learn more about these requirements.
• PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• This position falls under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law. Under the…