DCNR Ranger Trainee - Hickory Run State Park Complex

THE POSITION

If you are enthusiastic about the beauty of nature, enjoy connecting with people, and wish to make a significant difference in the lives of others, consider joining the Hickory Run State Park Complex within the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) as a seasonal Ranger Trainee. This position allows you to support public safety while helping visitors explore the beautiful natural areas of the Commonwealth.

This position focuses on ensuring the safety of park visitors, protecting park resources, and providing public contact throughout the park. Within this role, you will gain the skills necessary to conduct patrol duties, provide emergency response, participate in law enforcement tasks, and assist visitors.

• Park Patrol:
  Conduct patrols by vehicle, boat, bike, or on foot to maintain visitor safety and resource protection
• Visitor Assistance:
  Provide information, guidance, and support to park guests during their visits
• Law Enforcement:
  Enforce park rules, investigate incidents, and work with partner agencies when needed
• Emergency Response:
  Take charge during emergencies, administer first aid, and assist in rescues and traffic control
• Reporting Tasks:
  Complete detailed logs, reports, and inspections related to facilities, equipment, and visitor activity

• This is a seasonal, full-time position with no healthcare 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 in 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, weekends, and evenings.
• Telework:
  You will not have the option to telework in this position.

• 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.

• 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.

• This position requires employees to successfully pass a physical fitness test within 6 months of the start of employment.  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.

• 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.
• In accordance with Act 153 of 2014 this position is required to complete Child Abuse, Criminal and Federal Criminal History Checks around the time of hire and thereafter every 5 years.

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.