DCNR Ranger Trainee; Seasonal - Beltzville State Park

Overview

As a DCNR Ranger Trainee with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, you can start building the knowledge needed to keep parks safe and welcoming. This position gives you structured training in public contact, emergency response, and outdoor operations. You will develop confidence while learning directly from skilled park staff. This role offers an exciting path toward becoming a certified DCNR Ranger.

Watch this video to see how DCNR Rangers make Pennsylvania a better place to work, live and play!

This role provides structured training in park operations, visitor service, conservation education, and basic law enforcement functions. It supports park safety and daily operations while preparing you for full ranger responsibilities.

• Training Program:
  Participate in classroom instruction and field training to learn ranger duties
• Visitor Support:
  Assist park visitors by providing information and helping with routine needs
• Patrol
  
  Activities:
  
  Accompany rangers on patrols and observe building and grounds inspections
• Emergency Response:
  Learn and practice basic first aid, CPR and search and rescue procedures
• Law Enforcement:
  Train in complaint handling, incident reporting and radio communication techniques
• Equipment Use:
  Operate park vehicles and equipment as directed during supervised assignments

• 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 schedule will vary, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, will work a 40-hour work week, holidays and weekends will be required.
• Telework:
  You will not have the option to telework 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
• 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
• 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

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education)
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will…