DCNR Ranger Trainee; Seasonal; Trough Creek State Park

Start your journey toward a career that protects Pennsylvania parks! The DCNR Ranger Trainee position with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources offers hands‑on learning in safety, conservation, and public service. You will gain real experience while supporting visitors and caring for natural spaces. This is a meaningful way to grow your skills and build a strong future.

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

This position provides training and hands‑on experience to help you develop the skills needed to support park operations, visitor safety, and conservation efforts. As a DCNR Ranger Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Patrol
  
  Activities:
  
  Operate vehicles and equipment to monitor park grounds and support visitor safety
• Visitor Assistance:Provide guidance, help, and information to park visitors during daily operations
• Law Enforcement Support:Accompany supervisors and Rangers on patrol and assist in completing reports and logs
• Emergency Response:Aid in first aid, search efforts, accident support, and traffic direction during emergencies
• Reports and Inspections:Record observations and conditions related to facilities, equipment, safety, and attendance

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

• 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 hours are 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with a 30‑minute lunch.
• Days and shifts will vary, 40 hours per week to include evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• 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.

• 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

• 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…