DCNR Ranger Trainee; Seasonal - Maurice K Goddard State Park

If you are enthusiastic about the beauty of nature, enjoy connecting with people, and want to make a significant difference in the lives of others, consider joining Maurice K Goddard State Park within the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) as a seasonal Ranger Trainee.

• Park Patrol: Monitor park property by vehicle, boat, bicycle, ATV, and foot to ensure visitor safety and compliance with park rules.
• Law Enforcement: Issue warnings, citations, and arrests when necessary while enforcing criminal, vehicle, and park codes.
• Emergency Response: Provide first aid, assist in search and rescue efforts, and take action during urgent situations.
• Public Assistance: Answer visitor questions, share park information, and support public programs and presentations.
• Investigation Work: Investigate complaints, accidents, and suspected violations and prepare detailed reports.
• Facility Oversight: Inspect park buildings, boundaries, and trails to ensure safety, security, and proper maintenance.

• This is a seasonal, full‑time position with no healthcare benefits. There is no option to buy into health care benefits. The season runs from approximately March 2025 until November 2025, at which time the employee will be placed on leave without pay. The employee will automatically be returned to employment in March 2026.
• Work will be scheduled 5 days/40 hours per week, including 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.
• 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). 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 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.
• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the 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.

• 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…