DCNR Ranger Trainee - French Creek Complex; Seasonal

The DCNR Ranger Trainee position with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources at the French Creek Complex offers an exciting start to a meaningful career. This role places you at the heart of visitor service, outdoor safety, and park protection. You will learn valuable skills while working in beautiful natural settings. Join a team that protects public lands and supports safe and enjoyable park experiences.

This position supports public safety, resource protection, and visitor service throughout the French Creek Complex. The role involves training, patrol duties, and participation in law enforcement activities under supervision. As a DCNR Ranger Trainee, in addition to participating in a 12‑month off‑site training program aimed at developing the vital skills and techniques necessary for the role of a DCNR Ranger, you will perform the following duties:

• Park Patrol: Travel through park grounds by vehicle, boat, or foot to protect visitors, facilities, and natural resources
• Rule Enforcement: Support enforcement of park regulations, state laws, and safety requirements under supervision
• Visitor Assistance: Provide information about park facilities, history, recreation, and local attractions
• Incident Response: Assist with reports, investigations, and actions related to theft, vandalism, or safety concerns
• Facility Security: Check, secure, open, and close park buildings and gates according to schedules
• Emergency Support: Participate in traffic control, search and rescue efforts, and maintenance of safety equipment

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 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with a 30‑minute lunch
• Days and shifts vary and include a 40‑hour work week with required holidays and weekends
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• 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

• 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
• You must meet the PA residency requirement
• 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

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.