DCNR Ranger (Seasonal) - Ridley Creek State Park

The Department of Conservation & Natural Resources is seeking candidates for the position of DCNR Ranger, a vital role that combines elements of public service, safety, and law enforcement within the scenic Ridley Creek State Park Complex. This position involves actively patrolling the park's grounds and boundaries to engage with visitors, ensuring their safety, and enforcing compliance with park regulations as well as the Commonwealth's Criminal and Vehicle Codes. The responsibilities of a DCNR Ranger are crucial for maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment for all park-goers. If you are passionate about conservation and public service, we encourage you to apply today!

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

In this position, you will be responsible for patrolling the grounds of the State Park, utilizing various modes of transportation such as foot, motor vehicle, ATV, snowmobile, bicycle, or boat. Your primary focus will be to ensure the safety of visitors while also protecting the park's natural resources. You will assist visitors in need, conduct inspections of buildings and facilities to uphold security and safety standards, and ensure that all informational materials, including posters and signs, are up-to-date and in good condition. Additionally, you will maintain assigned equipment, including vehicles and work areas, ensuring they are functional and kept in a clean and orderly state.

As a representative of the park, you will embody a professional Park Ranger image through your uniform, communication skills, courteous demeanor, and extensive knowledge of the park's environment, history, rules, and regulations. Your role will involve providing information and assistance to park visitors, staffing park offices and visitor centers, and managing visitor registrations and facility usage through the Park Resource Registration System (PRRS). Collaboration with volunteers will also be a key aspect of your responsibilities.

In the realm of law enforcement, you will enforce legal provisions relevant to State Parks and Forests, which includes making arrests and issuing citations in accordance with state laws and departmental guidelines. You will investigate complaints, accidents, and crimes, determining appropriate actions to take while preparing incident reports. Cooperation with local and state police, as well as the Fish and Game Commissions, will be essential. You will also be involved in prosecuting cases, presenting evidence, and testifying in court on behalf of the Commonwealth. Maintaining your certifications and qualifications related to the use of offensive and defensive weapons, as well as managing property logs, lost and found items, attendance reports, and radio equipment inventory and repairs, will be part of your duties.

In emergency situations, you will take the lead, effectively communicating via two-way radio and in writing. Your participation in search and rescue operations and investigations will be crucial to ensuring the safety of both visitors and park resources. You will provide first aid and CPR in accordance with your current certifications, demonstrating your commitment to the well-being of all individuals within the park.

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

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• 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 2025 until November 2025 at which time the employee will be placed on leave without pay. The employee will automatically be returned to employment approximately March 2026.
• Shift hours and days vary due to operational need, 8 hour shifts, 5 days per week.
• Weekends, holidays, and all shifts as needed at 40 hours per week.
• 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.

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Successful completion of the DCNR Ranger Trainee (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration) program; or
• Completion of a department approved law enforcement training program and 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
• One year of experience as a forest or park ranger at a park or recreational facility which includes the authority to exercise the powers of arrest.

• 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 obtain commission as a State Park or State Forest Officer and maintain this commission for the duration of employment in this job.
• 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 probationary 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. Click here to learn more about these requirements.
• PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
• 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.

Commonwealth employees who wish to use their seniority rights must apply to the internal posting for their seniority rights to be considered.

How to Apply:

• 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 not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

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.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.