DCNR Ranger Trainee (Seasonal) - Ridley Creek State Park

The Department of Conservation & Natural Resources is seeking candidates for the position of DCNR Ranger Trainee, 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 Trainee 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!

This role entails engaging in a comprehensive one-year training program that combines formal education with practical, on-the-job experience to cultivate essential skills in public interaction and customer service. Trainees will gain insights into contemporary issues and advancements in outdoor recreation and conservation, as well as foundational knowledge of conservation principles, environmental education, public safety, and the relevant policies, procedures, rules, and regulations of the Department. Additionally, the training will cover aspects of law enforcement necessary for the responsibilities of a DCNR Ranger. Key responsibilities will include assisting in the patrol of park areas and facilities, effectively addressing various situations that may arise, such as safety concerns, visitor assistance requests, emergencies, and potential violations of Commonwealth or Park laws. Other tasks may involve maintaining detailed monthly and daily logs that document the status of campgrounds, facilities, equipment, visitor safety, incidents, citations, arrests, accidents, and attendance records. Furthermore, the ranger will be responsible for processing launching, mooring, and camping permits by inputting data into the Reservation and Revenue System, as well as collecting fees and ensuring the accuracy of daily receipts to facilitate bank deposits and prepare financial transmittals.

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:

• 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.

• 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. Click here 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.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• 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.

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.