DCNR Ranger Trainee (Seasonal) - Trough Creek State Park

THE POSITION

If you are enthusiastic about the beauty of nature, enjoy connecting with people, and wish to make a significant difference in the lives of others, consider joining the Canoe Creek State Park Complex within the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) as a Ranger Trainee. This position allows you to support public safety while helping visitors explore beautiful natural areas. Here, you will have the opportunity to further develop your skills as you learn how to participate in patrol work, emergency response, and community engagement. Apply today to join a team that values professionalism, service, and a strong commitment to protecting Pennsylvania parks!

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

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position focuses on public safety, visitor support, and resource protection throughout Trough Creek State Park and the Canoe Creek State Park Complex. Within this role, you will learn how to carry out patrols, assist visitors, respond to emergencies, and complete documentation that supports safe park operations. As a DCNR Ranger Trainee, you will learn how to perform the following duties:

• Park Patrol: Observe visitor activity on foot, bicycle, motor vehicle, or boat to support safe use of park facilities
• Visitor Support: Assist visitors by providing information, guidance, and a professional presence throughout the park
• Law Enforcement: Enforce state park laws and regulations, investigate incidents, and prepare reports as required
• Emergency Response: Respond to accidents, search and rescue events, and other urgent situations to protect visitors and park resources
• Report Completion: Prepare daily, monthly, and annual records including incidents, citations, arrests, and safety logs
• Equipment Use: Operate vehicles, communication equipment, and other tools needed to complete assigned duties

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 2026 until November 2026 at which time the employee will be placed on leave without pay. The employee will automatically be returned to employment in March 2027.
• Work will be scheduled 5 days/40 hours per week, and will include 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.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

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.

Special Requirements:

• 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 from the position.

Other Requirements:

• This position requires employees to successfully pass a physical fitness test within 6 months of the start of employme