DCNR Ranger Trainee (Seasonal) - Oil Creek State Park

THE POSITION

Become a DCNR Ranger Trainee with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and start a career that blends service, safety, and the outdoors! This role gives you hands-on training while helping visitors enjoy Pennsylvania state parks. You will grow your abilities and take on meaningful responsibilities while learning at Oil Creek State Park. Join a team that cares about people and natural resources!

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


DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This role supports the daily operations of the park by helping protect visitors, facilities, and natural resources. As a DCNR Ranger Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Park Patrol: Monitor park grounds, trails, and facilities to support visitor safety and promote awareness of rules
• Public Contact: Provide helpful information to visitors and maintain a professional presence in the park
• Training Support: Develop skills needed for law enforcement tasks under supervision
• Emergency Response: Assist in first aid, search efforts, and traffic direction during critical situations
• Report Writing: Record daily activities and monthly logs, incidents, and observations for park documentation

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 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.
• Days and shifts will vary, 40 hours per week to include weekends, evenings, and holidays when needed.
• 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 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 Guidelines.
• 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