DCNR Ranger Trainee - Ricketts Glen State Park

THE POSITION

Start a meaningful journey as a DCNR Ranger Trainee with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources! This role places you at the heart of Ricketts Glen State Park, where you help protect both people and natural spaces. Each day offers new opportunities to learn, grow, and make a real impact. Join a team that values dedication, service, and a love for the outdoors!

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 overall safety, protection, and visitor experience at Ricketts Glen State Park. It offers training in public service, law enforcement, and emergency response. As a DCNR Ranger Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Park Patrol: Monitor park grounds and boundaries to support visitor safety and resource protection
• Visitor Support: Provide information, assistance, and a professional presence for park guests
• Law Enforcement: Learn enforcement procedures, investigate incidents, and prepare required reports
• Emergency Response: Assist with first aid, CPR, search and rescue, and traffic direction during urgent situations
• Facility Checks: Inspect buildings, structures, and equipment to maintain safe and clean conditions

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 Fingerprint cl