DCNR Ranger Trainee - Presque Isle State Park

Step into the role of DCNR Ranger Trainee with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources at Presque Isle State Park. This opportunity allows you to learn vital skills in public service, outdoor safety, and conservation while working in a unique and active park environment. You will take part in training that prepares you for meaningful work supporting visitors and protecting natural resources. Join a team that values learning, growth, and dedication to Pennsylvania’s parks.

About the role

This role focuses on developing essential skills in public service, park safety, conservation principles, and law enforcement through structured training and field assignments. It supports daily park operations and prepares you for full DCNR Ranger responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Training Participation: Attend classroom and physical instruction to learn conservation practices, customer service, environmental education, and basic law enforcement
• Park Patrol: Assist in patrolling park grounds by vehicle, bicycle, ATV, or boat to check visitor safety and resource conditions
• Public Relations: Present a professional image, provide information to visitors, and staff offices or visitor centers as assigned
• Law Enforcement Support: Accompany supervisors and Rangers on patrol and assist in preparing reports and maintaining logs
• Emergency Assistance: Help respond to accidents, injuries, and other urgent situations and provide first aid consistent with certifications
• Reports And Inspections: Assist with daily and monthly logs that document conditions of facilities, equipment, safety issues, and incidents

Schedule

This is a seasonal, full-time position requiring a 40-hour workweek, including holidays and weekends. Days and shifts will vary. The season runs from approximately February 2026 until October 2026, at which time the employee will be placed on leave without pay and automatically returned to employment in February 2027. Telework is not an option for this position.

Requirements

• 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 a closely related field; or
• 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
• An equivalent combination of experience and training
• Must be at least 21 years of age at time of employment
• Possession of an active motor vehicle license
• Successful completion of a structured law enforcement training program to obtain authority in exercising the powers of arrest during the trainee period
• 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
• Pass psychological testing (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI))
• 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 is a basis for removal)
• Pass a physical fitness test within 6 months of the start of employment
• Meet the PA residency requirement
• Ability to perform essential job functions
• Pass a background investigation, including PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance under the Child Protective Services Law