DCNR Ranger Trainee (Seasonal) - Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center

About the role

As a DCNR Ranger Trainee, you will gain valuable experience that builds the foundation for a meaningful career in conservation and public safety. This position blends outdoor work, visitor interaction, and essential training to help you grow into a confident ranger. You will support daily operations and learn how to respond to situations throughout the park. Join a role where your dedication helps strengthen the future of Pennsylvania’s park system. Watch this video to see how DCNR Rangers make Pennsylvania a better place to work, live and play!

Responsibilities

• Park Patrols: Assist with patrolling park grounds and facilities to support safety and rule compliance
• Visitor Assistance: Provide help, information, and customer service to visitors throughout the park
• Safety Response: Respond to emergencies, safety concerns, and violations of park rules or state laws
• Record Keeping: Complete daily and monthly logs documenting facility conditions, incidents, and visitor activity
• Permit Processing: Prepare camping, launching, and mooring permits using the Reservation and Revenue System
• Fee Collection: Collect fees, verify receipts, and assist with preparing transmittals and bank deposits

Qualifications

• Minimum Experience and Training 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.
• Special Requirements: Must be at least 21 years of age at time of employment; possession of an active motor vehicle license; successfully complete a structured law enforcement training program to obtain authority in exercising powers of arrest during the trainee period; 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; 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.
• Other Requirements: Successfully pass a physical fitness test within 6 months of start of employment; meet the PA residency requirement; be able to perform essential job functions.
• Legal Requirements: Pass a background investigation; this position falls under the Child Protective Services Law; a conditional offer requires submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports including PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance; in accordance with Act 153 of 2014, complete Child Abuse, Criminal and Federal Criminal History Checks around the time of hire and thereafter every 5 years.

Schedule

• Full-time employment
• Seasonal, full-time position with no healthcare benefits (no option to buy into health care)
• Season runs approximately March 2026 until November 2026; employee placed on leave without pay then automatically returned to employment March 2027
• Work schedule: 40 hours/5 days per week, including holidays and weekends
• Telework not permitted