DCNR Ranger Trainee (Seasonal) - Little Pine State Park

The DCNR Ranger Trainee role with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources offers a chance to build strong skills while supporting Little Pine State Park. This position provides hands-on learning that helps you grow into a confident and capable Ranger. You will take part in important tasks that protect visitors and park resources. This opportunity sets the foundation for a rewarding future in public service.

About the role

This position focuses on guided training that prepares you to support public contact, visitor safety, park protection, and law enforcement at Little Pine State Park and nearby areas. You will build the skills needed to respond to park needs and assist visitors in a variety of situations.

Responsibilities

• Park Support: Assist with patrols of park grounds, facilities, and boundaries to ensure visitor safety and rule compliance
• Visitor Assistance: Provide information, help visitors with concerns, and prepare permits and related documents
• Emergency Response: Respond to accidents, safety issues, and urgent situations and assist with first aid as required
• Log Completion: Record daily and monthly details on facilities, equipment, incidents, attendance, and safety conditions
• Rule Enforcement: Support enforcement of park regulations, state laws, and safety requirements under supervision

Schedule

• Seasonal, full-time position from approximately March 2026 until December 2026, with leave without pay until March 2027
• Work hours: 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Wednesday - Sunday, with a 30-minute lunch
• Days and shifts may vary to include holidays and weekends
• 40 hours per week
• No telework option

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 disqualifying)
• Pass a physical fitness test within 6 months of the start of employment
• Meet Pennsylvania residency requirement
• Pass a background investigation, including PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance
• Compliance with Child Protective Services Law (Act 153 of 2014), requiring Child Abuse, Criminal, and Federal Criminal History Checks at hire and every 5 years thereafter