DCNR Ranger Trainee (Seasonal, Full-time) - Tuscarora State Park

The Department of Conservation & Natural Resources is excited to announce an opening for the position of DCNR Ranger Trainee. This role offers a comprehensive one-year training program that combines formal education with hands-on experience, aimed at equipping candidates with essential skills in various critical areas. Trainees will engage in public interaction and customer service, gaining insights into the latest trends and challenges in outdoor recreation and conservation. Additionally, they will learn about fundamental conservation principles, environmental education, and public safety protocols. Familiarity with departmental policies, procedures, rules, and regulations, as well as law enforcement practices, will also be integral to their training. This position is a fantastic opportunity for those passionate about preserving natural resources and serving the community. Do not miss your chance to apply today!

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

In this position, your primary responsibilities will involve supporting the patrol of the park and its various facilities while effectively addressing any situations that may arise. These situations can encompass a range of issues, including safety concerns, providing assistance to park visitors, managing emergencies, and addressing violations of Commonwealth or Park laws, rules, and regulations. Additionally, you will be tasked with maintaining detailed monthly and daily logs that document the status and condition of campgrounds, facilities, and equipment, as well as visitor safety, incidents, citations, arrests, accidents, and attendance records. You will also prepare launching, mooring, and camping permits by inputting relevant information into the Reservation and Revenue System. Furthermore, your role will include collecting fees and aiding in the preparation of transmittals by verifying the accuracy of daily receipts and facilitating bank deposits.

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 2025 until November 2025 at which time the employee will be placed on leave without pay. The employee will automatically be returned to employment approximately March 2026.
• Shift hours and days vary due to operational need, 8 hour shifts, 5 days per week.
• Weekends, holidays, and all shifts as needed at 40 hours per week.
• 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.

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.

• All candidates 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.
• 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 clearance.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.
  
  

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.