What are the responsibilities and job description for the DCNR Ranger Trainee Presque Isle State Park position at Commonwealth of PA?
THE POSITION
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 that supports visitors and protects natural resources. Join a team that values learning, growth, and dedication to Pennsylvania’s parks.
Watch this video to see how DCNR Rangers make Pennsylvania a better place to work, live and play!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
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. As a DCNR Ranger Trainee, you will perform the following duties:
- 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
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 February 2026 until October 2026 at which time the employee will be placed on leave without pay. The employee will automatically be returned to employment February 2027.
- Days and shifts will vary; position requires a 40-hour workweek, including holidays and weekends.
- 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:
- 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
- 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:
- 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 (Download PDF reader) 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.
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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.
- All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.
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.
EXAMINATION INFORMATION
- Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
- Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
- Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
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You must provide complete and accurate information or:
- your score may be lower than deserved.
- you may be disqualified.
- You may only apply/test once for this posting.
- Your results will be provided via email.
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See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.
Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.
- Eligibility rules apply.