DCNR Ranger Trainee (Seasonal) Keystone State Park

THE POSITION

If you are enthusiastic about the beauty of nature, enjoy connecting with people, and wish to make a significant difference in the lives of others, consider joining Keystone State Park within the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) as a seasonal Ranger Trainee. This position allows you to support public safety while helping visitors explore beautiful natural areas. Here, you will have the opportunity to further develop your skills as you learn how to participate in patrol work, emergency response, and community engagement. Apply today to join a team that values professionalism, service, and a strong commitment to protecting Pennsylvania 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 supporting visitor safety, protecting park resources, and learning essential ranger skills through structured training. You will work across Keystone State Park to support public contact, law enforcement readiness, and park operations. As a DCNR Ranger Trainee, you will learn how to perform the following duties:
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• Public Contact: Interact with visitors to share information, answer questions, and support positive experiences throughout the park
• Safety Patrols: Monitor park grounds by foot, vehicle, or boat to promote safe recreation and protect natural resources

• Law Enforcement Training: Learn to apply park rules and state laws while assisting with investigations and basic enforcement tasks
• Emergency Response: Assist with first aid, rescues, or urgent situations to protect visitors and maintain order
• Facility Checks: Inspect buildings, structures, and equipment to ensure cleanliness, functionality, and safety
• Report Preparation: Document daily activities, incidents, and inspections using computer programs and written communication toolsInterested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

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 2026 until November 2026 at which time the employee will be placed on leave without pay. The employee will automatically be returned to employment in March 2027.
• Work will be scheduled 5 days/40 hours per week, and will include a 30-minute lunch. Work days and shifts will vary and will include holidays, weekends, and evenings.
• 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:

• 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.

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.

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.

Work Location: In person