DCNR Ranger Trainee (Seasonal) - Canoe Creek State Park Complex
About The Position
Bring your interest in the outdoors to a role that offers meaningful public service! As a DCNR Ranger Trainee, you will support park visitors and learn the foundations of conservation, safety and outdoor education. This position provides hands-on experience through classroom instruction, field assignments and public interactions. You will develop skills that help keep parks welcoming, safe and enjoyable for everyone. Join a team that works every day to protect natural resources and assist the public! Watch this video to see how DCNR Rangers make Pennsylvania a better place to work, live and play! DESCRIPTION OF WORK This position supports park operations by assisting with visitor services, patrol duties, safety tasks and field learning assignments across multiple state parks. As a DCNR Ranger Trainee, you will perform the following duties: Park Patrols: Traverse park areas on foot, bike, vehicle, or boat to observe visitor activities and ensure safety Visitor Assistance: Provide information on park rules, programs, and facilities while maintaining a professional presence Law Enforcement Support: Accompany supervisors during patrols and assist in preparing reports and maintaining records Emergency Response: Assist in search and rescue efforts, administer first aid, and direct traffic during incidents Report Preparation: Compile data and enter information into required logs and forms for incidents and park activities Equipment Operation: Use vehicles, radios, boats, GPS units, and other tools to support park operations and documentation
Requirements
- Minimum of 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
- 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
- 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
- Must successfully complete a structured law enforcement training program to obtain authority in exercising the powers of arrest during the trainee period
- 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
- Must pass psychological testing (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI))
- Must pass Pennsylvania State Police and FBI Criminal Background Checks
- Must successfully pass a physical fitness test within 6 months of the start of employment
- Must meet the PA residency requirement
- Must be able to perform essential job functions
- Must pass a background investigation
- Must submit and have approved satisfactory criminal history reports including, but not limited to, PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance
Responsibilities
- Traverse park areas on foot, bike, vehicle, or boat to observe visitor activities and ensure safety
- Provide information on park rules, programs, and facilities while maintaining a professional presence
- Accompany supervisors during patrols and assist in preparing reports and maintaining records
- Assist in search and rescue efforts, administer first aid, and direct traffic during incidents
- Compile data and enter information into required logs and forms for incidents and park activities
- Use vehicles, radios, boats, GPS units, and other tools to support park operations and documentation
Benefits
- No healthcare benefits
- No option to buy into health care benefits
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
