DCNR Ranger Laurel Hill State Park Complex

Commonwealth of PA; Somerset (Somerset County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania seeks a DCNR Ranger to patrol Laurel Hill State Park Complex, assist visitors, enforce regulations, and respond to emergencies to ensure a safe environment. The role supports protection of natural resources and visitor safety while upholding state policies and procedures.

The position emphasizes public interaction, safety inspections, and community outreach, with a schedule that runs through the peak recreation season and requires standard compliance with state law

Qualifications

• Successful completion of the DCNR Ranger Trainee program or equivalent training.
• Law enforcement training and 15 college credits in natural or environmental sciences.
• One year of ranger experience with arrest authority.

Responsibilities

• Patrol park grounds and monitor safety.
• Provide information and guidance to visitors.
• Enforce regulations and issue warnings or citations.
• Respond to emergencies including first aid and CPR.
• Conduct safety inspections of facilities and report hazards.
• Engage with communities and lead safety education.

Skills

Public interaction

Emergency response

First aid/CPR

Patrol operations

Education

Ranger Trainee program completion

Law enforcement training + 15 college credits in natural/environmental sciences

One year ranger experience

Job description

THE POSITION

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is seeking a dedicated DCNR Ranger who is ready to support safe recreation and positive visitor experiences. In this position, you will patrol park grounds, enforce regulations, and assist visitors with information and guidance. You will help safeguard both people and natural resources across the Laurel Hill State Park Complex. Join a team that values professionalism, service, and stewardship.

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

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position focuses on patrolling park areas, assisting visitors, enforcing regulations, and responding to emergencies to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment. You will play an important role in protecting natural resources and maintaining secure conditions throughout the park. As a DCNR Ranger, you will perform the following duties:

• Public Interaction: Provide information, answer questions, and promote safe and appropriate use of park facilities
• Park Patrols: Monitor park grounds by vehicle, bicycle, ATV, snowmobile, or on foot to check conditions and ensure safety
• Law Enforcement: Issue warnings, citations, and complaints while conducting investigations and preparing reports
• Emergency Response: Assist with first aid, CPR, search and rescue operations, and other urgent situations
• Safety Inspections: Inspect buildings, signs, equipment, and public areas and report or correct hazards
• Community Outreach: Lead presentations, educate visitors, and engage with groups about park rules and environmental features

Interested 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. 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 March 2027.
• Employee will work 40 hours/5 days per week to include 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:

• Successful completion of the DCNR Ranger Trainee (commonwealth title) program; or
• Completion of a department approved law enforcement training program and 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
• One year of experience as a forest or park ranger at a park or recreational facility which includes the authority to exercise the powers of arrest.

Special Requirements:

• 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 obtain commission as a State Park or State Forest Officer and maintain this commission for the duration of employment in this job.
• 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 probationary 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:

• PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
• 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.

• In accordance with Act 153 of 2014 this position is required to complete Child Abuse, Criminal and Federal Criminal History Checks around the time of hire and thereafter every 5 years

This position issubject to the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement or memorandum of understanding.If no applicable union-covered bidders apply, other applicants may be considered.

• Seniority rights apply for DCNR Ranger
• Seniority Unit: 500

You must be eligible for selection in accordance with merit system employment regulations.

Recruitment Methods:

• Applicants must meet one of the following methods to be considered for this vacancy:

• Seniority Unit Lateral

• When the collective bargaining obligation(s) have been met; then the following recruitment methods may be used:

• Voluntary Demotion

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.

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!

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.