DCNR Ranger Trainee (Seasonal) - Kettle Creek State Park Complex

Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 48,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania seeks a DCNR Ranger Trainee at Kettle Creek State Park Complex in Renovo, PA. This seasonal, full-time role focuses on public safety, visitor assistance, and conservation work.

Responsibilities include park patrol, information services, basic law enforcement procedures, emergency response, and daily record-keeping. Requires 15 college credits in relevant fields and 6 months of visitor services experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum Experience and Training Requirements: 15 college credits in natural or environmental sciences, natural resource management, park management, parks or outdoor recreation, forestry, environmental education, ecology, wildlife management, or related field.
• Six months of experience providing visitor services in a public park, forest, recreation area, or related center.
• Equivalent combination of experience and training.

Responsibilities

• Park Patrol: Patrol park property to support visitor safety and enforce rules.
• Public Service: Provide information to visitors and assist with permits, fees, and daily tasks.
• Law Enforcement: Learn procedures for enforcing laws and completing reports.
• Emergency Response: Assist in emergencies with first aid, rescues, and directing traffic.
• Facility Inspection: Check buildings, signs, and equipment for safety.
• Record Keeping: Complete logs and reports using computer programs.

Skills

Public safety

Visitor services

First aid

Law enforcement

Emergency response

Education

15 college credits (natural/environmental sciences)

6 months visitor services experience

Job description

Salary: $23.15 Hourly

Location: Clinton County, PA

Job Type: Civil Service Seasonal Full-Time

Job Number: CS-2026-56193-74745

Department: Department of Conservation & Natural Resources

Division: CN Ket Crk St Prk Complex

Opening Date: 09/01/2026

Closing Date: 9/14/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code: 74745

Position Number: 00110300

Union: PSRA

Bargaining Unit: R4

Pay Group: RG28

Bureau / Division Code: 00386112

Bureau / Division: Kettle Creek State Park Complex

Worksite Address: 97 Kettle Creek Park Lane

Worksite Address (Building): Building A

City: Renovo, Pennsylvania

Zip Code: 17764

Contact Name: Rachel Beam

Contact Email: [e-mail]

THE POSITION

Start a rewarding career path as a DCNR Ranger Trainee with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. This position gives you the chance to grow your abilities in public service, safety, and conservation. You will gain real experience in patrolling park grounds, helping visitors, and supporting vital operations. Choose a role that develops your skills while contributing to the protection of Pennsylvania's natural resources.

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

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position supports public safety, visitor assistance, and conservation work throughout Kettle Creek State Park Complex. As a DCNR Ranger Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Park Patrol: Patrol park property by vehicle, on foot, or by boat to support visitor safety and confirm compliance with rules and laws
• Public Service: Provide helpful information to visitors and assist with permits, fees, and daily office tasks
• Law Enforcement: Learn proper procedures for enforcing laws, investigating incidents, completing reports, and cooperating with other agencies
• Emergency Response: Assist in emergencies by providing first aid, supporting rescues, and directing traffic
• Facility Inspection: Check buildings, signs, and equipment to ensure proper condition and safety
• Record Keeping: Complete daily logs, reports, and documentation using computer programs and established procedures

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. 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 March 2027.
• 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.

Schedule varies, will work 40 hours per week to include weekends and holidays as needed.

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:

• 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 Guidelines.
• 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

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).

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.
• 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.