The DCNR Ranger with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources plays an important part in keeping the Elk Forest District safe, welcoming, and well cared for. This role offers a mix of patrol work, public contact, and resource protection that makes every day different. It is a great fit for someone who enjoys being active and making a positive impact. Become part of a dedicated team that supports visitors and protects our state forests.
Watch this video to see how DCNR Rangers make Pennsylvania a better place to work, live and play!
This position supports the Elk Forest District by promoting public safety, protecting natural resources, and maintaining a visible presence throughout the state forest. The role includes patrol work, public assistance, and enforcement responsibilities to help ensure a safe and positive experience for all visitors. As a DCNR Ranger, you will perform the following duties:
- Forest Patrols: Conduct motorized and foot patrols to check permits, address complaints, and ensure visitor safety
- Public Assistance: Provide information to visitors and support public outreach and educational events
- Law Enforcement: Enforce relevant codes, investigate incidents, and prepare required reports and documentation
- Emergency Response: Perform first aid, assist with search and rescue, and respond to emergency situations
- Safety Inspections: Inspect facilities, equipment, and signs while reporting hazards and needed repairs
- Record Keeping: Complete logs, reports, and documentation related to patrol activities and incidents
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
- This is seasonal full-time employment
- Work schedule varies. Will work a 40 hour schedule to include holidays, nights 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.
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
- Successful completion of the DCNR Ranger Trainee (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration) 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:
- 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 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:
- 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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.