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Park Resource Ranger (Seasonal) - Laurel Caverns State Park

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh, PAvia Commonwealth of PA

Step into a rewarding career with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources as a Park Resource Ranger! This position places you at the heart of park activity, where you assist visitors and support safe recreation. You will be part of a dedicated team that keeps park areas welcoming and secure. Help protect the natural beauty of our parks while making a positive difference every day!


This position focuses on supporting visitor safety and providing customer service across park areas while maintaining a professional presence. You will work in active outdoor settings and assist with many aspects of daily park operations. As a Park Resource Ranger, you will perform the following duties:

  • Public Interaction: Meet visitors, answer questions, and share information about park features and surrounding areas
  • Patrol Duties: Patrol park grounds by vehicle, e-bicycle, and on foot while explaining rules and reporting concerns to proper staff
  • Safety Monitoring: Inspect buildings, trails, and caverns for hazards and act to correct or report issues
  • Emergency Support: Assist staff during emergencies such as rescues, first aid needs, and weather events
  • Maintenance Tasks: Perform light upkeep such as litter pickup, sign painting, and trail marking
  • Program Assistance: Support environmental education programs, volunteer projects, and event preparation

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 April 2026 until December 2026 at which time the employee will be placed on leave without pay. The employee will automatically be returned to employment April 2027. 
  • Days and shifts will vary due to the seasonal nature of the position. You will work 37.5 hours, 5 days per week, including 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

Special Requirements:

  • All positions require possession of an active motor vehicle license.
  • 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 within 60 days of employment.

Other 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.

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 dateLate 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.
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