DCNR Ranger Trainee (Seasonal) - Keystone State Park

Job Details Salary: $22.53 Hourly Location: Westmoreland County, PA Job Type: Civil Service Seasonal Full-Time Job Number: CS-2026-52350-74745 Department: Department of Conservation & Natural Resources Division: CN Keystone St Prk Opening Date: 06/25/2026 Closing Date: 7/8/2026 11:59 PM Eastern Position Number: 00130509 Union: PSRA Bargaining Unit: R4 Pay Group: RG28 Worksite Address: 1150 Keystone Park Road, Derry, Pennsylvania 15627 Contact Name: OA, CE Section Intake Division Contact Email: View email address on click.appcast.io Overview If you are enthusiastic about the beauty of nature, enjoy connecting with people, and wish to make a significant difference in the lives of others, consider joining Keystone State Park within the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) as a seasonal Ranger Trainee. This position allows you to support public safety while helping visitors explore beautiful natural areas. Here, you will have the opportunity to further develop your skills as you learn how to participate in patrol work, emergency response, and community engagement. Apply today to join a team that values professionalism, service, and a strong commitment to protecting Pennsylvania parks! Watch this video to see how DCNR Rangers make Pennsylvania a better place to work, live and play! Description of Work This role focuses on supporting visitor safety, protecting park resources, and learning essential ranger skills through structured training. You will work across Keystone State Park to support public contact, law enforcement readiness, and park operations. Public Contact: Interact with visitors to share information, answer questions, and support positive experiences throughout the park Safety Patrols: Monitor park grounds by foot, vehicle, or boat to promote safe recreation and protect natural resources Law Enforcement Training: Learn to apply park rules and state laws while assisting with investigations and basic enforcement tasks Emergency Response: Assist with first aid, rescues, or urgent situations to protect visitors and maintain order Facility Checks: Inspect buildings, structures, and equipment to ensure cleanliness, functionality, and safety Report Preparation: Document daily activities, incidents, and inspections using computer programs and written communication tools 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 no 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 in March 2027. Work will be scheduled 5 days/40 hours per week, and will include a 30‑minute lunch. Work days and shifts will vary and will include holidays, weekends, and evenings. 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 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 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 a closely related field; or An equivalent combination of experience and training. 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 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 an 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. 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 and click on Veterans. Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals). Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania