DCNR Ranger Trainee (Seasonal) - Bendigo State Park Complex

If you have a passion for the great outdoors, enjoy building connections with others, and aspire to make a meaningful impact in your community, consider joining the team at Bendigo State Park Complex, which is managed by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). This role presents a remarkable opportunity to interact with park visitors while ensuring compliance with essential State Park guidelines, thereby playing a vital part in safeguarding our natural landscapes. Engaging in this work not only brings a sense of fulfillment as you contribute to the well-being of the community, but it also opens doors to a variety of professional development avenues that can significantly advance your career. Embrace this opportunity to positively influence both the environment and the public, all while refining your skills and acquiring invaluable experience in a rewarding and ever-evolving field!

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

As a trainee for the DCNR Ranger position, you will engage in a comprehensive one-year training program that combines formal education with practical, on-the-job experience. This training is designed to equip you with essential skills in public interaction and customer service, as well as to familiarize you with contemporary issues and advancements in outdoor recreation and conservation. You will gain a solid understanding of conservation principles, environmental education, public safety protocols, and the various departmental policies, procedures, rules, and regulations that govern the role of a DCNR Ranger. Your responsibilities will include assisting in the patrol of park areas and facilities, where you will be expected to respond effectively to a range of situations, including safety concerns, visitor assistance requests, emergencies, and any violations of Commonwealth or park regulations. Additionally, you will be tasked with maintaining detailed monthly and daily logs that document the status of campgrounds, facilities, equipment, visitor safety, incidents, citations, arrests, accidents, and attendance records. You will also prepare permits for launching, mooring, and camping by inputting necessary information into the Reservation and Revenue System, as well as collecting fees and ensuring the accuracy of daily receipts for bank deposits and transmittals.

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 2025 until November 2025 at which time the employee will be placed on leave without pay. The employee will automatically be returned to employment March 2026.
• Days/Shifts will vary, will work 40 hrs. per week, holidays and weekends will be required.
• This position will report to Kinzua Bridge State Park and cover Bendigo and Elk State parks as well.
• 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:

• 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:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
• 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.

Veterans:

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

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.

• 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.