DCNR Ranger - Susquehanna Riverlands State Park (DCNR Employees Only)

THE POSITION

As a DCNR Ranger with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Susquehanna Riverlands State Park, you will play an important part in keeping the park secure and welcoming. This job offers active work across trails, facilities, and public areas. You will assist visitors, monitor conditions, and respond to emergencies when needed. This role is well suited for individuals who value teamwork, safety, and outdoor activity.

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

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position supports park safety, public contact and resource protection throughout the Susquehanna Riverlands State Park complex. As a DCNR Ranger, you will perform the following duties:

• Patrol Park Areas: Monitor grounds, boundaries, and facilities to support visitor safety and rule compliance
• Respond To Emergencies: Take action during accidents, searches, and rescue situations while providing first aid and CPR
• Assist Visitors: Offer information, guidance, and professional service to guests in all park areas
• Support Enforcement: Prepare reports, maintain logs, and help ensure adherence to regulations and safety standards
• Perform Inspections: Check trails, signs, and structures for hazards and needed updates

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
•  This position performs duties that are routinely executed 7 days a week and will routinely be scheduled to work varying schedules, weekends, evenings and holidays as needed for park operations.  Weekend work will be common and required.
• Employee will work 40 hours/5 days per week to include holidays and weekends.
• This position will have a temporary reporting location at Samuel S. Lewis State Park in Windsor Twp., York County. The permanent reporting location will be Susquehanna Riverlands State Park in Hellam Twp., York County.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position. 
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

Organization or Location Restrictions:

• This posting is restricted to Department of Conservation and Natural Resources employees only. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Successful completion of the DCNR Ranger Trainee (commonwealth title) 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:

• 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:

• 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.
• 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.

This position is subject to the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement or memorandum of understanding. If no applicable union-covered bidders apply, other applicants may be considered. 

• Seniority rights apply for DCNR Rangers
• Seniority/Promotion Unit: 500

You must be eligible for selection in accordance with merit system employment regulations. (

Recruitment Methods: 

• Applicants must meet one of the following methods to be considered for this vacancy: 
  • Seniority Unit Lateral
• When the collective bargaining obligation(s) have been met; then the following recruitment methods may be used: 
  • Voluntary Demotion

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.

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.

Benefits

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!

See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options. 

Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.* 

Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.

Supplemental Questions

Required Question

Agency Information

EmployerCommonwealth of PennsylvaniaAddress 613 North Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120 Website http://www.employment.pa.gov