DCNR Ranger (Salary) - Ryerson Station State Park

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 the team at Ryerson Station State Park under the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage with visitors while upholding vital State Forest rules and regulations, which are crucial for the protection of our natural environment. By taking on this position, you will not only find personal satisfaction in serving the community but also gain access to various pathways for professional growth and career progression. Seize the opportunity to make a positive impact on both the environment and the public, all while enhancing your skills and knowledge in a fulfilling and meaningful career.

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

As a DCNR Ranger, your main responsibility will be to interact with the public to promote safety and enhance their overall experience in state forest areas. This role requires you to enforce adherence to all applicable laws, state forest regulations, and policies that govern these lands. You will play a crucial part in protecting the natural resources, properties, and facilities owned by the Commonwealth within the state forest. Your duties will include patrolling the forest, responding to complaints, investigating accidents, and looking into suspected criminal activities, all while taking appropriate measures to uphold the law. Furthermore, you will be responsible for filing charges with the district judge and prosecuting cases on behalf of the Commonwealth. In addition to these tasks, you will need to prepare comprehensive incident reports, investigative summaries, and daily logs, ensuring that every action taken is focused on safeguarding both life and property within the state forest.

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

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Shift hours and days vary due to operational need, with a 30-minute lunch
• Weekends, holidays and all shifts as needed at 40 hours per week
• 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.

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.

• 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.

• PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

• 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.

Commonwealth employees who wish to use their seniority rights must apply to the internal posting for their seniority rights to be considered.

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.

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.