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Assistant Ranger Jobs in York, PA (NOW HIRING)

Starter/Ranger

Harrisburg, PA

$17.75 - $22/hr

Reports infractions to appropriate golf shop personnel (Head Pro, 1st Assistant, etc.) * Ensures that all guests/players are following golf course rules and etiquette * Performs other duties as ...

Starter/Ranger

Harrisburg, PA · On-site

$17.75 - $22/hr

Reports infractions to appropriate golf shop personnel (Head Pro, 1st Assistant, etc.) * Ensures that all guests/players are following golf course rules and etiquette * Performs other duties as ...

Starter/Ranger

Harrisburg, PA

$17.75 - $22/hr

Reports infractions to appropriate golf shop personnel (Head Pro, 1st Assistant, etc.) * Ensures that all guests/players are following golf course rules and etiquette * Performs other duties as ...

Starter/Ranger

Harrisburg, PA · On-site

$17.75 - $22/hr

Reports infractions to appropriate golf shop personnel (Head Pro, 1st Assistant, etc.) * Ensures that all guests/players are following golf course rules and etiquette * Performs other duties as ...

Assistant Ranger information

See York, PA salary details

$10.8K

$41.9K

$56.1K

How much do assistant ranger jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant ranger in York, PA is $41,879.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31,500.00 and $46,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant ranger?

Assistant Rangers are professionals who support the management and conservation of parks, nature reserves, or wildlife areas. They assist senior rangers in tasks such as maintaining trails, monitoring wildlife, providing visitor information, enforcing park rules, and participating in conservation projects. Assistant Rangers play a key role in protecting natural resources and ensuring that visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience. Their duties can also include educational outreach and helping with emergency responses within the park.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant ranger, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Ranger, you typically need a background in environmental science, forestry, or a related field, often supported by relevant certifications or training. Familiarity with GIS mapping tools, GPS devices, and safety equipment is commonly required for daily fieldwork. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help in interacting with the public and collaborating with colleagues. These competencies are essential for effectively managing natural resources, ensuring visitor safety, and supporting conservation efforts.

What are some of the common challenges assistant rangers face during peak visitor seasons?

During peak visitor seasons, Assistant Rangers often encounter challenges such as managing larger crowds, ensuring public safety, and protecting natural resources from increased human impact. Balancing educational outreach with enforcement of park regulations becomes more demanding, and there may be a greater need to assist with emergency situations or first aid. Effective communication, teamwork, and adaptability are essential to handle the fast-paced environment and maintain a positive experience for visitors while safeguarding the park.

What is the difference between Assistant Ranger vs Park Ranger?

AspectAssistant RangerPark Ranger
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications in first aid, CPRHigh school diploma; often additional certifications in law enforcement or environmental management
Work EnvironmentAssists in park maintenance, visitor assistance, and conservation tasksEnforces park rules, conducts patrols, educates visitors, manages emergencies
Employer & Industry UsagePublic parks, wildlife reserves, national and state parksNational and state parks, wildlife agencies, conservation organizations

Assistant Rangers typically support park operations, focusing on maintenance and visitor assistance, while Park Rangers have more responsibilities in enforcement, education, and emergency response. Both roles require similar certifications and work in outdoor, public park environments, but Park Rangers usually have a broader scope of duties and authority.

What cities near York, PA are hiring for Assistant Ranger jobs?

Cities near York, PA with the most Assistant Ranger job openings:

Infographic showing various Assistant Ranger job openings in York, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,879 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

DCNR Ranger - William Penn Forest District

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, PA • Hybrid

$50K - $79K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Patrol assigned areas, engage visitors, and provide information on forest rules, recreation, and natural resources.

  • Respond to emergencies, administer aid, assist in search efforts, and monitor communications to support public safety.

  • Support resource protection efforts by maintaining signs, assisting with social media, managing camping areas and recreational sites, and participating in fire prevention activities.


Job description

THE POSITION The DCNR Ranger position in the William Penn Forest District offers an exciting chance to serve the public while protecting natural spaces. This role allows you to patrol beautiful forest areas, respond to emergencies, and help visitors enjoy the outdoors safely. You will take on meaningful work that supports conservation and strengthens community connections.

This is a great opportunity for applicants who want an engaging and rewarding career. Watch this video to see how DCNR Rangers make Pennsylvania a better place to work, live and play. DESCRIPTION OF WORK This position serves the public by providing safety, education, and enforcement services throughout the William Penn Forest District.

It combines emergency response, public interaction, and resource protection. As a DCNR Ranger, you will perform the following duties: Public Interaction: Engage visitors professionally and provide information on forest rules, recreation and natural resources Law Enforcement: Patrol assigned areas, issue citations, and conduct investigations in accordance with State Forest Officer responsibilities Educational Outreach: Present programs, lead hikes, and assist in developing materials that support environmental education Emergency Response: Administer aid, assist in search efforts, and monitor communications to support public safety Resource Support: Maintain signs, assist with social media efforts and help manage camping areas and recreational sites Fire Assistance: Support wildland fire prevention programs and participate in fire activities within qualification limits Interested in learning more. Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information: Full-time employment 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. Overtime and travel may be required 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 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. 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 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: This position requires employees to successfully pass a physical fitness test within 6 months of the start of employment. Click here to learn more about these requirements. PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.

You must be able to perform essential job functions. Legal Requirements: 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. 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. EXAMINATION INFORMATION 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.


Commonwealth of Pennsylvania logo

About Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is not a traditional company but rather a state government entity headquartered in Middletown, Pennsylvania, United States. Through its official website pa.gov, the government provides a broad range of services to its residents, including but not limited to, health services, education, transportation, and regulatory functions. Founded in 1787, the Commonwealth holds a rich history dating back to the foundation of the United States itself. The government's core mission is to serve and improve the lives of Pennsylvanians, fostering a more prosperous, informed, and secure state.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Harrisburg, PA, US

Year founded

1787