Forest Ranger Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

Join the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources as a DCNR Ranger and help protect the natural spaces that people love to explore. This role offers a chance to support safe outdoor recreation while caring for the forest environment. Each day brings new opportunities to guide visitors, maintain order, and uphold the mission of the agency. Become part of a team committed to public service and environmental stewardship.

This position centers on patrolling forest lands, supporting visitor safety, enforcing laws, and preserving the natural environment. The work ensures that the forest remains a safe and welcoming place for the public while protecting important resources. As a DCNR Ranger, you will perform the following duties:

• Forest Patrols: Monitor forest areas by vehicle, bicycle, boat, or on foot to ensure visitor safety and protection of resources
• Public Assistance: Provide information, guidance, and courteous support to visitors throughout the forest district
• Law Enforcement: Enforce applicable laws, conduct investigations, complete reports, and work cooperatively with partner agencies
• Emergency Response: Take charge during emergencies, perform search and rescue duties, and administer First-Aid and CPR consistent with certification
• Facility Inspections: Check buildings, facilities, and signs for safety, security, and proper condition
• Operational Reporting: Document daily activities, incidents, inspections, and visitor interactions to support district operations

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

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Seasonal full-time employment
• Work schedule varies. Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, and all shifts as required by Forest Management
• Travel and overtime may be required
• 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:

• 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.

• 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.