Summer Nature Jobs in Springfield, MA (NOW HIRING)

POSITION INFORMATION:
Position: Ranger I

Location: Route 8, Tolland State Forest, Otis

Start Date: 5/3/26

End Date: 10/12/26

Work Hours: 40hrs - 

# of positions: 1

Please Note: Salary range compensation by hours worked is determined by several factors, including experience, seniority, the agency's budget, and the nature of the role (e.g., short-term contract vs. full-time position). For union positions, salary is determined in accordance with the applicable bargaining unit's salary schedule and governing regulations.

For the status changes to short term: Please note, if you are selected for this position and will be working less than 90 days, the position will automatically revert to a short-term position. Our short-term positions are not part of the salary scale that is advertised within this job posting.  Should this position revert to a short-term seasonal position (less than 90 days), your salary rate will be discussed with you during the interview phase of the process.

Who We Are:

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts' environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition.

Who We Are as an Employer:

At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation's mission is to protect, promote and enhance our commonwealth of natural, cultural and recreational resources for the well-being of all.  The DCR is steward to one of the largest and most diverse state parks systems in the nation which includes more than 450,000 acres of parks, forests, water supply protection lands, beaches, lakes, ponds, playgrounds, swimming pools, skating rinks, trails, golf courses and parkways.DCR strives to be an exemplary leader in conservation and recreation. DCR's staff is passionate, dedicated, and continuously employs best practices that are informed by expertise, and creates a sense of place through carrying out the mission.

Job Opening:

The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks applicants for the position Seasonal Ranger I.

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation is seeking Park Rangers to patrol facilities to promote compliance with rules and regulations, protect natural and park resources, and enhance visitor experience through providing a presence and being available for visitor information; coordinate with law enforcement officials for appropriate regulatory action; and perform related work as required.

Park Rangers normally work a forty-hour week (which includes nights, weekends, and holidays). April-early June will be Monday-Friday day shift. Mid June to August will require include week-end days and may include some evening shifts. Uniforms and training are provided; park housing is not.

Successful candidates must attend the Seasonal Ranger Academy.

Duties:

• Conducts patrols, either in a vehicle, on a bicycle or on foot, effectively utilizing techniques and available resources, to enforce applicable laws and regulations, provide visitor services, assess facility resources, assist visitors with first aid, and other public services as required.

• Maintain an inventory of and maintain the condition of issued equipment.

• Complete Bureau records, reports, files, and logs.

• Attend seminars, workshops, training sessions, etc., in order to maintain proficiencies.

• Participate in search and rescue operations in accordance with agency policy.

• Provide informal and, occasionally, formal information/educational programs, demonstrations, and materials for schools and civic groups as required, in areas such as Ranger programs, park activities and services, outdoor skills, natural and cultural history and search and rescue.

• Respond and assist park staff at major incidents, assist at special events, and occasionally assist at statewide incidents or functions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the standard procedures and techniques followed in foot, auto or other types of patrols.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of park or resource management.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of recreational programming.

• Knowledge of general ecology and cultural history study, practice and principles.

• Knowledge of the methods and techniques for presenting media productions and drafting brochures and exhibits.

• Ability to understand, explain and apply the rules, regulations, policies, procedures standards and guidelines governing assigned unit activities.

• Ability to communicate effectively in oral expression.

• Ability to give written and oral instructions in a precise, understandable manner.

• Ability to speak effectively before the public.

• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

• Ability to gather information by examining records and documents and through observing and interviewing individuals.

• Ability to accurately record information provided orally.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Minimum Entrance Requirements: 
Applicants must have at least (A) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time experience in park or resource management, environmental education, water resources or water supply management, or natural/cultural history interpretation or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.  
Substitutions: 
I. An Associate's degree or higher with a major in park or recreation management, natural resource management, water resources management, environmental education, or park interpretation may be substituted for the required experience.*  
*Education towards such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.  
Special Requirements:  
1. Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts motor vehicle operator's license.  
2. Possession of a current and valid CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) certificate from the American Red Cross or the American heart Association.  
3. Possession of a current and valid standard first aid and personal safety certificate and first responder certificate issued by the American Red Cross.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.