Park Resource Ranger, DCNR (Seasonal) - Gifford Pinchot State Park

The Department of Conservation & Natural Resources is looking to hire for a seasonal position that does not involve law enforcement but focuses on engaging with the public and ensuring their safety and satisfaction. This role involves assisting visitors at Gifford Pinchot State Park by providing them with essential information about the various programs, resources, facilities, and activities offered in the park and other state parks or forests. Additionally, the position requires effective communication and monitoring of visitor adherence to park regulations and rules governing the use of Bureau of State Park lands. Do not miss this opportunity-apply today!

In this position, your primary responsibility will be to patrol the grounds, boundaries, and facilities of Gifford Pinchot State Park, ensuring adherence to Bureau rules and regulations while prioritizing visitor safety. You will be required to promptly notify a Park Manager or a DCNR Ranger when faced with situations necessitating law enforcement intervention. Your duties may include operating various vehicles such as motor vehicles, bicycles, all-terrain vehicles, and boats to effectively monitor the park. Additionally, you will conduct foot patrols throughout the campground, park trails, and day-use areas, specifically performing two foot patrols of the Quaker Race Day Use swimming area during each shift throughout the swimming season. Regular inspections of buildings, structures, and facilities will be part of your role to guarantee security and safety. You will also be responsible for identifying and addressing safety hazards, either by rectifying them directly or reporting them to park management or maintenance staff. Light maintenance tasks related to public safety and information dissemination will be part of your responsibilities, as will ensuring the protection and proper utilization of the park's natural resources by visitors. Assisting visitors in both service and first-responder capacities will be essential, along with maintaining up-to-date park posters, bulletin boards, and signs to ensure clear communication of information. Furthermore, you will be expected to keep assigned equipment and work areas in a clean and professional state.

In terms of public relations, you will be tasked with presenting a professional image to the public by adhering to the Bureau's mission and demonstrating professional language and conduct. This includes maintaining a neat uniform appearance, ensuring vehicle cleanliness and readiness, and possessing a comprehensive understanding of the park and its operations. Your demeanor should be confident and helpful, complemented by strong verbal and telephone communication skills, as well as good customer service abilities. You will provide essential information and assistance to park visitors while also ensuring that posted information remains clear and accessible. To maintain your effectiveness as a public guide, you will need to continually exercise and convey an in-depth knowledge of the park and its natural features.

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

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• This is a seasonal, full-time position with no healthcare benefits. There is not an option to buy into health care benefits. The season runs from approximately March 2025 until November 2025 at which time the employee will be placed on leave without pay. The employee will automatically be returned to employment approximately March 2026.
• Shift hours and days vary due to operational need, with a 30-minute lunch
• Weekends, holidays, and all shifts as needed at 37.5 hours per week
• 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
Special Requirements:

• This position requires possession of an active motor vehicle license.
• 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 within 60 days of employment.

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
• 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.
• 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.

• 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.

• 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.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

• 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.