Park Resource Ranger, DCNR - Gifford Pinchot State Park
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Park Resource Ranger, DCNR - Gifford Pinchot State Park
Salary
$18.46 Hourly
Location
York County, PA
Job Type
Civil Service Seasonal Full-Time
Job Number
CS-2026-42290-74740
Department
Department of Conservation & Natural Resources
Division
CN Giff Pinchot St Prk
Opening Date
02/06/2026
Closing Date
2/19/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code
74740
Position Number
Multiple positions may be filled from this posting.
Union
UGSOA
Bargaining Unit
R1
Pay Group
ST03
Bureau / Division Code
00386306
Bureau / Division
CN Giff Pinchot St Prk
Worksite Address
2200 Rosstown Road
City
Lewisberry, Pennsylvania
Zip Code
17339
Contact Name
OA, CE Section Intake Division
Contact Email
Ra-OACEINTAKESEC@pa.gov
Description
Benefits
Questions
THE POSITION
The Department of Conservation & Natural Resources is excited to announce an opportunity for a Seasonal non-law enforcement role as a Park Resource Ranger. This position involves engaging with the public to deliver essential services and ensure safety within Gifford Pinchot State Park and other state park or forest areas. As a Park Resource Ranger, you will be responsible for providing visitors with valuable information about the various programs, resources, facilities, and activities available to enhance their experience. Additionally, you will play a crucial role in communicating park regulations and monitoring compliance to ensure that all visitors adhere to the rules governing the use of Bureau of State Park lands. If you are passionate about nature and enjoy working with the public, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding position!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
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, with a specific requirement to perform 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. Providing assistance to park guests in both visitor 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. Lastly, 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 approachable, complemented by strong verbal and telephone communication skills, as well as well-honed visitor service abilities. You will provide essential information and assistance to park visitors while also helping to maintain the clarity and visibility of posted information for the public. To excel as a public guide, you will need to demonstrate and communicate an in-depth knowledge of the park and its natural features, ensuring that visitors receive accurate and helpful guidance during their experience.
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description (https://careers.employment.pa.gov/pd/PD_NEOGOV.asp?p=00076038) .
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 2026 until October 2026 at which time the employee will be placed on leave without pay. The employee will automatically be returned to employment March 2027.
Days/shifts will vary due to the seasonal nature of the position, holidays and weekends will be required, will work 37.5 hrs./5 days 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.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS
Special Requirements:
This position requires possession of an active motor vehicle license.
This position requires employees obtain a 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.
Other Requirements:
You must meet the PA residency requirement (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) . For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) and click on Residency.
You must be able to perform essential job functions.
Legal Requirements:
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.
How to Apply:
Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnot 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:
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/testoncefor this posting.
Your results will be provided via email.
Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this shortvideo (https://www.youtube.com/embed/HtcSRnndflc?rel=0) !
See the total value of your benefits package by exploring ourbenefits calculator.
Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visitwww.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.
*Eligibility rules apply.
01
Special Requirement-Do you possess a valid driver's license which is not under suspension?
Yes
No
02
If yes, please provide the issuing state, license number, and expiration date in the text box below. If no, please enter N/A.
03
INSTRUCTIONS: You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. Youmustcomplete the applicationandanswer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.
All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.
Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training. The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered. In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.
If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.
If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to ourourFAQ page.
Yes
04
WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - COMMUNICATION
Communicates with park visitors, scout groups, senior citizens, and environmental education groups, to answer their questions; lead a guided hike; explain laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, goals, and objectives; and provide information on park history, facilities, recreational opportunities, and environmental features. Communicates with park staff and other agencies such as State Police, Fish and Boat Commission, Game Commission, local police, and fire and/or ambulance service to request assistance or to ask for information regarding violations of applicable laws, rules, and regulations using telephone and two-way radio.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
a. I have experience communicating with others to answer questions and explain laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, goals, or objectives. This experience was in a RECREATIONAL FACILITY OR PARK.
b. I have experience communicating with others to answer questions and explain laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, goals, or objectives. This experience was in a setting OTHER THAN a recreational facility or park.
c. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to public speaking, speech, or communications.
d. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.
05
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, @type N/A in the box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
Details regarding your experience communicating with others to answer questions and to explain laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, goals, or objectives.
The setting(s) in which you communicated with others.
06
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, @type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title(s)
Credits/Clock Hours
07
WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - MONITORS PARK GROUNDS OR WATERWAYS
Monitors park boundaries, grounds, and waterways by foot, bicycle, car, truck, outboard motor boat, two- and four-wheel drive vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, or snowmobiles to perform the following: inspects structures and grounds for damage, safety hazards, and fire and litter; post various signs using hand tools throughout the park to inform visitors of rules, regulations, directions, special events, or programs, to prevent and identify violations of park laws, rules, or regulations; and direct traffic using hand signals and verbal commands within a state park at roadways/intersections to maintain a safe and orderly flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic traveling to and from various park areas.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
a. I have experience monitoring facilities, grounds, or waterways to inspect for damage, safety hazards, fire, and to ensure visitor compliance with safety laws, rules, and regulations. This experience was in a RECREATIONAL FACILITY OR PARK.
b. I have experience monitoring facilities, grounds, or waterways to inspect for damage, safety hazards, fire, and to ensure visitor compliance with safety laws, rules, and regulations. This experience was in a setting OTHER THAN a recreational facility or park.
c. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to incident investigations.
d. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.
08
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, @type N/A in the box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
Details regarding your experience monitoring facilities, grounds, or waterways.
The setting(s) in which you monitored to ensure compliance.
09
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, @type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title(s)
Credits/Clock Hours
10
WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - READS AND INTERPRETS VARIOUS LAWS, RULES, REGULATIONS, POLICIES, AND PROCEDURES
Reads and interprets various laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, literature, etc., pertaining to state parks operation, park history, and environmental features.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
a. I have experience reading and interpreting RECREATIONAL FACILITY OR PARK laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, or literature. I applied the information to my work duties.
b. I have experience reading and interpreting ANY laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, or literature. I applied the information to my work duties.
c. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to reading comprehension, research methods, or English composition.
d. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.
11
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, @type N/A in the box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
Details regarding your experience reading and interpreting laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, literature, etc.
The subject area(s) of the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, literature, etc. that you read and interpreted.
12
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, @type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title(s)
Credits/Clock Hours
Required Question
Employer
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Address
613 North Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120
Website
http://www.employment.pa.gov
