Position Description

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING
Position Number: 00032636	Description Activated On: 5/1/2026 11:09:23 AM

Position Purpose: Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively.

This is technical public safety work in State Park operations and outdoor recreation. This position reports to the Park Manager and/or Ranger Supervisor and is responsible for ensuring the safe and proper use of State Park facilities and structures to provide State Park visitors with an enjoyable and educational experience.

Work as a Park Resource Ranger differs from work at the DCNR Ranger level in that there are no arrest/enforcement powers or criminal investigation authority granted to employees in this class.

Description of Duties: Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor.

Takes responsibility for the routine operation of the park, including registering and accommodating cabin, campground, pavilion, etc. users, assisting with park operational needs, collects fees, posts information, checks facility reservations and availability, etc.

Interprets and recalls park rules/regulation, park policies/procedures and park management directives.

Uses and is proficient with phone system, radio system, personal computer, digital camera, GPS, etc. to assist with daily tasks.

Patrols park grounds and boundaries by foot, bicycle, motor vehicles, and boat (to including the use of trailers). Checks buildings, structures, playgrounds, resources, and facilities to ensure they are secure and safe for public use. Resolves or reports problems.

Provides assistance to visitors in a variety of ways, including operation of computerized reservation and revenue system. Greets and serves park visitors in a friendly, customer-centered way. Answers visitor's questions regarding park facilities, recreational schedules, park history and environmental features, and surrounding area. Staffs park office as needed.

Receives complaints from park visitors and resolves them when possible.

Observes park visitors to ensure they are complying with State Park rules and regulations. Explains park rules, regulations, policies and procedures to park visitors. Informs park visitors of violations and seeks voluntary compliance. Issues Parking Tickets and/or Courtesy Notices for infractions as appropriate.

Informs Park Manager and/or DCNR Ranger if visitor actions require law enforcement actions.

Responds, directs, or assists in handling emergencies such as but not limited to lost persons, fires, storms, accidents, injuries, etc. Administers standard first aid, including artificial respiration and cardiopulmonary resuscitation to injured person(s).

Actively looks for hazardous conditions or equipment malfunctions and takes appropriate corrective action when they are discovered and/or reports them to the Park Manager, Ranger Supervisor and/or Maintenance Supervisor. Warns visitors of hazards and severe weather conditions. Assists persons in distress.

Investigates and reports incidents and complaints. (However, Park Ranger 1 does not investigate suspected crimes.)

Organizes and conducts search and rescue operations to locate lost visitors on State Park grounds and boundaries.

Ensures proper operation of alarm and radio systems. Inspects first-aid, fire equipment, and other emergency response equipment, to ensure that it is operational and safe for use, and takes corrective action when needed.

Prepares and delivers presentations to groups and visitors on park facilities, recreational programs, history, and resources, and explains park rules and regulations. Takes photographs and prepares simple displays. Assists with programs, and special events.

Cooperates with and assists other park staff to meet park objectives.

Coordinates and leads volunteer individuals and groups in completing projects.

Keeps up park aesthetics by picking up litter, and making minor repairs and cleanup to vandalized facilities, etc. Checks public restrooms for problems and cleanliness, and takes appropriate action.

Performs routine service to patrol vehicle such as maintenance of fluid levels, cleanliness, etc.

Collects information and prepares related forms, memoranda, correspondence, and reports related to the duties listed herein, including; Daily Log, Incident Reports, Attendance, Safety Summaries, equipment inventory, etc.

Maintains and wears full uniform following established policies.

Availability on all weekends, holidays and for night shifts is required.

Performs related duties as required.

Work is assigned in the form of oral or written instructions and is reviewed upon completion for adherence to established standards, completeness, and quality by a technical or administrative superior.

Decision Making: Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature.

Employee determines if park rules and regulations are being violated, and responds accordingly, informing Park Manager and/or DCNR Ranger if further action is warranted. Employee resolves visitor complaints or problems to the extent authorized by the supervisor and/or the job classification. Employee determines and addresses safety concerns within the park; answers questions from the public regarding the park’s features and activities; and recognizes and responds to emergency situations appropriately.

Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License

Experience:

Licenses, registrations, or certifications:

1.   First Aid

2.   CPR

3.   Valid motor vehicle operator’s license

4.

5.

6.

Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.

1.	Interpret and retain park rules/regulations/policies/procedures with regard to outdoor recreation in state parks and forests.
2.	Communicate effectively by using oral / written / electronic communication techniques.
3.	Traverse long distances of rough terrain by foot and / or vehicle for prolonged periods in varying climatic conditions.
4.	Conduct patrols by foot, bike, boat, motor vehicles, etc., including the use of trailers.
5.	React quickly, calmly, and appropriately in emergency and non-emergency situations.
6.	Maintain effective relationships with employees and the public.
7.	Recognize emergencies / public safety hazards & administers standard first aid methods & CPR as appropriate.
8.	Write and submit detailed reports in a timely fashion with minimal supervision.
9.	Input and retrieve information on a personal computer.
10.	Work independently, without the assistance of other rangers, and with minimal supervision.