Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) seeks individuals who want challenging and rewarding careers in conservation, recreation, and environmental protection.
You may qualify to become part of the of the team responsible for overseeing the state park system, managing state forest lands, or expanding outdoor education and recreation opportunities throughout the state.
DCNR:
Maintains 124 state parks
Manages more than 2.2 million acres of state forest land
Provides support for the state’s ecological and geological resources
Assists with community conservation
Provides education and recreation programs
To do this, DCNR employs about 1,400 full-time and 1,300 seasonal employees.
Types of Employment at DCNR
DCNR offers civil service and non-civil service employment opportunities such fields as:
Administrative and Clerical
Communications and Public Policy
Environmental Education
Forestry
Human Resources
Information Technology
Law Enforcement and Safety
Maintenance and Trades
Parks and Recreation
Civil Service
More than 90 percent of the positions within DCNR are covered by the Pennsylvania Civil Service Act, and nearly all of these positions require Pennsylvania residency to apply.
DCNR fills a variety of positions using lists of eligible candidates provided by the State Civil Service Commission.
Salaried and seasonal civil service positions are filled through merit selection procedures in accordance with the Civil Service Act and Rules.
Applying for a DCNR Civil Service Position
Civil service positions require the applicant to complete a civil service application and submit it according to the instructions provided in the application and test announcement.
If you apply for a job that requires a written, oral, or performance examination, use the online scheduling report for testing.
For some jobs, you will be rated based on your experience and training provided in your application materials. The State Civil Service Commission will send you the results of your examination or rating.
If you meet the minimum requirements of the position, your name is placed on the list of eligible candidates that may be considered for employment based on your score.
The majority of DCNR positions are filled from this pool of eligible candidates. When DCNR has a vacancy, it will request a list of eligible candidates from which to interview for that job title.
For more information about civil service positions at DCNR and to explore open exams, visit the Pennsylvania Government Employment website.
General List of DCNR Civil Service Job Titles
The following is a list of the civil service job titles used by DCNR. (This list is subject to change):
Administrative and Clerical
Administrative Assistant
Clerk and Clerk Typist
Fiscal Management Specialist
Purchasing Agent
Law Enforcement and Safety
Lifeguard and Lifeguard Supervisor
Lake Erie Lifeguard and Lifeguard Supervisor
Forest Patrolman
DCNR Ranger
Park Ranger
Computer Science
Information Technology Generalist
Network Specialist
Web Specialist
Application Developer
Trades and Maintenance
Automotive Mechanic
Carpenter
Diesel and Construction Equipment Mechanic
Equipment Operator
Maintenance Repairman
Park and Forest Maintenance Supervisor
Semi-Skilled Laborer
Wastewater/Water Treatment Plant Operator
Water Treatment Plant Operator
Engineering and Environmental Control
Architectural Designer
Cartographic Drafter
Civil Engineer
Drafter and Drafter Designer
Ecological Program Specialist
Environmental Education Specialist
Environmental Interpretive Technician
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Planner
Environmental Project Inspector
Forest Assistant Manager
Forest Program Specialist
Forester
Forest Technician
Geologic Scientist, Senior Geologic Scientist, Geologic Trainee
Landscape Designer
Natural Resource Specialist
Park Manager
Real Estate Specialist
Recreation and Conservation Advisor
Surveyor
Non-Civil Service
DCNR also has available non-Civil Service positions. These positions include:
Laborers
Custodial Workers
Food Service Workers
Other designated positions located within DCNR’s executive offices
Non-civil service position are primarily seasonal wage employment.
Candidates for non-civil service positions are referred to DCNR by the Bureau of State Employment. Visit the Pennsylvania Government Employment website to apply for these positions and for more information.
DCNR is proud to be an equal opportunity employer supporting workforce diversity. To conserve and maintain Pennsylvania’s public natural resources for the benefit of all people, including generations yet to come, we will take intentional action to ensure DCNR lands are accessible to all, provide inclusive and equitable programs and services, and recruit and retain a diverse workforce.
Types of Employment at DCNR
DCNR offers civil service and non-civil service employment opportunities such fields as:
Administrative and Clerical
Communications and Public Policy
Environmental Education
Forestry
Human Resources
Information Technology
Law Enforcement and Safety
Maintenance and Trades
Parks and Recreation
Civil Service
More than 90 percent of the positions within DCNR are covered by the Pennsylvania Civil Service Act, and nearly all of these positions require Pennsylvania residency to apply.
DCNR fills a variety of positions using lists of eligible candidates provided by the State Civil Service Commission.
Salaried and seasonal civil service positions are filled through merit selection procedures in accordance with the Civil Service Act and Rules.
Applying for a DCNR Civil Service Position
Civil service positions require the applicant to complete a civil service application and submit it according to the instructions provided in the application and test announcement.
If you apply for a job that requires a written, oral, or performance examination, use the online scheduling report for testing.
For some jobs, you will be rated based on your experience and training provided in your application materials. The State Civil Service Commission will send you the results of your examination or rating.
If you meet the minimum requirements of the position, your name is placed on the list of eligible candidates that may be considered for employment based on your score.
The majority of DCNR positions are filled from this pool of eligible candidates. When DCNR has a vacancy, it will request a list of eligible candidates from which to interview for that job title.
For more information about civil service positions at DCNR and to explore open exams, visit the Pennsylvania Government Employment website.
General List of DCNR Civil Service Job Titles
The following is a list of the civil service job titles used by DCNR. (This list is subject to change):
Administrative and Clerical
Administrative Assistant
Clerk and Clerk Typist
Fiscal Management Specialist
Purchasing Agent
Law Enforcement and Safety
Lifeguard and Lifeguard Supervisor
Lake Erie Lifeguard and Lifeguard Supervisor
Forest Patrolman
DCNR Ranger
Park Ranger
Computer Science
Information Technology Generalist
Network Specialist
Web Specialist
Application Developer
Trades and Maintenance
Automotive Mechanic
Carpenter
Diesel and Construction Equipment Mechanic
Equipment Operator
Maintenance Repairman
Park and Forest Maintenance Supervisor
Semi-Skilled Laborer
Wastewater/Water Treatment Plant Operator
Water Treatment Plant Operator
Engineering and Environmental Control
Architectural Designer
Cartographic Drafter
Civil Engineer
Drafter and Drafter Designer
Ecological Program Specialist
Environmental Education Specialist
Environmental Interpretive Technician
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Planner
Environmental Project Inspector
Forest Assistant Manager
Forest Program Specialist
Forester
Forest Technician
Geologic Scientist, Senior Geologic Scientist, Geologic Trainee
Landscape Designer
Natural Resource Specialist
Park Manager
Real Estate Specialist
Recreation and Conservation Advisor
Surveyor
Non-Civil Service
DCNR also has available non-Civil Service positions. These positions include:
Laborers
Custodial Workers
Food Service Workers
Other designated positions located within DCNR’s executive offices
Non-civil service position are primarily seasonal wage employment.
Candidates for non-civil service positions are referred to DCNR by the Bureau of State Employment. Visit the Pennsylvania Government Employment website to apply for these positions and for more information.
DCNR is proud to be an equal opportunity employer supporting workforce diversity. To conserve and maintain Pennsylvania’s public natural resources for the benefit of all people, including generations yet to come, we will take intentional action to ensure DCNR lands are accessible to all, provide inclusive and equitable programs and services, and recruit and retain a diverse workforce.
Additional Resources
Questions?
Contact the Conservation and Environment HR Delivery Center at 717-783-5788.