Some park rangers have a background in science. They collect important information on wildlife and plant populations, and participate in decisions that affect the health of the park in which they work. These park rangers usually have a degree in earth sciences or forestry. Other park rangers focus on education. They’re responsible for teaching the public not only about the wildlife and geological formations in their park, but also how the park is affected by pollution, litter and climate change. They teach people how to enjoy nature and history while also helping to preserve it. Another common focus for park rangers is law enforcement and firefighting services. Rangers are the first line of security in areas remote from police and fire stations. They make sure visitors follow park rules for the sake of everyone’s safety. Fee collection, grounds maintenance, paperwork, and permit and equipment sales are also common park ranger responsibilities.
They honor the natural world. Park rangers spend their days learning about the land where they work. They care about protecting animals, trees and other plants. They’re confident leaders. Whether leading a night walk through a forest or heading a search expedition for a lost backpacker, park rangers are usually the expert in a given situation, and they must often take on the responsibility of guiding others. They don’t mind seasonal work, or working weekends and holidays. Since the majority of park visitors flock to the parks during warmer months and days off, park rangers are busiest when other people are vacationing.
The most common degrees held by park rangers are public administration, law enforcement, and park and recreation management, but there are other degree programs that would also qualify you to be a park ranger. Most departments want their rangers to hold a minimum at least a two-year degree; some positions might require a four-year degree. If you intend to focus in the area of ecology or conservation, pursue a bachelor’s degree in the natural sciences, such as environmental studies, forestry, biology or geology.
Contact the regional office of the National Park Service if you want to work in a national park. You can also find vacancies by searching for them on the Federal government’s official job website, USAJobs. gov. Contact your state’s department of parks and recreation if you want to work in a state park, or your city’s department of parks and recreation if you want to work in a municipal park.
If you want to be a law enforcement park ranger, you must also complete the Seasonal Law Enforcement Training Program at one of the nine colleges that offer it. You cannot substitute other training programs or work experience for this class, and there is no distance learning option.
