Becoming a Park Ranger: Join the Park or Forest ServiceWhat is a Park Ranger?The United States and its territories have around 391 sites that need caring. Preservation of public areas has never been such a pressing issue as it is now, with so many more people interested in seeing the outdoors and with more and more private interests creeping into the domain of the NPS, more and more bright individuals are needed to keep the interests of the lands and wildlife at the center of major decisions. Many individuals are also needed seasonally for operational purposes. Park Rangers ensure that our National Parks are open and operational for public use, and that the public pays their dues, and that the land is used correctly. A career or a job as a Park Ranger is fun and exciting if you enjoy the outdoors. You have to enjoy wildlife, vegetation, and extreme weather, and working in uncomfortable working conditions at times. There is also an element of risk in any job that requires prolonged exposure to the elements, poisonous plants, insects, and even dangerous animals. One thing that almost every National Park Service worker can expect is to work in a diversity of locations accross the country. The NPS tries to keep in account the wishes of their employees, but Park Rangers are sent to where they are most needed. Park Ranger EmploymentBelow we list the major types of employment with the National Park service to help you better decide which position suits you best. With so many Park Ranger positions in the service to choose from, a simple love of the outdoors is enough to be sure that there is a position you will enjoy:  Seasonal Park Ranger: If you enjoy both the outdoors and people, then being a Park Ranger is definitely the best choice. Park Rangers make sure that the public understands the rules and proper way to use the natural resources in our National Parks. They help with the interpretation of the points of interest in the Park, and encourage the public to serve as well in conserving the natural balance and beauty of our Natural Parks. Park Ranger is perhaps the most sought-after position in the Park Service and often requires a good amount of rugged experience and enjoyment of hiking, as well as a knowledge of survival techniques. Science Technicians: The Park Ranger service needs individuals interested in biological science research out in the field and also in the laboratory. There are many types of studies taking place at all times in the American outdoors. Many individuals are needed in diverse settings to collect field data and to help design and carry out experiments. Science Technicians often work under the supervision of university research professors and help to maintain the tools and instruments necessary for important research.  Maintenance Park Rangers: Are you into a rugged lifestyle and the great rewards that come from working for a great cause? The National Parks need Maintenance Rangers to look after the trails and make sure people are staying on it. This saves acres upon acres of land from being trampled by unknowing travelers. Maintenance Park Rangers also take care of buildings, signs, furniture, and other public aids. This kind of position is typically seasonal since it is impossible to care for many remote public park installations during the winter, and so this is an ideal summer job for many youngsters. How to Apply to Be a Park Ranger or Other Park JobOfficially, Park Rangers are hired under the Group VI Law Enforcement and Investigation program. Under this program there is room for entry level positions where a college degree is not needed, but some college courses related to the desired position typically helps attain a position that has more compteition. These days, every position will have a moderate level of competition as it is an increasingly popular field of work. Depending on the position, a background in the following fields can help: law enforcement, biology, botany, mathematics, engineering, archeology, cultural interpretation and expression. Experience that helps a great deal to attain employment as a Park Ranger is as a professional investigator in natural settings such as in fish cultures, plant cultures, tree diseases, the impact from loggers, impact from recreational use, and the enforcement of policies and conservation techniques or wildfire prevention programs. Law enforcement experience, even on a paperwork level, is also a big plus. Applying for certain positions in job listings are typically delt with on a local level. Try looking up jobs in your area at usajobs(dot)gov. |
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