Fresh off the Beaten Path: Park Ranger

Published on 2008-04-17

Always loved the great outdoors? Want to put your leadership and management talents to good use but feel more at home in the fresh air than in the conference room? Perhaps it's time to stop perusing corporate job listings and consider a career as a park ranger.

Being a Park Ranger: What Exactly Is It?

According to the National Park Service (NPS), park rangers "supervise, manage and perform work in the conservation and use of resources in national parks and other federally-managed areas." The work of a park ranger, just one of many federal jobs available within the US Department of the Interior, can involve a wide array of responsibilities, including, but not limited to, natural, historical, cultural and scientific research; public education; campground management; fire control; law enforcement; property protection and natural resource management.

Personality Profile: Is Being a Park Ranger Right for Me?

First and foremost, park rangers have a strong appreciation for the outdoors, natural and historical resources, and public recreation. Because they work directly with the public, rangers are typically extroverts and good communicators. Park rangers tend to be organized and efficient, possessing the kind of leadership skills requisite in all types of management jobs. Although the responsibilities of a park ranger certainly extend far beyond the confines of an office, some "desk" time is essential, particularly if rangers aim to climb management ranks. For this reason, park rangers are also often discerning, thoughtful and meticulous, enjoying many of the tasks strongly associated with clerical jobs. Since they are in the business of preserving and protecting our country's resources, park ranger personality-types also find law enforcement jobs appealing. Additionally, park rangers are comfortable in uniform, highly adaptive and open to living in the wide variety of places federal job demands might dictate.

Education, Training and Experience: How Do I Become a Park Ranger?

There is no formal, specific major requirement, but most park rangers have bachelor's degrees specializing in disciplines like natural resource management, park and recreation management, anthropology, natural sciences and museum studies. Because the NPS hires park rangers under the auspices of the US Office of Personnel Management (OPS), previous experience with federal government jobs is extremely helpful in the application process. Most prospective rangers start by applying for seasonal jobs with the NPS to get their foot in the door to full-time park ranging. Another option is to compete for job placement via an examination administered by the OPM program, Administrative Careers with America. For information about a particular job or opportunities in a specific area, rangers-to-be should inquire further at the associated presiding federal office.

Areas of Application: Where Would I Work as a Park Ranger?

Because parks can be found in urban, suburban and rural areas, opportunities with the NPS can be found everywhere from Guam and Saipan to New York and Boston.

The Future

As long as our government respects the importance of preserving our country's resources so that they can be enjoyed by future generations, there will be always opportunities for park rangers. For opportunities in park ranging and many other exciting job openings, explore Jobs on Fresho.com.