Park Ranger

How to Become a Park Ranger

Park rangers are responsible for protecting our nation’s parks and wildlife and can work in a variety of locations. Park rangers are needed not only in rural wilderness settings like national and state parks, but also in city parks, historical sites, recreation areas, camping sites, and nature preserves. A park ranger’s duties will vary depending on where they work, but many park rangers will find themselves:

  • Protecting natural resources
  • Keeping visitors safe
  • Preparing exhibits and leading tours/nature walks
  • Conserving the land
  • Studying wildlife behavior and monitoring the ecosystem
  • Searching for and rescuing lost hikers
  • Tending to injured guests
  • Responding to emergency calls
  • Enforcing the law
  • Investigating violations, complaints, and accidents
  • Collecting fees
  • Seeing that the park is properly maintained

Park rangers must have a love for nature, law enforcement, and keeping people safe.

Park Ranger Education Requirements

Park rangers commonly hold a bachelor’s degree in:

Although a bachelor’s degree might not be necessary for all park ranger positions, most departments prefer that their park rangers have at least an associate’s degree. Master’s degrees are usually required for managerial or administrative positions. CPR certification is also beneficial to people looking for a job as a park ranger.

Job Outlook for Park Rangers

Park ranger job opportunities should remain steady over the next ten years. Park ranger salaries vary with position and increase with experience. Park rangers on average earn about $24,000 to $37,000 annually.

Sources: The National Park Service, http://www.nps.gov, and Payscale.com