Living in the natural world is one of the greatest goals of outdoorsmen and women everywhere. Nature lovers naturally gravitate to the national parks of the United States of America, where thousands of miles of land are dedicated to preserving the nation’s ecological heritage. Joining the National Park Service is one way people can contribute to the environment, while earning a steady salary and living close to their favorite natural habitats. Rangers are paid to interact with visitors, protect natural habitats, and promote the parks in which they work. Park rangers come in two different types: interpretation rangers and protection rangers. Protection rangers are in charge of protecting the park, wildlife, vegetation, and humans who visit the park. Interpretive parks educate the public about national parks, lead group tours, and help visitors learn more about the park. Whether you want to be a performance or protection ranger, there is a similar employment process that must be followed.
get a college degree
Almost all Ranger jobs require a four-year college degree. People must be trained in forestry, wildlife, botany, or some physical science if they want to be hired as a ranger. These jobs require more than just a GED or high school diploma, so earning a college degree is important.
Get trained in survival skills
You won’t be able to live in the forest for long without basic survival skills. A ranger must be certified in CPR and first aid. These skills will help park rangers when they need to treat park visitors, themselves or their colleagues. In the long run, skills like CPR and first aid can be a lifesaver for everyone involved.
fill out an application
Now your really ready to go. Be sure to check if the park you want to work in is a state or national park. If it is a state park, then apply to the state parks or wildlife department. If it is a national park, complete an online application for the National Park Service at the US Jobs website.
Submit to job evaluation requirements
To become a national ranger, you will need to undergo a background check, drug tests, and a medical exam before being officially employed. He will also need to have a current driver’s license. State park rangers may have different requirements, so make sure you know what checks you must perform for your state.
Training
National park rangers will train at the National Park Service in Georgia, Arizona, or West Virginia. After completing training at any of these three centers, you are officially a national park ranger. A state park ranger has to be trained according to their state’s rules.
Once education and training is complete, there are a wide variety of rewarding ranger law enforcement jobs available to those seeking them.