Park Ranger

Working Schedule

• Park Rangers work at least full-time, with overtime possible when problems arise such as damage or safety concerns. The job entails lots of standing and walking. Expect exposure to various climate conditions, including heat, humidity, dampness, rain, and storms. Park Rangers face the risk of encounters with wildlife. 

Typical Duties

Note: Duties may vary from one position to another. Some Park Ranger jobs are more oriented to law enforcement while others are more administrative.

• Provide general law and policy enforcement services to protect visitors, wildlife, and resources
• Organize public educational programs, exhibits, and activities related to the park and its unique geography, plant and wildlife species, and historic or culturally relevant features
• Write informative content for flyers and displays. Host public events and give presentations 
• Offer park information to visitors, as needed
• Create hiking trails; provide entertaining, educational tours, nature walks, and field trips
• Oversee general park maintenance to include various facilities and structures, such as playground equipment or other recreation-related resources 
• Manage budgets, supply ordering, and employee schedules
• Perform conservation duties related to wildlife, air and water quality, and other aspects of the local ecosystem
• Respond to emergencies such as search and rescue operations to help lost, injured, or jeopardized visitors
• Investigate complaints and incidents. Work with appropriate external agency representatives 
• Speak with media outlets related to park activities or concerns

Additional Responsibilities

• Serve as liaison to law enforcement agencies and emergency first responders. Guide response efforts, as necessary
• Manage, train, and supervise assigned staff members, seasonal workers, and volunteers
• Organize or help with events, tours, and activities
• Share information with the public via website updates, social media posts, open houses, flyers, and public announcements 
• Reply to requests from the public via email, phone, or in writing
• Enforce park policies and issue citations for violations 

Soft Skills

• Analytical
• Budget-conscious 
• Coordinating and instructing skills 
• Detail-oriented
• Initiative
• Integrity
• Leadership and management skills
• Organizational skills
• Patience
• Practicality 
• Public relations
• Reliable 
• Resourcefulness
• Sound judgment and decision-making
• Strong communication skills

Technical Skills

• First aid, CPR, search and rescue protocols, and emergency management and response
• Knowledge of animal and plant diseases and hazards (such as indigenous predator species, poisonous spiders and snakes, and allergenic plants, flowers, and berries
• Knowledge of applicable safety standards and facilities management
• Knowledge of natural science and conservation practices
• Normal or correctable vision; normal color vision
• Project management skills 
• Physical strength and stamina
• Skills in writing, making and delivering presentations, and public speaking

• Department of the Interior
  • Bureau of Land Management
  • Bureau of Reclamation
  • National Park Service
  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
• Army Corps of Engineers

Park Rangers are entrusted with public safety and the conservation of stable natural habitats. Like Park Managers, a big part of their duty is to ensure visitors have safe, enjoyable experiences that don’t unduly interfere with the fragile ecosystem of plant and animal species. 

Many country, state, and national parks sprawl over hundreds, thousands, or even millions of acres. Clearly, such locations can be ripe with all sorts of inherent hazards and risks, ranging from dangerous cliffs to unattended bodies of water, predatory wildlife, venomous spiders and snakes, and countless tripping hazards. 

All too often, hikers get lost and suffer from injuries, dehydration, and weather exposure. Park Rangers can’t be everywhere at once, but they are responsible for doing their utmost to keep visitors safe from harm and to help with medical assistance or search and rescue operations, as needed. At the same time, they must watch for campers and arsonists who cause devastating wildfires that can rapidly spread and wipe out millions of acres—and animals.

The entire parks industry has been impacted by the loss of part-time staff and volunteers leaving as part of the so-called Great Resignation. During this critical employee gap, Park Rangers may have to occasionally help cover duties typically assigned to positions that remain vacant. 

As parks continue to recruit, there’s a need for much more diversity in this career field, which is currently made up of almost 91% Caucasians, and 66% males. In terms of funding and job security, the government recently passed two significant acts that should benefit parks for many years to come—the Great American Outdoors Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. 

Parks are continuing to explore ways to boost interest in younger visitors, which has declined in recent years. One of the promising methods being promoted is the National Park Service’s Junior Ranger Program!

Park Rangers are often lifelong outdoor enthusiasts! They may have gone camping, boating, or fishing with their parents when they were younger, or perhaps lived near large parks that featured plenty of other activities for them to get involved with. 

Many enjoy the law enforcement and habitat protection aspects of the job because they have always cared deeply about wildlife, indigenous plants, and the environment in general.