Park Rangers: Job Description, Education, Skills and Duties, Earnings and Outlook
Submitted by: paula
Job Overview There are many parks all over the country that should be protected. The National Park Service (NPS) is designed to manage, protect and preserve the cultural, recreational, historical and national areas under the National Park system. Park rangers are employed to enforce regulations in the state, national and county parks. They also protect the visitors who are engaged in different recreational activities in the park like hiking, skiing, climbing, fishing and boating.
Education, Knowledge and Trainings Required
Park rangers should have broad knowledge about animal and plant life, geography and weather. Classes in Biology, Science, Mathematics, Speech and English are essential. Most employers prefer to hire someone who have a college degree and a significantwork experience. Bachelor’s degree in Park recreation and Park rehabilitation is available in around 200 universities and colleges in the United States. Some employers would hire an applicant without a college degree but they must at least have three years work experience in conservation and parks settings. Those who want to hold a management position would need to have a Graduate degree.
Skills and Abilities
Park rangers should have the skills in protecting wildlife, forests and parks. They should have the skills to enforce and manage the law. It is important that they have the physical stamina, strength, endurance and courage especially when participating in rescues. They should be independent, patient and confident. In emergency situations, they should have the ability to stay calm and focused. Park rangers should love working outdoors. They need to be sincere, polite, tactful and cheerful when facing guests. A strong sense of humor and personable nature will be a great factor to be successful in this field.
Duties
The main duty of a park ranger is to ensure the safety of the visitors especially those who will hike and camp.
If there is someone reported missing and injured when going through treacherous terrain, park rangers are involved in search and rescue mission. They are responsible in enforcing laws and regulations of the park. They patrol and go around the park to prevent theft, vandalism and harm to wildlife. It is their responsibility to check that the visitors will not litter or pollute water as well as start unsafe campfires and chop trees. Some park rangers provide guided tours and give lectures providing visitors important facts about the site. They also monitor weather conditions and disturbances that could cause danger to their visitors. They should be on call for 24 hours especially during emergencies.
Earnings and Job Outlook
Starting salary of a park ranger is around $24,611. Those who are more experienced in the field can earn around $38,767. For those in a higher position, they can earn more than $80,000 annually. Job competition in this field is tough because the jobs are scarce.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice upgrading.
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