Park Ranger

California State Park Rangers (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Park rangers work in national and state parks. One of their primary roles is to protect and maintain natural resources as well as to provide a variety of visitor services. In an effort to manage natural resources, park rangers often patrol waterways and hiking trails. They try to ensure that plants and animals can thrive in their natural setting.

Park rangers also have a great deal of contact with visitors. Park rangers conduct hikes and give lectures and demonstrations to visitors about all aspects of the park and its history. They also assist with search and rescue efforts when visitors are lost or injured. Because of this, all park rangers are trained in first aid and life saving techniques.

Some park rangers are involved with the administrative duties that relate to the operation of a park. These duties range from training and supervision to preparing budgets and overseeing maintenance and repair initiatives.

Education and Training

In the U.S., park rangers may need the following education and training:

• two years of post-secondary education in a related field such as environmental management
• experience with hiking, cross-country skiing, boating and other outdoor activities is helpful

On the Job

Park rangers usually spend time outdoors assisting visitors with a variety of services. Because of this, park rangers are expected to have strong communication skills. Park rangers may work under extreme weather conditions in a variety of outdoor settings. Strength and conditioning helps park rangers deal with such demanding situations.

Math on the Job

Park rangers may conduct statistical surveys. For example, the size of an animal population can be estimated using a capture-recapture experiment that involves proportions. Park rangers who have administrative responsibilities may use mathematics and computers on a regular basis.