Park rangers don't just find lost hikers, investigate complaints, accidents or violations, lead tours, provide information to visitors, protect natural resources, or do administrative support for budgeting, human resources or policy. They often do all of those things, sometimes in the same day. It's hard to get a full-time job being a park ranger, but if you get a good education and meet all the needed requirements, you'll increase your chances of finding your dream job.
Degree
Most park ranger positions will require a minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree.
Majors
Some majors that are considered desirable include Park and Recreation Management, Conservation, Botany, Geology, Wildlife Management and Forestry. If you are more interested in an administration position, Criminal Justice and Business or Public Administration are also a good fit.
Courses
Courses may include Legal Issues and Risk Management in Sport and Leisure Management, Human Ecology and the Environment, First Aid and Emergency Care, Natural Resource Management, Leadership, Recreation for Special Populations, Interpretation of Cultural and Natural Resources, and Psychology.
Graduate Degrees
If you wish to be in a supervisory position, chances are that you will need to obtain a graduate degree (either a Master of Science or a Ph.D.) in a topic related to field. Resource management and other topics related to management are normally considered desirable degrees.
Certificates
Some community colleges offer associate's degrees and certificates in programs that can be used as a head-start for a bachelor's or for those who already have a bachelor's in another concentration and who wish to make a career change. Two popular programs are for Park Ranger Outdoor Education and Park Ranger Technology.
High School
You can begin getting ready for your future career in high school. Focus on your science classes, join a group that will help you get ready to address the public, like a debate team, and volunteer with an environmental group or organization.
Experience
Potential employers will be impressed if you've done volunteer work, seasonal or part-time work, or even just spent time hiking and enjoying national parks and other nature preserves.
Tags: considered desirable, Education Park, Education Park Ranger, Park Ranger, park ranger
