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If you enjoy being outside and think you might like helping other people enjoy the great outdoors, you might like being a park ranger.
A big part of the job is conserving nature, including both plants and animals.
The part that may be overlooked at times, which is just as important, is helping other people enjoy nature as well.
Park rangers may enforce the rules of the park where they work, but they are also there to help others enjoy their time in nature.
Job Description
A park ranger’s primary job is to take care of the park and/or wildlife area they are assigned to.
This can involve managing an ecosystem and the animals that live there.
A park ranger may be a law enforcement officer, a tour guide, an environmentalist, a history expert, or some combination of those duties.
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In a large national park, you might have only one of those jobs, but at a small park, you could be responsible for all of those areas.
A park ranger manages a wildlife area, which is usually a park, and acts as a host for the people visiting the area.
You need to have a love for nature and a desire to share that nature with others to be a good park ranger.
Maintaining the park is also important, so you may have to maintain trails, too, for example.
Part of the fun of being a park ranger is also the variety of tasks you perform.
You will have primary duties, but you may be needed to help out in other areas as well.
If they need another tour guide, you may get drafted, or if someone is lost, you may have to join the search and rescue team.
Public relations is normally a big part of the job, but some park ranger jobs will have you alone outside in nature, too.
So if you love nature, but are not wild about being around people a lot, there could still be jobs that would be a good fit.
Duties
- Enforce park rules
- Patrol the grounds, on foot, by boat, or by car
- Write and keep reports about the park
- Maintain trails and the ecosystem
- Lead educational tours or hikes
- Develop educational programs
- Provide information to the public
- Able to diffuse tense situations
- Educating people on safety and wildlife
- Do search and rescue operations
- Monitor wildlife in the park, and keep the environment good for them
- Develop and implement plans to manage the natural areas of the park
How to Become a Park Ranger: Step-by-Step
1. Get involved
Experience counts a lot when it comes to being a park ranger.
That leads to the age-old question of how to get a job that requires experience, with no experience.
The simple answer is to do volunteer work at a local park, regardless of what kind of park or what kind of work it is.
You may also apply for part-time jobs at parks, which are ground-level and don’t require experience.
This can be at a national or state park, a local city or county park, or any kind of wildlife area.
In some cases, the experience you get will count as part of your education.
Volunteering at museums, libraries, or other historical-type facilities can also count as experience.
When looking at applications, those hiring in this field look at experience as just as important, or maybe more important, than education.
2. Learn about different kinds of jobs
There are many kinds of park rangers, and a lot of different places you could work.
It is a good idea to learn about the different areas where you could work, whether at the national, state, or local level.
A big part of becoming a park ranger is deciding what kind of park ranger you want to be.
A game warden, for instance, enforces game and fish laws.
A worker at a visitors center at a national park might give tours as their primary job.
Do you like being outside on your own, or do you prefer being around people a lot while you are outside?
That could also play a big part in deciding what kind of park ranger you want to be.
At a small park, you might have a combination of many kinds of jobs.
3. Get an education
A high school diploma is assumed, and you will do a lot better if you get a college degree.
Experience can make up for some education, but most parks want you to have related education.
There are no specific educational requirements, but those with degrees in environmentalism, biology, wildlife, or forestry will get hired first.
Parks at the national level will want you to have some training in resource management, natural science, history, sociology, social science, history, and related subjects, regardless of your major.
4. Look for seasonal work
The National Park Service has seasonal jobs that could be maintenance-type jobs and provide great experience working in parks.
At the national level, a year of education or half a year of experience is considered equal when qualifying for the job.
It is a lot easier to get a federal job if you are already working at a national park or some other governmental-type natural area.
Seasonal work while in college is a great time to get the experience you will need once you are ready to look for a job.
4. Get a job
With a related college degree and some experience, you will be ready to become a park ranger.
There may be some legal certification required for law enforcement-type park rangers, but for the rest, there is no certification required.
Your education and experience will be what you need to get a job.
Getting a job will depend a lot on your ability to do well at an interview, as you show your interpersonal skills.
5. Orientation
Once hired, you will get training at the facility that is related to your job.
This is where you will learn all the particulars of what you need to do.
This is done after you are hired, but it is required for you to start working.
It is paid training, and required for you to do the job you were hired to do.
Education
Experience is the education that matters most in becoming a park ranger in most cases.
Even so, a solid education will make sure you have what you need to do the job.
Experience as a volunteer at any park will also help you determine exactly what kind of park ranger you want to be.
One exception is that of a game warden or other type of law enforcement officer as a park ranger.
In those jobs, you will need certification in handling firearms and will need some police training.
Most parks want someone with a college degree, and what that degree is in is not all that important.
If you have a lot of experience, you can take care of any educational concerns.
Bachelor’s degrees in things like park management, wildlife and forestry, biological or environmental science, horticulture, or even history are good degrees to have when becoming a park ranger.
If your degree is in something else, you can still get a job if you have some classes that are related or some related experience.
You will need to know a lot about nature, and how to care for nature, and that includes plants and animals of all kinds.
Another big part is public relations.
You also need to be able to interact with the public positively.
Helping people remain safe and helping them enjoy the natural world as much as you do are very important skills to have as a park ranger.
Parks also have some orientation training that relates to your specific job.
This is probably the most important part of your education because it will give you the particulars of your job.
Parks also have specific procedures and policies to follow, which may be different from other parks.
The orientation training is the final step to starting your job as a park ranger.
Park Ranger Requirements by State
Although a career diploma is not required, it is highly recommended as it will not only better prepare you for the job but will also help you get hired.
| State | Minimum Education | Experience Required | Certification / Licensure | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Bachelor’s Degree (Natural Science, Criminal Justice, or related) | None or some experience in natural resource management | Valid driver’s license | Background check, physical fitness test |
| Alaska | High School Diploma or GED | 1+ year in park operations or law enforcement | Driver's license, may require POST certification | Extensive background check, physical and psychological evaluations |
| Arizona | Bachelor’s Degree preferred | Some experience in parks, recreation, or enforcement | First aid/CPR, valid driver’s license | Background check, physical test |
| Arkansas | High School Diploma | 1+ year in related field | Law enforcement certification may be needed | Background check, drug screening |
| California | Bachelor’s Degree (Parks Management, Environmental Science, etc.) | No direct experience required for trainee positions | POST certification for law enforcement roles | Physical agility test, background check |
| Colorado | Bachelor’s Degree preferred | Some experience preferred | Valid driver’s license | Background check, physical test |
| Connecticut | Bachelor’s Degree | 1 year of experience in parks or conservation work | Valid driver’s license | Background and medical exam |
| Delaware | High School Diploma | 1-2 years of relevant experience | May require law enforcement certification | Background and physical fitness tests |
| Florida | Bachelor’s Degree (preferred) | Some relevant experience | First Aid/CPR, valid driver’s license | Drug test, background check |
| Georgia | Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience | Varies | Driver’s license, POST certification for law enforcement | Physical and background tests |
| Hawaii | High School Diploma | Experience in visitor services or public safety | Driver’s license | Physical exam, background check |
| Idaho | High School Diploma | 1-2 years in parks or natural resources | Driver’s license | Background check, physical ability test |
| Illinois | Bachelor’s Degree | Some related experience | Driver’s license | Background check, drug screening |
| Indiana | Associate or Bachelor’s Degree | Experience in conservation or law enforcement | Law enforcement certification | Background check, physical test |
| Iowa | High School Diploma or GED | 1-2 years in park operations | May require law enforcement certification | Physical and written exams |
| Kansas | High School Diploma | Some park or natural resources experience | Driver’s license, possibly POST certification | Physical and background tests |
| Kentucky | Associate Degree minimum | 1 year in related field | Driver’s license | Physical fitness, drug screening |
| Louisiana | Bachelor’s Degree | Some relevant experience | May require POST certification | Background and physical test |
| Maine | Associate or Bachelor’s Degree | Some experience in natural resources | Driver’s license | Physical fitness, background check |
| Maryland | Bachelor’s Degree | 1 year of related experience | Driver’s license | Background check, drug screening |
| Massachusetts | Bachelor’s Degree | Some field experience | First Aid/CPR, driver’s license | Background check, medical exam |
| Michigan | Bachelor’s Degree | 1-2 years in conservation or law enforcement | Driver’s license, law enforcement certification | Background check, fitness test |
| Minnesota | Bachelor’s Degree | Some relevant experience | May require POST certification | Physical and psychological screening |
| Mississippi | High School Diploma | 1+ year in parks or related field | Driver’s license | Background check, physical exam |
| Missouri | High School Diploma | 1-2 years in park services | Driver’s license | Physical test, drug screening |
| Montana | Bachelor’s Degree preferred | Some experience preferred | Driver’s license | Background and fitness checks |
| Nebraska | Associate or Bachelor’s Degree | 1 year in park operations | Driver’s license | Physical and written test |
| Nevada | High School Diploma or GED | 2 years in natural resources or law enforcement | Driver’s license, POST for law enforcement | Background and physical exam |
| New Hampshire | Bachelor’s Degree | 1 year experience in related field | Driver’s license | Background and medical checks |
| New Jersey | Bachelor’s Degree | 1 year in environmental or park work | Driver’s license | Background check, drug test |
| New Mexico | High School Diploma | 1-2 years park-related experience | Driver’s license | Background and physical exams |
| New York | Bachelor’s Degree | Some experience in parks or enforcement | Driver’s license | Physical agility and background test |
| North Carolina | Bachelor’s Degree | Some experience required | Driver’s license, law enforcement training | Background, physical test |
| North Dakota | High School Diploma | 1+ year in parks or related field | Driver’s license | Background check, drug screening |
| Ohio | Bachelor’s Degree | 1 year in related field | Driver’s license | Background and fitness check |
| Oklahoma | High School Diploma | 1-2 years experience | Driver’s license | Background check, physical screening |
| Oregon | Bachelor’s Degree preferred | Experience in natural resources | Driver’s license | Background and physical exam |
| Pennsylvania | Bachelor’s Degree | Some experience in parks or enforcement | Driver’s license | Background check, physical fitness |
| Rhode Island | Bachelor’s Degree | 1 year in environmental science or parks | Driver’s license | Background and physical screening |
| South Carolina | Bachelor’s Degree | Experience preferred | Driver’s license | Background check, fitness test |
| South Dakota | High School Diploma | 1 year in related field | Driver’s license | Background and physical check |
| Tennessee | High School Diploma | 1+ year in parks or law enforcement | Driver’s license | Physical and background screening |
| Texas | High School Diploma | 2 years in law enforcement or parks | Driver’s license, POST certification | Background, fitness tests |
| Utah | Bachelor’s Degree preferred | Experience in parks or law enforcement | Driver’s license | Background and physical check |
| Vermont | Associate or Bachelor’s Degree | Some field experience | Driver’s license | Physical and drug tests |
| Virginia | Bachelor’s Degree | 1 year in natural resources or enforcement | Driver’s license | Background and physical testing |
| Washington | Bachelor’s Degree | 1-2 years in natural resource management | Driver’s license | Physical agility and medical exam |
| West Virginia | High School Diploma | 1+ year in park or law enforcement work | Driver’s license | Background check, drug screening |
| Wisconsin | Bachelor’s Degree | Some related experience | Law enforcement certification | Background and fitness test |
| Wyoming | High School Diploma | 1-2 years in parks or related field | Driver’s license | Physical and background screening |
Note: Requirements are subject to change.
Licensing and Certification
There is no formal certification or licensing to be a park ranger in most cases.
If you are a game warden or some other kind of law enforcement officer, such as security, there will be some certifications required.
You will have to have some police training, possibly at a state academy, and you will have to be certified in handling firearms.
Park Rangers in the law enforcement area will also likely be certified firefighters and help with wildfires.
National Parks are funded by the federal government pay scale and have a more formal process than other parks.
There are levels 1 through 12, and the level of education and or experience goes up a little with every level.
A GS-1 has no education or experience requirements.
A GS-5 requires four years of education above the high school level and six months of experience.
The pay scale goes up with each level.
Salary
There is a wide variety of pay for park rangers since their duties can be so different.
Park rangers at national parks average $77,000 per year, and park rangers with the U.S. Forest Service average $48,000.
At the state level, at state parks and wildlife preserves, the average salary is around $45,000.
Arkansas was the lowest-paying state at $31,000, and Washington was first at about $46,000.
U.S. Average Salary: $36,860
Salary Information by State
| State | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 100 | $41,810 | $20.10 | $57,060 | $33,280 |
| California | 2,170 | $33,660 | $16.18 | $36,400 | $31,200 |
| Delaware | 180 | $35,010 | $16.83 | $44,980 | $27,040 |
| Florida | ** | $44,590 | $21.44 | $57,630 | $36,090 |
| Georgia | 350 | $36,530 | $17.56 | $62,030 | $18,180 |
| Hawaii | 90 | $45,400 | $21.83 | $54,720 | $38,350 |
| Illinois | 130 | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - |
| Iowa | 30 | $29,820 | $14.34 | $34,620 | $24,660 |
| Louisiana | 170 | $39,840 | $19.15 | $50,010 | $30,140 |
| Massachusetts | 80 | $40,050 | $19.25 | $42,460 | $31,200 |
| Michigan | 40 | $37,860 | $18.20 | $42,600 | $30,720 |
| New Jersey | 90 | $45,170 | $21.72 | $53,560 | $31,200 |
| New Mexico | 150 | $35,050 | $16.85 | $37,700 | $32,350 |
| North Dakota | ** | $40,800 | $19.61 | $47,430 | $33,710 |
| Ohio | 70 | $43,940 | $21.12 | $69,800 | $26,800 |
| Oregon | 30 | $52,320 | $25.15 | $60,260 | $43,780 |
| Pennsylvania | 180 | $51,150 | $24.59 | $65,810 | $33,930 |
| South Carolina | 180 | $29,980 | $14.42 | $35,440 | $25,060 |
| South Dakota | 600 | $36,550 | $17.57 | $43,510 | $28,670 |
| Tennessee | 220 | $28,460 | $13.68 | $38,820 | $18,170 |
| Texas | 70 | $40,070 | $19.27 | $49,620 | $32,490 |
| Utah | ** | $33,350 | $16.04 | $43,480 | $24,220 |
| Washington | 170 | $43,950 | $21.13 | $53,630 | $35,980 |
| Wisconsin | 250 | $36,180 | $17.39 | $49,590 | $31,200 |
Annual Average Salary: Top 10 States
Oregon tops the list in this field, with an average salary of $52,320.
These are the leading 10 states in terms of earnings in the field:
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Forest and Conservation Workers, OCC Code 45-4011, BLS.* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Should You Become a Park Ranger?
Overall Satisfaction – High
According to many surveys, park rangers are generally happy with their work.
One park service said 67 percent were very satisfied with their work.
Most also said their personalities fit their jobs, and this may be the most important aspect.
Some personalities fit certain jobs better than others.
If you like the outdoors and working with people, this will be a fun job.
If you dislike both or one of those things, you may not be very satisfied.
Most people who are park rangers say they are happy with their careers.
Average Salary – Medium
The average salary varies greatly depending on where you are and the type of facility.
National Parks average $75,000 per year, while state parks are at about $45,000.
Your education and experience level also have a lot to do with your salary.
This also varies with the region where you live.
For the level of education.
On the positive side, salaries for park rangers have increased faster than average salaries have since 2004.
Job Growth Outlook – Medium
Job growth for park rangers is at about the national average.
There is expected to be a 5% growth in jobs each year through 2028.
There are also people retiring or leaving the profession each year, so there should be jobs available for the next several years.
It is different, however, for different kinds of rangers.
Wildlife conservation is expected to grow by only three percent in the coming years.
No change is expected for game wardens nationally.
Education Duration
Apart from law enforcement officers, there are no formal education requirements to be a park ranger.
A general college degree in natural sciences or public relations will give you the training you need.
Most park ranger jobs do require more than a high school degree, but just a few years of college with some experience is all you need to get started.
Personal Skills Needed
- Strong communication skills
- Leadership ability
- Love of the outdoors
- Understanding of the natural world
- How to use tools, somewhat of a maintenance person
- Organization skills
- Ability to adjust to changes
Notable Resources
- 14 Pros and Cons of Being a Game Warden
- How Long Does It Take To Get a Wildlife & Forestry Conservation Certificate?
- Is a Wildlife & Forestry Conservation Certificate Worth It?
- How Much Does it Cost to Become a Park Ranger?
- 18 Pros and Cons of Being a Park Ranger
- 7 Best Online Wildlife & Forestry Conservation Programs
- How to Become a Fish and Game Warden
- 8 Best Wildlife Careers (Working in Fish and Game)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you have to go to school to become a park ranger?
In most cases, a college degree is the recommended level of education needed.
If you are in law enforcement, you will have to do that type of training, which is six months or so.
Experience is just as important as education for park rangers, so if you can get some experience, that will count for some education.
For the top national park jobs, you need four years of college.
At state parks, the requirements will be fewer.
How much money does a park ranger make a year?
At national parks, the average is $75,000, and at state parks, the average for a park ranger is around $45,000.
There are many different kinds of jobs with different pay scales.
Most jobs are paid by the hour, and you can get overtime pay in most cases.
What kind of education do you need to be a park ranger?
You will need to have a good understanding of the natural world, so classes in biology and natural sciences will be very beneficial.
Some education in sociology, or interacting with the public, will also be very helpful for a park ranger.
Any education that helps you interact with the natural world and with the public will help you be a good park ranger.
There are no formal requirements, but this type of education is what most parks want for their employees.
Are park rangers in high demand?
The demand is not incredibly high, but it is good enough for a person to think they have a good chance of getting a job.
Most jobs in this area are growing at about four or five percent each year, which is about the national average.
Game wardens and other law enforcement jobs are not expected to grow that much.
What skills do you need to have to be a park ranger?
Possibly the most important skill is being able to interact and communicate with the public effectively.
Your primary job is caring for the park or facility, but just as important is helping people enjoy the park safely.
Interpersonal skills, then, are very important.
Understanding procedures is also an important skill to have.
Being able to use tools and being able to do some physical type of work is also essential.
I never knew there were so many steps involved! It’s inspiring to see the dedication required to become a park ranger.
As someone considering a career change, this guide provides a clear roadmap for pursuing my passion for nature and conservation.
I appreciate the insight into the different types of park ranger roles available. It’s helpful to know there’s flexibility within the profession.
This guide has motivated me to start taking steps towards becoming a park ranger. The combination of education, experience, and passion is inspiring.
I’ve been considering a career change, and this guide has convinced me that becoming a park ranger could be the perfect fit.
The salary section was eye-opening. It’s great to see the potential for growth in this field.