How to Become a Park Ranger in Connecticut

Being a park ranger is a dream come true for many people.

It is a job that offers variety and a sense of accomplishment.

Helping to preserve the natural environment and wildlife provides a great deal of satisfaction.

Depending on where you work, you may also have a lot of interaction with the public.

It can be in the woods, at the beach, or on a historic site.

Requirements to Become a Park Ranger in Connecticut

Seasonal Park Rangers must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license.

Full-time Park Rangers must be 18 years or older, have a valid driver’s license, and have a high school diploma or equivalent.

At least six months of experience with outdoor recreation.

Certification in CPR and First Aid.

A Connecticut State Boating Safety Certificate is also required.

Park Ranger Duties in Connecticut

Park rangers are the connection that most visitors have to the state parks.

They are responsible for ensuring that guests have the necessary information for a safe and enjoyable visit.

Park Rangers get to enjoy working outdoors much of the time.

If hikers are lost or injured, they will be there to help.

Depending on which state park they are in, a park ranger may conduct tours or presentations.

Park rangers check environmental data on plants and wildlife.

At times, they may be giving out information and answering the phone.

1 The University of Connecticut

UCONN offers a course of study in Natural Resources and the Environment through its College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources.

This is a four-year Bachelor’s Degree Program.

Students will learn everything they need to be eligible for a park ranger position.

Areas of specialization are also included.

Candidates must complete all core requirements in addition to their area of specialization.

Contact Information

• Address: 1376 Storrs Rd, Storrs, CT
• Phone: 860-486.2840
• Website: Visit School Website

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2 The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Wildlife Division

Offers the Master Wildlife Conservationist Program (MWCP).

This program is offered to adults in the state of Connecticut and earns participants a certificate.

It provides classroom and in-the-field experience.

Upon completing the program, participants are required to complete 40 hours of volunteer work within the next 18 months.

After the initial 18 months, participants must do at least 25 hours of volunteer work annually and take at least one continuing education course to remain certified.

Contact Information

• Address: 79 Elm Street Hartford, CT 06106-5127
• Phone: 860-424-3011
• Website: Visit School Website

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Schools Summary Table

	Rank	School
	#1	The University of Connecticut
	#2	The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Wildlife Division

Park Ranger Salary in Connecticut

The average salary for a full-time Park Ranger in Connecticut is $44,152.

Part-time seasonal rangers are paid hourly.

The range of salaries is from $37,000 to $62.000.

Experience and education will affect the amount of salary you can earn.

The location in Connecticut where you work will also affect your salary, with Fairfield County having the highest level.

Find Park Ranger Career Guides by State

About Chelsea Wilson Chelsea Wilson is the Community Relations Manager for Washington University School of Law’s distance learning LLM degree program, which provides foreign trained attorneys with the opportunity to earn a Master of Laws degree from a top-tier American university from anywhere in the world.