How to Become a Park Ranger in Georgia

With all the hustle and bustle most people feel every day, the state parks are often a popular place to visit during vacation.

These places are a way to breathe fresh air, put aside your phones, and simply enjoy the bounty of nature.

They are great for a day or even a week of camping.

Many of our state forests are free to visit.

Georgia has its fair share of these beautiful areas.

Let’s look at the people who make sure these parks stay available, the park rangers.

Requirements for Becoming a Park Ranger in Georgia

In Georgia, you need to have experience or a degree to become a park ranger.

With a degree, you will need to have one year of experience in a related field.

You also need to pass a background check.

The preferred degree is either a Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in Wildlife Conservation, but they will accept degrees in Resource Management or other nature-related degrees.

The parks department also offers several internships and a special program called the Manager-in-Training program, which allows one to apply for a management position after working full-time for a year.

Another path to get a position as a park ranger is to have a high school diploma and two years of experience in a related field.

Park Ranger Duties in Georgia

The majority of your day as a park ranger in Georgia is to patrol the area of the park and watch for anything that could be dangerous or is a possible cause of destroying the natural resources in the area.

You will cover all the hiking trails, view the picnic areas, and watch for animals that may be ill or hurt.

Park Rangers are responsible for creating and implementing special educational programs that help average citizens understand the natural environment.

They may lead tours of caves, a canoe trip, or a family educational outing on the birds of the area.

Park rangers also help find lost people and rescue people who may find themselves in a predicament.

State Parks in Georgia

Cloudland Canyon State Park

Located in Rising Fawn, Georgia, this state park sits on the edge of Lookout Mountain.

There are both rim and backcountry trails, two waterfalls, and plenty of caves to explore.

The canyon here is 1980 feet deep.

There are many times during the year when guided cave exploring is offered.

Providence Canyon State Park

Providence Canyon State Park, in Lumpkin, Georgia, is also known as “Little Grand Canyon”.

The park is 2706 acres and includes many opportunities for camping.

Not only are there sites for your tents, but there are also cabins and efficiency units to make camping as comfortable as you like.

The biggest draws at this park, besides the backpacking trails, are the special astronomy and geology programs.

Tallulah Gorge State Park

This park, located in Tallulah Falls, Georgia, is home to many rare plants.

Some of these are the monkey face orchid, round leaf sundew, and the turkey beard.

They offer special hikes such as the wildflower and waterfall hikes.

If you love waterfalls, there are five here, making this park home to “Niagara Falls of the South”.

The largest sees visitors climbing 319 steps to a footbridge that is 80 feet above the falls.

Red Top Mountain State Park

Red Top Mountain offers a 3/4 mile ADA trail that allows those in wheelchairs to enjoy the park.

This park, located in Cartersville, Georgia, also offers special hikes throughout the year.

These include bird walks, night hikes, and more.

There are also 12.5 miles of hiking trails, a family camp program, and the chance to visit and explore a restored homestead.

Visitors can also enjoy boating, swimming, and angling.

Schools Summary Table

	Rank	School
	#1	University of Georgia at Athens
	#2	Southern Regional Technical College

Park Ranger Salary in Georgia

Georgia park rangers make anywhere from $26,672.14 per year to $46,816.96 per year.

The average annual salary for a Georgia park ranger is $36,744.55.

The salary is often dependent upon experience and which of the parks you work in.

Regional Salary

* Salary information based on the May 2024 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Forest and Conservation Workers, OCC Code 45-4011, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

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Find Park Ranger Career Guides by State

Frequently Asked Questions

How many state parks are there in Georgia?

There are a total of 64 state parks in Georgia, each with its unique offerings.

What is the Manager-in-Training program offered by Georgia State Parks?

This is a program that you must apply for and be accepted.

It gives you a one-year, full-time paid position during which time you learn hands-on what is needed to be a park ranger.

At the end of the year, you are eligible to apply for any supervisory positions that are open with the parks department.

Those in this program earn an annual pay of $31,637.24 and receive benefits.

Do I need a degree to be a park ranger in Georgia?

A degree, along with one year of experience in a field related to the environment, is preferred to be a park ranger in Georgia.

Alternative routes are to have a high school diploma and two years of experience, or to get one of the internships offered.

What is the biggest state park in Georgia?

Georgia’s largest state park is the F.D. Roosevelt State Park in Pine Mountain.

This park covers 9049 acres and has over forty miles of trails to explore.

How much does a park ranger in Georgia make?

Georgia park rangers make anywhere from $26,672.14 per year to $46,816.96 per year.

The average annual salary for a Georgia park ranger is $36,744.55.