How to Become a Park Ranger in Iowa

Park rangers get to work outside almost entirely.

They spend their days patrolling the trails and campsites of state parks throughout Iowa.

They get to interact with park visitors and teach people, especially children, the importance of conserving and protecting our natural resources and the animals and plants that inhabit the parks.

Do you have what it takes to be an Iowa park ranger?

Requirements For Becoming an Iowa Park Ranger

Park rangers need to have at least a high school education, although a degree is preferred, and is necessary for supervisory positions.

Iowa state park rangers also need to be certified peace officers and hold certificates in firefighting, waste and water systems, and pesticide application.

They also need to have a valid driver’s license.

Park rangers need to pass physical and agility training, a background check, a drug screening, and a psychological exam.

They also need to have perfect vision, including normal color sight.

Duties of an Iowa Park Ranger

Park ranger duties vary daily, but they fall into basic areas.

The park ranger is tasked with enforcing laws and park regulations.

They patrol the area, including camping areas, and educate visitors on proper behavior within the park.

Park rangers assist the local emergency personnel when needed and give first aid and CPR if it is necessary.

They monitor the park wildlife and create reports as requested.

They run educational programs for visitors and maintain park equipment.

They also perform resource management as needed.

Iowa State Parks

1. Backbone State Park

This park includes the highest point in northeastern Iowa.

It has a museum on site and boasts 21 miles of trails for biking and hiking.

These are mainly universally accessible trails.

In addition to regular biking, mountain bikers enjoy this park, as do rock climbers.

Fish for trout in the lake or enjoy winter skiing and snowmobiling.

You can rent boats, kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats.

Once tired from the many activities, enjoy one of the campsites for the night.

2. Black Hawk State Park

This park is home to the southernmost glacier lake in the United States.

There is an annual carnival to enjoy, but if you can’t make that, there are two trails for you to explore, one is a 33-mile paved trail that everyone can enjoy.

Boat in the 957-acre lake, swim or sunbathe on the beach, or enjoy either mini-golf or disc golf.

Winter offers skiing and snowmobiling, and there is an opportunity for night fishing.

There are also many camping areas.

3. Geode State Park

There are geodes on display in the park office here, but visitors are not allowed to keep any that they find.

There is a 150-acre lake for fishing, boating, and paddling.

You can even fish at night.

The largemouth bass love this area.

For those who don’t want to be out on the water, there are trails for hiking, a playground and picnic area, and camping opportunities.

4. Lake of Three Fires State Park

This is one of the most loved parks for those who are looking for equestrian trails and camping.

The ten miles of trails are great for hiking and horseback riding.

There is an 85-acre lake for fishing and boating, and there are picnic areas along the shore.

There is also a 400-acre hunting area and a place for snowmobiling in the winter.

Camping is also big at this park.

5. Maquoketa Caves State Park

This park boasts more caves than any other state park in the country.

Cave tours are popular here, but you need to plan your visit so you avoid October 15 through April 15.

At that time, the bats are hibernating.

There is a 6-mile trail system for hiking and picnic areas.

There is also an interpretive center, playground, and campsites.

Schools Summary Table

	Rank	School
	#1	Kirkwood Community College
	#2	Upper Iowa University
	#3	Ellsworth Community College
	#4	Hawkeye Community College

Park Ranger Salary in Iowa

The salaries of state park rangers in Iowa range between $33,800 and $64,809.

The exact amount depends on the time in service, the location of the position, and the amount of training.

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Find Park Ranger Career Guides by State

Frequently Asked Questions

How many state parks are there in Iowa?

There are 74 state parks in Iowa, with Backbone being the oldest.

It was opened in 1919.

The largest Iowa state park is Brush Creek, with 6500 acres, and the smallest is Pillsbury, with 648 acres.

What special certifications does an Iowa park ranger need to have?

Iowa park rangers need to be certified peace officers, have certification in wildfire control, be licensed in pesticide application, and be certified in waste and water systems.

What degrees are considered appropriate for Iowa park rangers?

Some of the most common degrees Iowa park rangers have are Environmental Service, Forestry, Wildlife Conservation, and Park Management.

Is Iowa doing away with park rangers?

Iowa is renaming its park rangers and designating them as conservation officers.

Instead of being assigned to one park, the new positions require the individuals to patrol within a certain area, which may include one park or several.

What is the salary of an Iowa park ranger?

The salaries of state park rangers in Iowa range between $33,800 and $64,809.

The exact amount depends on the time in service, the location of the position, and the amount of training.