How to Become a Park Ranger in Kansas

Dorothy may have thought Kansas was nothing but tornadoes and corn, but today, park rangers know the state is abundant with 24 beautiful state parks.

The rangers work around the clock to make sure these beautiful areas, some of which have been used for a hundred years or more, are kept beautiful for generations to come.

Do you have the special personality it takes to be a Kansas state park ranger?

Read on to find out.

What Becoming a Kansas Park Ranger Requires

Kansas park rangers are required to have not only a Bachelor’s degree but also a police officer’s certificate.

They must be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver’s license.

Experience is required for some positions.

A physical exam and drug screening are required, as is a psychological test.

A background check must not show a history of being in prison, committing a felony, or being involved in performing an act of domestic violence.

A panel interview is also needed, and those who get park ranger jobs must undergo yearly training.

What Does a Kansas Park Ranger Do?

Kansas park rangers have many duties.

The first and most important is keeping the animals and natural resources of state parks safe.

They patrol the trails, beaches, and campgrounds to make sure visitors are following park rules and that everything is in good order.

They interact with visitors by answering questions, leading special events and tours, and administering first aid if needed.

Some park rangers supervise other staff and do paperwork, such as keeping inventory and records on park usage.

One of the most important activities of a park ranger is reaching out to educate the general public on our natural resources.

Kansas State Parks

1. Cheney State Park

Cheney is considered one of the top sailing lakes in the country.

It contains 9600 acres of water surface.

There are also three nature trails, including a five-mile biking/hiking trail.

There is a total of 29 miles of paved trails for easy accessibility.

The park has two marinas, 12 cabins, 223 campsites, a fish cleaning station, and plenty of opportunities for nature viewing and photography.

2. Scott State Park

Scott State Park has over 1000 acres of land, surrounding a 100-acre lake that is fed by a spring.

Fishing is excellent on this lake.

This park has been listed in National Geographic as one of the world’s top fifty parks to visit.

There are plenty of opportunities to explore and for photographers to gain experience.

There are wood canyons, natural springs, and craggy bluffs.

There is also a 100-acre wildlife area adjacent to the park.

Visitors enjoy boating, hiking, horseback riding, and viewing wildlife such as wild turkeys and beavers.

There is the regular campsite experience as well as a site for horse camping.

3. Cedar Bluff State Park

This park has a total of 3500 acres.

It is mainly a water activity park, with a covered handicap-accessible fishing dock, fishing in general, boating, and jet skiing.

There are also picnic tables and a basketball court located right on the shoreline.

There are also 96 campgrounds for those who want to spend more than a day at the park.

4. Clinton State Park

Clinton State Park has several trails, including a 25-mile hiking trail, a one-mile nature trail, and a five-mile cross-country ski trail.

There is a boat storage area, and boat rentals are available for those who need them.

There is also a swimming beach.

Kids can fish in the one-acre children’s fishing pond while the adults fish in the three-acre trout pond.

There is a fish cleaning station handy for all to use.

For those who don’t prefer hiking or fishing, there is an 18-hole golf course and a 9-hole disc golf course.

There is also an archery range and 368 camp sites.

Schools Summary Table

	Rank	School
	#1	Kansas State University

Park Ranger Salary in Kansas

The average salary of Kansas state park rangers is $23 per hour, or $47,685 a year.

Throughout the state, wages vary from $36,097 to $55,648.

The amount of money that can be made will depend on where in the state the ranger is working and how much time they have on the job.

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Find Park Ranger Career Guides by State

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Kansas park rangers make arrests?

Yes, park rangers throughout the state are authorized to issue citations and make arrests if warranted.

They also often help local law enforcement officers with arrests when extra help is needed or the criminal is on state park property.

How much money do Kansas park rangers make each year?

The average salary of Kansas state park rangers is $23 per hour, or $47,685 a year.

Throughout the state, wages vary from $36,097 to $55,648.

The amount of money that can be made will depend on where in the state the ranger is working and how much time they have on the job.

Do any Kansas state park rangers patrol on horseback?

There are eight Kansas state parks where some of the park rangers patrol, in part, on horseback.

These parks are Eisenhower State Park, El Dorado State Park, Historic Lake Scott State Park, Milford State Park, Perry State Park, Sand Hills State Park, and Tuttle Creek State Park.

What are some fun facts about Kansas state parks?

There are a total of 24 state parks in Kansas.

The smallest is a mere five acres.

This is Mushroom Rock.

El Dorado is the largest Kansas state park.

There are 4000 acres of land, 8000 acres of water, and 98 miles of shoreline.

Do Kansas park rangers get benefits?

Yes, Kansas park rangers get many of the same benefits as other federal workers.

They get paid days off, which include personal, sick, and vacation days.

They get paid holidays.

They also receive health, vision, and dental insurance, a retirement plan, and life insurance.