How to Become a Park Ranger in Mississippi

Mississippi state park rangers have the wonderful experience of being able to say they make a positive difference in saving our natural resources.

They get to spend their days outside, interact with others, and make sure our vanishing wild areas are kept safe.

No two days are the same in the life of a park ranger.

One day, they may help an injured animal, the next, they may be guiding a canoe tour, and the next, taking note of what species of plants are available during this season.

Continue reading to see if this is the career you would like to follow.

Requirements to Become a Mississippi Park Ranger

Prospective candidates for state park rangers must meet certain conditions.

While a college degree isn’t necessary, those hoping to make a supervisory position eventually will need one.

The degrees can be in areas such as Parks and Recreation Management, Natural Resources, or Environmental Science.

You may also have a degree in Environmental Policing.

You will also need one to three years of experience.

The amount you have will help determine starting wages.

Other requirements are the need to be a U.S. citizen, have a valid Mississippi driver’s license, and pass a background check, as well as a drug screening and physical.

You will also need to pass the Physical Efficiency Battery test.

This is a test most often given to police officers.

In most cases, you will also need to get trained in first aid and CPR, as well as water rescue and wilderness survival.

The last will be determined by which park you work in.

What Does a Mississippi Park Ranger Do?

Park rangers in Mississippi have many tasks.

They must enforce park rules, provide visitor information, assist with medical emergencies or fires, and patrol the park.

They must also lead educational programs and often provide guided tours for park visitors.

It is the park ranger’s job to make sure the animals and plants remain safe.

Office work is also part of the job.

Some rangers must train other park employees.

They work as dispatchers and collect data on various subjects.

They also prepare reports and keep inventory of what is needed to run the park efficiently.

In some parks, the ranger must complete minor repairs as needed.

State Parks in Mississippi

1. John W. Kyle State Park

Located in Sardis, this state park is part of the 58,000-acre Sardis Reservoir, making it perfect for water activities such as swimming, fishing, and boating.

There are ranger-led water tours and annual special events that include a folk festival and a spring pilgrimage to Holy Springs.

The park offers 200 camp sites.

2. Tishomingo State Park

This park sits in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.

It offers 62 campsites as well as cabins and cottages.

Activities here include disc golf, rock climbing, fishing, boating, ranger-led canoe trips, and interpretive trail walks.

There is also an outdoor swimming pool and plenty of photo opportunities.

As you walk the trails full of wildflowers, you can imagine the area as it once was when Native Americans walked these same paths.

3. Paul B. Johnson State Park

Located in Hattiesburg, this is the perfect park for those who enjoy water activities.

The campground offers things like laundry.

Activities in this park surround the 224-acre freshwater lake.

There is a beach with swimming, water skiing, boating, and fishing.

The children’s splash pad is a safe place for kids to enjoy water without the chance of going too deep.

It is 5000 square feet of water activities for the little ones.

There are also two playgrounds available to keep the little ones busy as you prepare for a picnic.

Schools Summary Table

	Rank	School
	#1	Holmes Community College
	#2	Mississippi State University

Park Ranger Salary in Mississippi

Mississippi park rangers make between $11.38 and $37.56 per hour.

The majority of rangers, however, make between $16.39 and $20.24.

This is an average of $19.57 per hour across the state.

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Find Park Ranger Career Guides by State

Frequently Asked Questions

What benefits do Mississippi park rangers receive?

Mississippi park rangers have both life and health insurance.

They have dental and eye coverage and can invest in a health savings plan.

There is also an option for long-term care insurance as part of the retirement benefits offered.

They also receive a flexible spending account and paid holidays, sick leave, and vacation.

How many state parks are there in Mississippi?

There are 25 state parks in Mississippi, as well as many historical sites.

What kind of special events do state park rangers run?

State park rangers in Mississippi lead hikes and canoe trips.

They run special educational exhibits and give talks.

They also run special events throughout the park system, such as a New Year’s Day event, a cardboard boat regatta, and a kids’ fishing rodeo.

Do I need a degree to become a state park ranger in Mississippi, and can experience be substituted?

You do not need a degree, but having one will make it easier to rise in position.

Supervisors will need degrees in a related field.

The state of Mississippi uses one to three years of experience to help determine the pay scale.

What is the Physical Efficiency Battery (PEB) test that prospective park rangers must pass?

This is a test often given to peace officers.

It is a five-component test.

The parts are Body Composition, Agility Run, Sit and Reach, Bench Press, and a 1.5-mile run.

The test is meant to make sure future rangers can handle the physical demands of the job.

The link will take you to a PDF that will explain what level is expected in each of these areas to be considered a passing score.