How to Become a Park Ranger in Montana

One of the most important careers in state parks is that of the park ranger.

This person is helpful, knowledgeable, and always willing to protect both the animals and plants that the park houses, but also the people who visit the park each year.

This individual can give first aid, treat and release an injured animal, help a lost camper, or teach a group of children about animal tracks or the different bird calls.

Do you think this is a career you may enjoy?

Requirements for Becoming a Park Ranger in Montana

To become a Montana park ranger, you need to meet several requirements:

• Be at least eighteen years old
• Have a valid driver’s license
• Be a Montana resident
• Pass a psychological test
• Pass medical and agility tests
• Pass both a background investigation and drug screening
• At least one year of experience in a related area
• A degree in a related area
• Knowledge of Montana’s natural resources and outdoor recreation

What Does a Park Ranger in Montana Do?

Montana park rangers are responsible for maintaining the natural resources of Montana so future generations can enjoy them.

They are responsible for maintaining order and making sure visitors follow the park rules.

They must maintain the trails in good order and ensure that any necessary repairs are completed as quickly as possible.

They answer questions, run educational programs, and preside over special park events.

State Parks in Montana

1. Bannack State Park

This abandoned town was the first place where gold was found in Montana.

Yearly ghost walks are a popular activity here.

There are 28 campsites, picnic tables, ice skating in the winter (with free skate loaners), and re-enactments throughout the summer.

Other activities include fishing, bicycling, bird watching, and photo opportunities.

2. First People’s Buffalo Jump State Park

This state park has a large information center, with 5000 square feet of exhibits and information on the Buffalo Culture that inhabited this land originally.

There are interpretive trails, bison habitats, and a museum.

You might enjoy bow hunting or participate in regularly scheduled children’s activities.

Many parts of this park are ADA accessible.

3. Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park

This state park boasts one of the largest limestone caverns in the Northwest.

This cavern has regular guided tours.

The entire park is 3015 acres.

In addition to the cave tours, visitors can enjoy camping after a day that includes many activities.

Some things to enjoy are hiking, biking, fishing, or deer hunting.

There are special events scheduled throughout the year and an interpretive display center that also includes an amphitheater.

4. Flathead Lake State Park

This is a photographer’s dream park.

It is also a place that you can spend days exploring, as it is made up of seven distinct areas, each with its unique activities and offerings.

Each area also has a campsite, with a total of 140 throughout the park.

Some of these campsites are wheelchair accessible.

Activities throughout the park include swimming and hiking, kayak tours, paddleboats, and wildflower treks. and viewing of many rare and endangered plants.

One area includes many types of wild animals, including bighorn sheep and wild horses.

Many other animals are waiting for you to enjoy them here.

5. Natural Bridge State Park

The crowning jewel at this park is a 100-foot waterfall.

There are many paved trails, as well as more rugged ones for hiking.

Interpretive displays are throughout the park.

In addition to hiking, visitors can fish, enjoy a picnic, or spend the day photographing the natural beauty of the waterfall and the animals.

#1 University of Montana

The University of Montana offers a BS degree in Parks, Tourism, and Recreation Management.

They also offer a variety of specializations that can help those who know the area in which they will be working after graduation.

The degree takes four years and includes 68 to 75 hours.

The program also includes hands-on experience and internships.

The yearly cost is $28,906 for Montana residents and $54,812 for non-residents.

Contact Information

• Address: 32 Campus Dr, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
• Phone: +1 406-243-0211
• Website: Visit School Website

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Schools Summary Table

	Rank	School
	#1	University of Montana

Park Ranger Salary in Montana

Park rangers earn between $15.87 and $19.62 per hour.

Rangers have been found to make as low as $11.03 per hour or as much as $36.40 an hour.

This difference can be explained by the location where the ranger works, how much training they have had, and how long the ranger has been on the job.

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.