How to Become a Park Ranger in Tennessee

For those who love the idea of working outdoors and helping to protect state parks, a career as a Park Ranger in Tennessee may be a perfect fit.

With 59 unique state parks, Tennessee offers numerous career opportunities to those with the skills to fill the job.

From east to west, Tennessee offers diverse topography.

This allows candidates to live out their dreams in a beautiful environment.

Requirements to Become a Park Ranger in Tennessee

• A Bachelor’s degree is required to become a Park Ranger in Tennessee.
• Be willing and qualified to carry a weapon when assigned.
• Applicants must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must be a citizen of the United States.
• Undergoing an investigation to determine moral character.
• Submit a criminal history disclosure form.
• Allow all records involving any criminal history to be released.
• Be fingerprinted as required by the TBI.
• A felony record or a dishonorable discharge from any United States armed forces is disqualifying.
• Pass a physical exam as prescribed by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Pass a psychological evaluation.
• All Park Rangers must have a valid driver’s license.
• Once appointed, complete a prescribed course of instruction at the Tennessee Law Enforcement Academy or have completed an equivalent course.
• Must be willing to work in any part of the state they are assigned.
• Preferred but not required: CPR and First Aid Certification.

Park Ranger Duties in Tennessee

Provide visitors with a safe and enjoyable experience.

Assist the public by answering questions and interacting as needed.

Supervise park staff, make up schedules, and perform employee reviews.

Organize recreation and interpretive programs for park visitors.

Enforce park rules and investigate incidents in the park that may be breaking laws.

Provide emergency medical assistance up to the level of training they have.

Perform search and rescue as needed.

Conduct routine inspections of the park and determine compliance with all safety regulations.

Doing administrative and accounting reports.

Provide maintenance when required for park facilities.

State Parks in Tennessee

Paris Landing State Park

For those who want to enjoy the outdoors but maintain a level of luxury, this state park is the perfect compromise.

With a resort-style lodge and restaurant, there is no need to camp unless that’s what you prefer.

Deluxe family cabins and RV camping sites are also available.

On the shore of Kentucky Lake, lake activities are a major attraction.

Guests enjoy swimming, boating, playing golf, birding, and the two hiking trails.

The nature center offers ranger programs for visitors of all ages.

Bicentennial Capitol Mall

Bicentennial Capitol Mall is located in downtown Nashville.

This urban park was created to celebrate the Tennessee Bicentennial on June 1, 1996.

The 11-acre park includes a 200-foot granite Tennessee map.

It also has a World War II Memorial and a Pathway of History.

The Rivers of Tennessee Fountain has 31 water jets spraying water into the air.

The 95-Bell Carillion represents the 95 counties in the state of Tennessee.

The bells ring from 6 am to 11 pm on the quarter of the hour and play a full song on the hour.

It plays Tennessee songs, and one of them is The Tennessee Waltz.

Ranger-led guided tours are offered.

The park also has a 2,000-seat amphitheater that hosts a variety of programs every year.

The park offers an unparalleled view of the State Capitol and the Nashville skyline.

There is a visitor center and a gift shop.

The Park is adjacent to the Nashville Farmers Market.

Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park

Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park is located in Greene County, Tennessee.

Davy was born near Limestone, Tennessee, in 1786.

The park is 105 acres above the falls of the Nolichucky River.

It includes a replica cabin on an 18th-century living farmstead.

There is a limestone marker and exhibits in the visitor center.

The state park has 88 campsites, some have full hookups, some partial, and some are primitive.

Rock Island State Park

Rock Island State Park is one of the wonders of Tennessee.

It includes the Caney Fork River Gorge, a very popular attraction.

The gorge is a great place to hike or to swim in the crystal clear pools.

Entering the gorge comes with some danger, so be sure to check for any ranger information.

A cascading thirty-foot falls called Great Falls is another of the attractions.

Nine hiking trails provide plenty of opportunities to enjoy all the beauty the park offers.

#1 The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Forestry Major with Outdoor Recreation and Park Management Concentration.

This is a Bachelor’s Degree that prepares graduates for a career as a park ranger.

Contact Information

• Address: Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
• Phone: +1 865-974-1000
• Website: Visit School Website

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Schools Summary Table

	Rank	School
	#1	The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Park Ranger Salary in Tennessee

Salaries for Park Rangers in Tennessee range from a low of $28,710 to $52,093.

The average salary is about $47,000.

Salary is dependent on the area of the state where you are seeking employment.

More experience and/or education can get you a higher income and more advancement options.

Part-time and seasonal park rangers are usually paid hourly.

Park Ranger Salary by Metro Area in Tennessee

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.