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Can’t make up your mind between a career in law enforcement and one that allows you to spend time outdoors?
Consider becoming a Wyoming park ranger.
The rangers who keep these parks clean and free of crime must attend the police academy before they can even consider getting hired.
They get to interact with nature daily while at the same time keeping our state lands safe for future generations.
Keep reading to find out more.
Requirements For Becoming a Park Ranger in Wyoming
The process for becoming a state park ranger in Wyoming is one of the most extensive among the states.
Each park ranger is a peace officer and must also have at least a two-year degree, although a four-year one is preferred.
Experience can be substituted for the degree requirement.
Candidates must complete field training, pass background and drug screening, and possess a driver’s license.
The field training includes water rescue, wildlife survival techniques, firefighting, high ground rescue, habitat restoration, Wilderness first aid and CPR, and techniques for saving, capturing, and releasing wild animals.
The peace officer training includes a physical test that includes one minute of setups, one minute of pull-ups, and a four-minute walk or run.
In addition, candidates must pass an academic test with at least 70 percent and a psychological test.
Duties of a Wyoming Park Ranger
The main duty of a park ranger is to enforce the state laws, park rules, and park regulations.
They must patrol the parks and advise visitors of what is expected.
The park ranger is also responsible for investigating any injuries that occur on park property.
A park ranger must protect the animals and plants in the park and must be able to rescue visitors who find themselves in a bad position.
Finally, it is the task of the park ranger to participate in interpretive educational programs and public outreach.
State Parks in Wyoming
1. Boysen State Park
Established in 1956, Boysen State Park is the largest in Wyoming.
Visitors can enjoy rustic camping or a gentler experience in cabins.
The activities available run from tom volleyball courts and lounging on the beach, to hiking the many trails, boating, fishing, or hunting.
This park has something for everyone.
2. Buffalo Bill State Park
Buffalo Bill State Park occupies land once owned by Buffalo Bill Cody.
The park itself was established in 1957 and has been hosting visitors ever since.
The park offers camping sites and an enclosed lodge.
Visitors can enjoy the volleyball court or spend time hiking, fishing, or boating.
Off-road vehicles can be used in this park.
For those looking for a quieter activity, grab your camera or binoculars and do some viewing of the abundant wildlife you’ll find here.
3. Glendo State Park
This park covers 22,000 acres, 12,000 of it on the water.
They offer over 500 campsites, spread out in 19 campgrounds.
They even rent out yurts.
There is a beach, an archery range, and plenty of overlooks.
Walleye fishermen find this a great place to fish.
Others enjoy the many opportunities for boating, hiking, and biking.
Many visitors take advantage of the opportunity for winter sports here.
4. Hot Springs State Park
Hot Springs State Park is located along the Big Horn River.
They draw many visitors who want to experience the free bath house where the water is kept at a steady 108 degrees.
For those who want more activity, enjoy the volleyball and horseshoe courts, fish, or hike.
The park has a suspension bridge for the adventurous and summer flower gardens.
There are also 62 miles of accessible hiking trails.
This is one park that the whole family will enjoy, and you may want to enjoy a picnic before wandering out to find the bison that roam the area.
Program: Wildlife Forestry and Conservation Career Diploma
Program Details:- Study online at your own pace
- Earn a career diploma in as little as 4 months*
- Budget-friendly tuition with personalized payment options
- Nationally accredited program
- Guidance from experienced instructors
1 University of Wyoming
This school offers a Bachelor’s degree in Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management.
The degree takes four years and earns you 75 credits.
Wyoming residents pay a tuition of $5400 per semester, while non-residents pay $22,020 per semester.
Contact Information
- Address: 1000 E University Ave, Laramie, WY 82071, United States
- Phone: +1 307-766-1121
- Website: Visit School Website
2 Northwest College
The Associate’s degree at this school is in Conservation Law Enforcement.
You will cover 60 credit hours in two years.
Wyoming residents pay a fee of $105 per credit hour.
Non-state residents are looking for $315 per credit hour.
Contact Information
- Address: 231 W 6th St, Powell, WY 82435, USA
- Phone: +1 307-754-6000
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Wyoming |
| #2 | Northwest College |
Park Ranger Salary in Wyoming
The mean salary for Wyoming state park rangers is $57,650 annually, with a great benefit package.
This salary varies with how much experience the ranger has, how much training, and which state park they work in.
The benefits most often include paid vacations, sick days, and holidays.
There is also life and health insurance, most often including vision and dental, and a retirement package.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$35.4K |
|
$49.8K |
|
$70K |
Average Salary in Wyoming
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Cheyenne | $41,729 |
| Casper | $39,839 |
| Gillette | $49,814 |
| Laramie | $46,014 |
| Rock Springs | $47,454 |
| Sheridan | $47,105 |
| Evanston | $47,595 |
| Green River | $30,240 |
| Riverton | $47,758 |
| Jackson | $35,526 |
Find Park Ranger Career Guides by State
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it difficult to become a park ranger in Wyoming?
Yes, it isn’t easy to become a park ranger in Wyoming.
In addition to a degree, candidates must attend the police academy and become peace officers.
Park rangers also must pass academic and psychological tests.
How many state parks are there in Wyoming?
Wyoming has one of the lowest numbers of state parks, with only 12 in the entire state.
What are the largest and smallest state parks in Wyoming?
The largest state park in Wyoming is Boysen State Park, established in 1956.
It covers 35,952 acres.
The smallest state park in Wyoming is Bear River State Park.
This park was established in 1991 and covers 324 acres.
How much money does a Wyoming park ranger make?
The mean salary for Wyoming state park rangers is $57,650 annually, with a great benefit package.
This salary varies with how much experience the ranger has, how much training, and which state park they work in.
What is the main duty of a park ranger in Wyoming?
Wyoming state park rangers do mainly law enforcement duties.
This includes keeping a visible presence to remind visitors to follow the rules, and investigating any misconduct or accidents that occur on the land.
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