Careers in Criminal Justice: Becoming a Park Ranger

Park rangers are law enforcement officials whose primary responsibilities include maintaining and protecting national parks and historical areas and protecting the safety of individuals visiting there. Though many park rangers are stationed in national parks, they also work in other settings, including campgrounds, historical sites and recreation areas.
 
If you are interested in a career in criminal justice and are also interested in nature and national history, you may wish to become a park ranger. If you enjoy the outdoors, a career as park ranger may be a good fit within the field of criminal justice.

Job Description

Being a park ranger is a law enforcement job with several different types of responsibilities. Certain officers may specialize in particular areas, but many are required to perform a wide variety of duties. Park rangers are responsible for the preservation and well-being of national parks and historical sites, as well as the safety and educational experience of the people visiting. They educate the public about the natural, historical and cultural features of their specific location through tours, demonstrations, and/or developing informational material.
 
Along with education, ranger responsibilities can include emergency medicine, rescue and first aid for hikers and other visitors. In addition, rangers protect the park itself from fire, vandalism, pollution, and other damage. Rangers have law enforcement powers, including enforcing hunting and fishing permits. They have the right to restrict access to certain areas in the interest of conservation, or evict individuals causing damage or vandalism.
 
For example, at Glacier National Park in Montana, rangers are responsible for plowing snow from trails, providing information and reservations for the park’s thirteen campgrounds, and issuing permits. Rangers determine necessary park closures due to safety issues or to protect the park’s natural resources. Rangers can also issue tickets and fines to individuals violating park rules or state laws while in the park.

Salary Guide

Park ranger salaries vary based on education and experience. Salary for summer rangers begins at around $20,000. Initially, full-time, permanent rangers can expect to make from $20-30,000 annually. Opportunities for advancement and increases in salary are available with continuing education in the field, including college degrees. Park rangers in non-supervisory roles can make from $45-60,000 annually, and rangers in supervisory roles may earn more.

Education, Training and Work Experience

Many rangers have a Bachelor’s degree, and most have some coursework in a related field, such as:
  • biology
  • botany
  • environmental studies
  • geology
  • history
  • natural sciences.
 
If you are looking to break into the field, outdoor skills such as hiking, kayaking and rock climbing are also useful. Experience in security, fire prevention and teaching will also contribute to a career as a park ranger.
 
The Seasonal Law Enforcement Training Program (SLETP) is a program that helps prepare seasonal park rangers to take on law enforcement duties for the National Parks Service. You can complete the program full-time, or spread out over a longer time period. The Association of National Park Rangers offers volunteer opportunities, and experience as an intern or volunteer can also help you to get a job as a park ranger.

Career Advancement

Several variables contribute to the rate of advancement for park rangers. Many park ranger jobs require some education or related work experience. Work as a park guide or assistant can lead to a job as a park ranger. Though you will likely begin in an entry-level position, career advancement is possible. You can become a specialist in specific areas such as:
  • game warden
  • park planning
  • resource management.
 
Increased experience can also allow park rangers to move into supervisory or management roles. However, job availability is impacted by increases or decreases in federal and state funds.

Related Associations and Groups

A career as a park ranger can be a perfect law enforcement job for those who enjoy history and nature. Several groups can provide more information about qualifications and responsibilities, including:
  • Association of National Park Rangers
  • National Recreation and Parks Association
  • Park Law Enforcement Association
  • State groups, such as Texas Parks and Wildlife and individual state departments of Conservation and Recreation (individual states)
  • The National Park Service.
 

These groups can also help you to find opportunities for law enforcement jobs as a park ranger.

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