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# How to Become a Park Ranger

State and Federal Park Ranger Education

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Blog](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/blog/) - This is the blog zone
- [BLM and National Park Service Blink in Bundy Standoff](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2014/05/blm-and-national-park-service-blink-in-bundy-standoff/) - A recent showdown that pitted a Nevada cattle farmer and his supporters on one side, vs. agents of the U.S. government on the other, is showing just how deeply some mistrust their government. The situation began when Nevada cattle rancher Clive Bundy decided to stop paying federally ordered fees to graze his cattle on federal
- [Park Rangers in Washington State Shooting Prepare for Trial](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2014/05/park-rangers-in-washington-state-shooting-prepare-for-trial/) - A man was taken into custody recently after an incident that involved a confrontation with Federal Park Rangers. The situation began when Park Rangers asked Michael Sublie, who was in his boat at the Kettle River campground in Washington State at the time, to reduce the volume of his music. According to court documents, Sublie
- [Michigan Park Ranger in Hot Water after Mistaken Identity Shooting](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2014/06/michigan-park-ranger-in-hot-water-after-mistaken-identity-shooting/) - A Michigan man has filed suit against Genesee County as a result of allegedly being shot in the leg during a confrontation with a park ranger. He claims that he was unfairly pursued by the ranger after she mistakenly believed he had stolen her purse. On October 30, 2013 Flint, Michigan resident Darryl Scott was
- [Park Rangers Fight Redwood Burl Poaching in California](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2014/06/park-rangers-fight-redwood-burl-poaching-in-california/) - Park Rangers in Redwood National Park are battling against redwood burl poachers who illegally cut the valuable sections from the ancient trees. The burls are protrusions on the trees that feature wood that is delicately patterned, making it ideal for furniture. The poachers seek the wood due to the astounding price it can fetch. A
- [Park Rangers Search for Six Missing Mount Rainier Climbers](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2014/07/park-rangers-search-for-six-missing-mount-rainier-climbers/) - Washington's Mount Rainier is an imposing geological formation that draws thousands of mountaineers from all across the country every year. Despite its popularity, the 14,410 foot mountain has seen a number of climbers become stranded over the years. Sadly, among those who have lost their way, fatalities due to avalanche or exposure are not uncommon.
- [Youngster Made Honorary Yosemite Park Ranger for a Day](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2014/07/youngster-made-honorary-yosemite-park-ranger-for-a-day/) - Yosemite National Park was the scene of a heartwarming story recently as an 8-year-old boy with an incurable condition was made an honorary park ranger for a day. Gabriel Lavan-Ying was flown via helicopter with his parents and two siblings to Northern California thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Gabriel spent the day assisting the park’s
- [Park Ranger Fired for Boogying Down](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2014/07/park-ranger-fired-for-boogying-down/) - Park Ranger, 51 year old Deryl Nelson, has been dancing while at work at Coolidge Park in Chattanooga, Tennessee for years, and visitors have said that his dancing made park visitors happy as he appeared to be enjoying both his life and his job. However, not all visitors appreciated his dancing, and one, Melissa Parsons,
- [New Bedford Park Appoints Naturalized Citizen and Army Veteran as Park Ranger](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2014/08/new-bedford-park-appoints-naturalized-citizen-and-army-veteran-as-park-ranger/) - The New Bedford Whaling National Historic Park in Maine has made the announcement that they have appointed Rufai Shardow to the position of park ranger. Shardow is not a new employee of the park, however, as he has been working there in several capacities on a seasonal basis for the last five years. His most
- [South Bend Park Rangers Not Allowed to Carry Firearms](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2014/08/south-bend-park-rangers-not-allowed-to-carry-firearms/) - At the beginning of July this year, a new law went into effect that prohibits park rangers in South Bend, Indiana from carrying a firearm while on duty. It was an unwelcome bit of news for those in the profession as rangers are responsible for patrolling more than 70 locations throughout South Bend and protecting
- [Park Rangers Reportedly Forced to Use Taser on Illegal Camper](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2014/09/park-rangers-reportedly-forced-to-use-taser-on-illegal-camper/) - Two Golden Gate National Recreation Area park rangers recently were forced to Taser a man who they found camping illegally on Muir Beach. The rangers approached the man who was occupying a wildlife protection area with his dog. According to the report, the rangers informed the man that he was not allowed to camp in
- [Glacier Park Rangers Kill Black Bear](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2014/10/glacier-park-rangers-kill-black-bear/) - Glacier Park in Montana is one of the nation’s most popular and beloved national parks because of its serene beauty and abundant wildlife. That wildlife has gotten a little too close to some of the park’s visitors recently, however, and one incident may have demonstrated that the problem is one that the state may want
- [Pittsburgh Considers Creating New Park Ranger Positions](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2014/10/pittsburgh-considers-creating-new-park-ranger-positions/) - A new parks project that is being planned by Pittsburgh city officials is set to allocate almost $1 million to its various elements, one of which is the creation of a city park ranger. The position has not yet been confirmed but Mike Gable, the City of Pittsburgh Public Works director, pitched a presentation to
- [Fallen Mount Rainier Park Ranger Honored](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2014/11/fallen-mount-rainier-park-ranger-honored/) - Eatonville, Washington will have a rather somber claim to fame soon as National Park Ranger Margaret Anderson will be posthumously honored by the United States Postal Service. The Post Office in Eatonville has announced that it will be dedicating its main branch to Anderson’s memory. State Congressional officials authorized the ceremony and a plaque has
- [Park Rangers in Portland, Oregon No Longer Forced to Issue Parking Tickets](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2014/11/park-rangers-in-portland-oregon-no-longer-forced-to-issue-parking-tickets/) - Park rangers in Portland, Oregon are considered by city officials as well as by the rangers themselves as ambassadors for the Portland park system. They are seen as the “friendly faces” that greet visitors and help people in the parks who suffer an emergency or are in need in other ways. Unfortunately for Portland’s rangers,
- [North Carolina Park Rangers Receive Law Enforcement Commission](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2014/12/north-carolina-park-rangers-receive-law-enforcement-commission/) - Eight park rangers across the state of North Carolina were recently commissioned as law enforcement officers after participating in a law enforcement basic training program that lasted 17 weeks. The rangers received their commissions at a public ceremony and were given the distinction of being “Special Peace Officers”. The completion of the training program and
- [West Virginia Park Ranger Receives National Award](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2014/12/west-virginia-park-ranger-receives-national-award/) - Caldwell, West Virginia has reason to be proud of Greenbrier County Park Ranger Jesse Anderson. Service Wear Apparel recently named Anderson as the Park Ranger of the Year for his outstanding service to Greenbrier County Park and its visitors. He acts as the Superintendent of Greenbrier State Forest as well as of Moncove Lake State
- [Del Mar Park Ranger Allowed to Wear Body Camera](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2015/01/del-mar-park-ranger-allowed-to-wear-body-camera/) - Several months ago, the City Council in Del Mar, California voted to suspend the use of a body camera by the city’s sole park ranger, Adam Chase, which he had been using as part of his service duties. This week the Council voted to reverse that earlier ruling and allow Chase to wear the body
- [Park Ranger Program to Launch in Allegheny County, PA in Early 2015](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2015/01/park-ranger-program-to-launch-in-allegheny-county-pa-in-early-2015/) - According to officials in Allegheny County in Pennsylvania, the region has been in need of a park ranger program for years now. Budgetary concerns and prioritization, however, have made such a program impossibility until now. The council passed a 2015 county operating budget of just over $839 million, $400,000 of which will go toward the
- [Nostalgic Toys Making a Comeback Thanks to a Smoky Mountains Park Ranger](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2015/03/nostalgic-toys-making-a-comeback-thanks-to-a-smoky-mountains-park-ranger/) - Playtime for children used to be more about imagination than technology. Toys were simple and the vast majority of them didn’t take any batteries. Instead, they made children embrace their inner creativity for hours of endless fun. Toys today, while they have their benefits, are more complicated with a lot less staying power like their
- [New Park Ranger Named for New Jersey Great Falls National Park](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2015/03/new-park-ranger-named-for-new-jersey-great-falls-national-park/) - The newest addition to the Great Falls National Park family has been announced: Ernie Hernandez, who also happens to be the former sheriff of Bergen County. Congressman Bill Pascrell made the announcement last Wednesday, stating that it has made him extremely happy to welcome Ernie, a decorated veteran, to his new position. Currently calling Passaic
- [New Volunteer Program for Prospective Park Rangers at the Grand Canyon National Park](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2015/04/new-volunteer-program-for-prospective-park-rangers-at-the-grand-canyon-national-park/) - While the competition to become a national park ranger is fierce, you can improve your chances by volunteering in a national park. This can help you to land your first seasonal position and launch your career as a park ranger. The Grand Canyon National Park is offering Seasonal Law Enforcement Academy graduates the chance to
- [Yosemite Park Ranger Receives Prestigious Award](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2015/04/yosemite-park-ranger-receives-prestigious-award/) - Being a successful park ranger involves mastering an array of skills ranging from fighting fires to conducting search and rescue missions. Yosemite National Park Ranger Robert Lewis has an amazing breadth of skills. In addition to being experienced at rescuing people from high angles and on swift water, Lewis is a crisis negotiator, medic, coroner,
- [The National Park Service Looks to the Future with its Junior Ranger Program](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2015/05/the-national-park-service-looks-to-the-future-with-its-junior-ranger-program/) - On the bright side, America’s national parks attracted 292.8 million visits in 2014. This record suggests that citizens and tourists are taking full advantage of what the US has to offer. However, park visitors are getting older, and the number of youths visiting national parks has decreased by half over the past decade. The average
- [The National Park Service Trains Park Rangers and Other Personnel to Perform Critical Rope Rescues](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2015/05/the-national-park-service-trains-park-rangers-and-other-personnel-to-perform-critical-rope-rescues/) - Everyone knows that becoming a park ranger involves mastering a wide range of skills. Some of the most important of these skills are those related to search and rescue operations, since the National Park Service conducts more than 3,000 rescue missions each year. While many rescues take place on the ground, park rangers are increasingly
- [The National Park Service Celebrates America’s Oldest Park Ranger](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2015/05/the-national-park-service-celebrates-americas-oldest-park-ranger/) - America’s oldest active park ranger wears her uniform at all times to inspire young women of color. The National Park Service recognized Betty Reid Soskin as part of Women’s History Month in 2015. The 93-year old woman helped to develop the Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park where she now works.
- [Donors Present Rangers at Great Smoky Mountains National Park with High-end Outdoor Gear](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2015/06/donors-present-rangers-at-great-smoky-mountains-national-park-with-high-end-outdoor-gear/) - One of the most critical missions that park rangers perform is rescuing hikers in distress in sub-zero weather. This is a common mission for rangers at Great Smoky Mountains National Park who perform about 100 search and rescue missions a year. Donors just gave 15 high-performance search and rescue jackets to the park’s rangers to
- [Los Angeles Area Volunteer Named an Honorary Park Ranger](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2015/06/los-angeles-area-volunteer-named-an-honorary-park-ranger/) - Park rangers frequently work in concert with volunteers to provide park visitors with an enriching experience. One stellar volunteer is Californian Ron Kraus who has been active at Placerita Canyon State Park since he hiked there as a boy. Kraus is president of the Placerita Canyon Nature Center Associates (PCNCA)—a group of more than 100
- [Las Vegas Area Rangers Allow Commissary Fire to Burn in Controlled Blaze](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2015/07/las-vegas-area-rangers-allow-commissary-fire-to-burn-in-controlled-blaze/) - Fighting fires is by no means a simple business. Factors ranging from what started the blaze to the amount of humidity in the air can have a drastic impact on the different techniques used to manage and extinguish an inferno. However, it would seem to be common sense that the number one goal when it
- [Park Rangers at Great Smoky Mountains National Park Warn Against Water Recreation After a Fatal Kayak Accident](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2015/07/park-rangers-at-great-smoky-mountains-national-park-warn-against-water-recreation-after-a-fatal-kayak-accident/) - The website of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a whole page devoted to the dangers of water recreation in the park. Unfortunately many people do not heed this warning, and drowning is one of the leading causes of death in this park. Park rangers, police officers, and the local fire department responded to
- [Man Who Sets Appalachian Trail Record is Fined for Breaking Park Rules](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2015/08/man-who-sets-appalachian-trail-record-is-fined-for-breaking-park-rules/) - Scott Jurek broke the record for completing the Appalachian Trail by hiking it in 46 days, 8 hours, and 8 minutes. Jurek made the 2,180 mile trek from Springer Mountain, Georgia, to Mount Katahdin in Maine by traveling about 47 miles a day. While this record-breaking feat might seem like a good thing, Baxter Park
- [Yosemite Park Ranger Receives Recognition for Years of Dedicated Service](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2015/08/yosemite-park-ranger-receives-recognition-for-years-of-dedicated-service/) - National Park Ranger Glen Gibbons received several standing ovations from his fellow park employees at Yosemite when he was given the prestigious Barry Hance Memorial Award on June 11, 2015. Making park visitors happy is an integral part of Gibbons’ job as he greets them at the Arch Rock entrance station, and he excels with
- [Yellowstone Park Rangers Capture and Euthanize Killer Grizzly Bear](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2015/08/yellowstone-park-rangers-capture-and-euthanize-killer-grizzly-bear/) - Park rangers at Yellowstone National Park recently captured a grizzly bear that killed a hiker at the park. Rangers found the partially consumed body of Lance Crosby, 68, an experienced hiker and seasonal employee of a company that manages urgent-care clinics at the park. Regrettably, he was not carrying bear spray. Grizzly bear attacks are
- [Binghamton, New York Expands Its Park Ranger Program](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2015/09/binghamton-new-york-expands-its-park-ranger-program/) - With more than 30 parks in Binghamton, New York, the city’s mayor was concerned about public safety, so the city subsequently hired three more park rangers for the 2015 summer season. That is when most families use the parks, and Mayor Richard David had heard concerns about drug use and youths fighting at some of
- [Glacier National Park Rangers are Attempting to Modify Bear Behavior to Protect Campers](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2015/10/glacier-national-park-rangers-are-attempting-to-modify-bear-behavior-to-protect-campers/) - Park rangers at Glacier National Park are limiting camping at the St. Mary Campground on the east side of the park because of the danger of bear attacks. Only vehicles with hard sides are currently allowed at the campground, because of the recent increase in bear activity in the area. Campers using tents and soft-sided
- [New Chief Ranger Takes Over at Yellowstone National Park](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2015/10/new-chief-ranger-takes-over-at-yellowstone-national-park/) - Being the chief ranger of Yellowstone National Park is a complex job that involves managing a 3,468 square mile area that extends from Wyoming into Montana and Idaho. This park covers an area larger than the size of Rhode Island or Delaware. The National Park Service selected Pete Webster to be Yellowstone’s new chief park
- [Maine Park Rangers Led the Search for a Missing Hiker Who was Found Alive Three Days Later](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2015/10/maine-park-rangers-led-the-search-for-a-missing-hiker-who-was-found-alive-three-days-later/) - Park Rangers at Baxter State Park in Maine went on full alert when a hiker was declared missing. John Lyon of Virginia, an experienced 78-year old hiker, did not return from a hike on Mount Coe. Lyon was hiking with three other people from the DC/Virginia area when he left the group to hike ahead.
- [Yellowstone Park Rangers Use DNA to Track Down Bear that Killed 68 Year Old Hiker](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2015/11/yellowstone-park-rangers-use-dna-to-track-down-bear-that-killed-68-year-old-hiker/) - Rangers at Yellowstone National Park last month put on their CSI caps while on the hunt for a grizzly bear that killed and ate a hiker. The remains of Lance Crosby, 68, of Billings, Montana were discovered and showed evidence that he had been attacked and fed upon by a bear. The results of Crosby’s
- [Survival Tips for Amateur Adventurers](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2015/12/survival-tips-for-amateur-adventurers/) - Many people enjoy taking trips into nature, but they may not always be prepared for when nature turns on them. In the worst cases, this leaves park rangers and rescue rangers to search for and recover lost hikers. Retired rescue ranger Bil Vandergraff provides some key tips that can help prevent disaster for hikers and
- [Garamba Park Rangers Killed By Militarized Poachers as Congo Fighting Continues](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2015/12/garamba-park-rangers-killed-by-militarized-poachers-as-congo-fighting-continues/) - A deadly shootout broke out in the Congo’s Garamba National Park last month after poachers killed three Garamba rangers and a Congolese army colonel. The issue is not unique to Garamba, with similar incidents taking place in the Congo’s Virunga National Park further south. Developing new methods of combating these increasingly aggressive poachers is important
- [Rangers Prepare for the Winter by Advising Visitors to Stay Vigilant in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2016/02/rangers-prepare-for-the-winter-by-advising-visitors-to-stay-vigilant-in-the-great-smoky-mountains-national-park/) - While protecting their parks is an important part of the job for most park rangers, keeping visitors to their parks safe is equally vital. In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the nation’s most visited national park, protecting nature lovers can be a complicated task. Part of the problem is that many park visitors do
- [Flat Hat Award for 2015 Goes to Natchez National Historical Park Ranger](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2016/02/flat-hat-award-for-2015-goes-to-natchez-national-historical-park-ranger/) - Each year the National Park Traveller’s Club gives an award to an exceptional Ranger who goes beyond the call of their profession and performs with excellence. The National Park Traveller’s Club is an organization that helps American travellers enjoy the nation’s parks, and rewards the rangers who help make that happen. The Flat Hat award
- [Hawaiian Man Convicted of Disobeying Park Ranger’s Order to Land his Drone](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2016/04/hawaiian-man-convicted-of-disobeying-park-rangers-order-to-land-his-drone/) - Flying a drone in a national park is illegal, and it is particularly bad form to fly them over crowds gathered in these parks. Travis R. Sanders did just this at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in April 2015. He flew his drone over a crowd that had gathered to view the crater of Halema’uma’a. A
- [Park Rangers Urge Selfie-Crazed Public to Stay Away from Wildlife](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2016/05/park-rangers-urge-selfie-crazed-public-to-stay-away-from-wildlife/) - Early in May 2016, two tourists were visiting Yellowstone National Park when they saw a baby bison off on its own. The tourists said the baby bison looked cold in the 40 degree weather, so in genuine concern, they loaded the baby bison into the back of their SUV and took it to a ranger
- [Recent Park Ranger Murders in Iran Emphasize Ongoing Hostile Relations with Poachers](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2016/10/recent-park-ranger-murders-in-iran-emphasize-ongoing-hostile-relations-with-poachers/) - Poachers in Iran recently killed three park rangers, further underscoring the rising conflict between the two groups. Although details remain unclear, environmental science news source Mongabay reports: On June 23, park rangers Mohammad Dehqani and Parviz Hormozia were shot and killed by poachers they encountered while patrolling the southern region of the Geno Biosphere Reserve.
- [Country’s Oldest Park Ranger Returns to Work After Brutal Attack and Receives Congressional Honor](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2016/11/countrys-oldest-park-ranger-returns-to-work-after-brutal-attack-and-receives-congressional-honor/) - At 95 years of age, Betty Reid Soskin serves as the oldest National Park Ranger working full time in the country. This ranger helped design the Rosie the Riveter Park in Redmond, California and has worked there for the last ten years. A living treasure, Soskin received many honors over the course of her career.
- [Law Enforcement Authority Returned to Park Rangers in Columbia, Missouri](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2016/12/law-enforcement-authority-returned-to-park-rangers-in-columbia-missouri/) - Working as a park ranger in Columbia, Missouri is no small task. According to the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, the agency manages more than 3,000 acres of park land and helps sustain the operation of over 80 parks, recreation facilities, and open green spaces. The area is home to the sprawling 533-acre Columbia Cosmopolitan
- [Author and Historian David McCullough Named Honorary Park Ranger](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2017/01/author-and-historian-david-mccullough-named-honorary-park-ranger/) - The National Park Service (NPS) bestowed the highest honor available to civilians to Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and author David McCullough on October 4, 2016. The NPS named him an “Honorary National Park Ranger” at a ceremony on the Boston Common. The National Park Service reserves this honor for individuals who make significant and sustained contributions
- [Odd Bedfellows Combine to Win Park Ranger an Award](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2017/02/odd-bedfellows-combine-to-win-park-ranger-an-award/) - Twitter, Facebook, virtual tours. It's antithetical to think of nature as having anything to do with social media. However National Park Service Park Ranger Lynette Webber just won an award for her interpretive program at Michigan's Upper Peninsula Keweenaw National Historical Park that incorporates social media. The legislation that would eventually mark the beginning of
- [Can the NPS Meet The Challenges the Next Century Will Bring?](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/2017/06/can-the-nps-meet-the-challenges-the-next-century-will-bring/) - On August 25, 2016 The National Park Service (NPS) celebrated its 100th birthday. A full century has passed since it was created by Congress and signed in by President Woodrow Wilson as a product of the National Park Service Organic Act. NPS was developed to preserve and protect historical and ecological places and oversee the

## Pages

- [Home](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/) - Park rangers are often said to be the keepers of our nation’s natural resources and protected public lands. Their mission it is to preserve and protect our nation’s local, state and national parks for public use and enjoyment today, and for many years to come. Park rangers are there to educate the public, enforce the
- [Park Ranger Game Warden Careers](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/park-ranger-game-warden-careers/) - Compare park ranger and game warden careers side by side. Explore duties, work settings, education paths, and role-fit differences to find the right degree for your path.
- [Park Ranger Game Warden Post Training Guide](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/park-ranger-game-warden-post-training-guide/) - Understand what POST certification, law enforcement academies, and official training approval actually mean for park ranger and game warden careers. Clear definitions, a verification checklist, and accredited program guidance.
- [Park Ranger Game Warden Degree Cost](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/park-ranger-game-warden-degree-cost/) - Understand what park ranger and game warden degree programs typically cost, which financial aid options apply, and what questions to ask before you enroll. Compare accredited programs by fit and cost.
- [Park Ranger Game Warden Requirements](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/park-ranger-game-warden-requirements/) - Learn general eligibility requirements to become a park ranger or game warden, plus state-specific standards for California, Texas, Washington, and New York. Always verify current requirements with your state agency.
- [Park Ranger Game Warden Degree Programs](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/park-ranger-game-warden-degree-programs/) - Compare degree programs for park ranger and game warden careers. Wildlife biology, natural resources, criminal justice, and more — find the major and credential path that fits your goals and state.
- [Learn How to Become a Park Ranger or Game Warden](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/learn-how-to-become-a-park-ranger-or-game-warden/) - Learn the step-by-step pathway to become a park ranger or game warden. Understand degree requirements, academy training, state rules, and how to compare programs.
- [Schools By State](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/schools-by-state/) - The park ranger profession is a broad one, not only because of the thousands of job opportunities that are present throughout the United States, but also because job duties and responsibilities can be quite extensive. The National Park Service (NPS), for example, recognizes a large number of majors/areas of study for its applicants, thereby reflecting
- [About Us](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/about-us/) - To get in contact with us for updates or anything else, please email here: info@parkrangeredu.org. Our Story and What We Offer It has been said that the national parks system was America’s best idea. Most would agree that the smaller parks systems managed by state parks departments deserve a similar level of reverence. The protection and
- [Contact Us](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/contact-us/) - ParkRangerEDU.org is an independent education resource that is in no way affiliated with any government agency. Please contact the proper authorities with any issues related to law enforcement or emergency services.
- [Wyoming](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/wyoming/) - Home to perhaps the most famous wildlife park in the world, Wyoming also boasts over two dozen other state parks and historic sites which are often overlooked by tourists flocking to Yellowstone National Park. Park rangers working in Wyoming are in charge of making sure visitors to these natural areas are safe and following all
- [Wisconsin](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/wisconsin/) - In Wisconsin, park rangers are responsible for 66 recreation and wildlife areas covering more than 150 square miles. Over 14 million visitors enjoy these locations in the great outdoors every year, thanks in large part to the efforts of park rangers. These areas include Ice Age trails, cliffs, waterfalls, bluffs and beaches; some of the
- [West Virginia](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/west-virginia/) - With 49 state-managed parks, trails and wilderness areas plus six national parks with over a million visitors every year, park rangers in West Virginia have their hands full. Many of the state's parks were established after the Great Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps, a government agency whose existence allowed for the employment of countless
- [Washington](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/washington/) - Washington’s park rangers work in some of the most diverse biomes in the country, from rain forests and jagged mountain ranges, to an active volcano and high desert regions. In recent years, Washington’s park rangers have dealt with everything from violent acts against their own, to volcanic eruptions and tsunami debris that made its way across
- [Virginia](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/virginia/) - As the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation points out, running a state park is often like managing a small city. Park rangers must coordinate visitors, services, and supplies operating in and out of Virginia's 36 state park, while at the same time providing protection and assistance to those in need. With over 500 miles
- [Vermont](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/vermont/) - Vermont’s park rangers have made a commitment to making the state's 52 state parks some of the best in the country. Park rangers ensure visitors have a safe and pleasant experience in Vermont's natural areas by providing informative lectures or demonstrations and also pointing out state park rules and laws. Each year the Department of
- [Utah](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/utah/) - Utah is home to five national parks, the third-most of any state in the country, and 43 state parks scattered across its territory, which together account for hundreds of square miles of wilderness area. These public parks attract millions of visitors every year, not all of whom act in a lawful and respectful manner. Enter
- [Texas](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/texas/) - Texas park rangers work in some of the most scenic environments in the state. Unfortunately, drug runners, human traffickers, and general unruly members of the public also tend to frequent these areas. Park rangers must be on alert and able to respond to any situation as it arises, especially in parks that span the international
- [Tennessee](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/tennessee/) - It is commonly said of Tennessee that wherever you may be, you’re within an hour's drive of a state park. Some of the best of what nature has to offer in the state is the Great Smokey Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the country with almost twice as many tourists stopping
- [South Dakota](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/south-dakota/) - Protecting South Dakota's best natural treasures and those who enjoy them, park rangers work at dozens of locations across the state where they enforce regulations and act as first responders in the event of an emergency. Park rangers with the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks Agency are highly trained law enforcement professionals who have
- [South Carolina](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/south-carolina/) - South Carolina’s diverse landscapes set the scene for stunning destinations and an abundance of cultural and recreational sites. From the peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the powder white sand dunes along the Atlantic Coast, South Carolina is home to more than 80,000 acres of protected land, including 47 scenic state parks where visitors
- [Rhode Island](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/rhode-island/) - Rhode Island’s Department of Environmental Management is committed to the preservation of Rhode Island’s natural systems, and the health and safety of its residents. The Department of Environmental Management (DEM), Division of Parks and Recreation, manages the staff of park rangers that oversee the operation and safety of the state’s nine parks: Snake Den State
- [Pennsylvania](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/pennsylvania/) - The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Bureau of State Parks employs park rangers to oversee its system of state parks and other natural resources. The DCNR uses the general term “ranger,” as it employs these law enforcement officers in both parks and forests throughout the state. Both park rangers and forest rangers
- [Oregon](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/oregon/) - The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department oversees properties that include more than 102,000 acres of natural, recreational, and historic resources, which are managed through its 3 regional offices, 12 districts, and 35 management units. In 2008, Oregon State Parks had 40.1 million visitors for day-use activities, along with another 2.4 million for overnight camping visits.
- [Oklahoma](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/oklahoma/) - Lakes, mountains, forests, and wide, open vistas are just a few of the pristine surroundings welcoming visitors to Oklahoma’s 53 state parks. Oklahoma’s parks are diverse and appealing to a wide array of visitors. Scuba divers flock to Lake Tenkiller, rock climbers head to Robbers Cave State Park, hang gliders soar over the sand dunes
- [Ohio](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/ohio/) - Ohio State Parks and its team of park rangers—often called park officers—serve about 55 million visitors every year. Park rangers are called upon to provide front-line services to visitors, including protective and assistance services. They also often provide educational programming and special activities for visitors through a number of seasonal naturalist programs and customer service
- [North Dakota](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/north-dakota/) - Nestled in the heart of the Great Plains region, North Dakota is an expansive state, encompassing more than 70,000 square miles. It comes as no surprise that its state parks are numerous and its natural resources nearly boundless. The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department and its force of park rangers oversee the state’s 13
- [North Carolina](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/north-carolina/) - Park rangers are considered the “backbone” of North Carolina’s State Parks System. The state’s more than 170 park rangers are responsible for the oversight of North Carolina’s natural resources and the millions of people who visit them each year. Park rangers in North Carolina are considered multi-specialists, with their tasks ranging from education and public
- [New York](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/new-york/) - New York State is home to no less than 179 state parks. From the massive Allegany State Park, with its thousands of acres of stunning hemlock forests to Adirondack State Park, which encompasses nearly one-third of the total land area of the state and is known for its extensive wild landscapes and old-growth forests. Outdoor
- [New Mexico](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/new-mexico/) - The New Mexico Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) oversees the State Parks Division, which manages 35 state parks throughout the State. From crystal clear lakes and mountain forests to expansive deserts and sprawling canyons, New Mexico’s state parks provide visitors with endless opportunities for adventure and enjoyment. In 2009 alone, more than 4.5
- [New Jersey](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/new-jersey/) - The New Jersey State Park Police patrols the State’s 54 parks, forest and recreational areas, along with its 130 natural trust preserves. In total, New Jersey’s park police service is responsible for the management of more than 448,000 acres in the state and for the oversight of the more than 18 million people that visit
- [New Hampshire](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/new-hampshire/) - Although New Hampshire is one of the smallest states in the United States, it is rich with natural resources that provide citizens and visitors ample opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities. New Hampshire’s recreational attractions include hiking in the White Mountain National Forest, fishing and hunting in the many lakes and forests, and skiing and snowmobiling
- [Nevada](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/nevada/) - State park rangers in Nevada work for the Parks Division of the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. In addition to one national park, there are 24 state parks in Nevada that require hundreds of full-time, part-time and seasonal rangers. Great Basin is Nevada’s only national park; however, there are dozens of state parks
- [Nebraska](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/nebraska/) - Park rangers in Nebraska say they have the best job in the world. There are currently approximately 420 park rangers in Nebraska and that number is expected to increase 20 percent by the year 2016. Rangers in Nebraska work for either the National Park Service or the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The Nebraska Game
- [Montana](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/montana/) - Montana is home to more than 44 state parks, making it a wonderful place to work as a state park ranger. As employees of the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP), rangers serve as both law enforcement officers and protectors and managers of the state’s vast natural resources. The responsibilities of a state
- [Missouri](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/missouri/) - Park rangers in Missouri may be employed with the National Park Service or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Division of State Parks, based upon the type of park in which they work (federal vs. state). Both types of park rangers must meet certain educational, experiential and basic qualifications prior to applying for the job.
- [Mississippi](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/mississippi/) - Park rangers in Mississippi are dedicated to promoting and protecting outdoor recreational areas for residents and visitors. They function as greeters to guests of state parks, provide security for park facilities and guests, operate facilities that produce park revenue, supervise other workers in the parks, and assist visitors in recreational activities. Park rangers in Mississippi
- [Minnesota](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/minnesota/) - In Minnesota, state park rangers are called naturalist interpreters, where they work for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. They work year-round in Minnesota’s state parks educating visitors through interpretation of the culturally and historically significant destinations there, as well as the state’s many natural landmarks. They serve as educators and stewards of the environment
- [Michigan](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/michigan/) - The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Division offers opportunities for state park and recreation rangers to work seasonally or year-round. Likewise, the National Park Service employs park rangers in Michigan at its national parks and historic sites. According to information provided by the Michigan Civil Service Commission, as of 2014 the average
- [Massachusetts](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/massachusetts/) - Because of Massachusetts’ weather and climate, seasonal state park ranger jobs usually run from May to October. For park ranger positions at state and national historical sites in Massachusetts, year-round jobs may be available. Additionally, city park ranger jobs are strewn across the state in cities such as Boston and Springfield. These jobs are under
- [Maryland](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/maryland/) - Maryland’s park rangers have primarily been known as law enforcement professionals and have served in the state’s parks for the past 30 years. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Park Service is currently re-defining the role of the Maryland state park ranger, making on-the-job training more of a focus than past experience. As stated in
- [Maine](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/maine/) - Park rangers in Maine work in both state parks for the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry State Parks and Public Lands and at the federal level for the National Park Service where they police and protect the many national parks located in the state. Also referred to as forest rangers, Maine’s park rangers
- [Louisiana](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/louisiana/) - The mild climate of Louisiana combined with the numerous waterways that abound among the hills and marshlands make the state a Mecca for birdwatchers and other people who take advantage of the state’s beautiful parks. The state maintains nearly two-dozen parks, while the National Park Service operates five national parks in Louisiana. Park rangers who
- [Kentucky](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/kentucky/) - Kentucky’s natural beauty draws people from all over the world to visit the Commonwealth. Natural landmarks in the state include caves, shorelines, mountains, and woodlands. Tourism is one of the top industries in Kentucky, and tourists spent almost $7.8 billion in 2012 alone. The 52 state parks maintained by the Kentucky Department of State Parks,
- [Kansas](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/kansas/) - According to an economic impact study commissioned by the Kansas Recreation and Park Association, 73% of the residents of Kansas use park and recreation services on a weekly basis. The researchers also found that every tourist dollar spent on parks and recreation services in Kansas accounted for an additional $1.70 spent in the local economy.
- [Iowa](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/iowa/) - Both residents of Iowa and visitors to the state frequently take advantage of Iowa’s natural beauty by travelling to one or more of the 72 state and two national parks. These natural resources provide opportunities that range from watching wildlife to camping and fishing. In addition to the park rangers who work for the state,
- [Indiana](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/indiana/) - Indiana is home to a wide range of habitats ranging from rich forests to the coastal area along Lake Michigan. Its wetlands are vital to the many types of birds that migrate between their nesting grounds in Alaska and alternate homes in Central and South America. The state of Indiana has been very proactive in
- [Illinois](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/illinois/) - Illinois has a great diversity of habitats ranging from prairies to marshlands – all of which draw visitors to their scenic beauty. State owned and leased parks, forests, trails, and fish and wildlife areas in Illinois receive 45 million visitors a year. These visitors spend nearly $1 billion a year, which contributes significantly to the
- [Idaho](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/idaho/) - The natural beauty of Idaho is evident in its 26 state parks, as well as the national parks located in the state. The state has the most rivers running through it of any state in the country. Over half a million people visited national parks in Idaho in 2012, spending more than $25 million into
- [Hawaii](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/hawaii/) - Hawaii’s natural beauty - including plants and animals not found anywhere else in the world - draw a lot of tourists to the state, providing significant economic benefits to the areas they visit. In 2012, 5.1 million people came from all over the world to visit Hawaii’s seven national parks. They spent over $314 million
- [Georgia](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/georgia/) - Georgia is known for having a high quality system of parks. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of State Parks and Historic Sites operates 65 state parks and historic sites. Park rangers in Georgia are frequently work in specialized positions. Some have a high degree of training in working with the public, while
- [Florida](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/florida/) - Florida’s natural beauty entices residents and tourists alike to visit many of the 171 state parks and trails that are managed by the Florida Division of Recreation and Parks (DRP). Nearly 25.6 million people visited Florida’s parks and trails from July 1, 2012, to June 30, 2013. The state estimates that they contributed $1.11 billion
- [District of Columbia](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/district-of-columbia/) - The District of Columbia provides a unique environment for park ranges in that it has an abundance of national parks and city-run parks. Park ranger jobs in the District of Columbia may be available through either the National Park Service or the District of Columbia Department of Parks and Recreation. The historical areas and monuments
- [Delaware](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/delaware/) - Park ranger jobs in Delaware combine law enforcement duties with duties related to protecting the state’s natural resources and environment. These types of jobs may be available within the National Park Service or the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation’s Division of Parks and Recreation. The first step on the State of Delaware’s
- [Connecticut](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/connecticut/) - The term “park ranger” is used in the state of Connecticut to denote seasonal jobs within state parks; year-round jobs at city parks, and year-round jobs within national parks. Within the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, regular, year-round park ranger jobs carry the title Environmental Protection Park and Recreation
- [Colorado](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/colorado/) - The Colorado state parks system celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2009 and is nationally recognized as a leader in conservation, wildlife management, and outdoor recreation. The park system includes 42 state parks and more than 300 wildlife areas across the state. Colorado state parks serve some 11 million visitors each year. Colorado’s park rangers serve
- [California](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/california/) - California’s immense State park system, which boasts some 280 parks across the state, includes some of the most diverse and well-maintained natural, cultural, and recreational resources in the country. In fact, the California State Park system is responsible for managing 1.59 million acres of land, including over 339 miles of coastline, 974 miles of water frontage,
- [Arkansas](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/arkansas/) - Known as the “The Natural State” for its beauty and abundance of natural resources, it’s not surprising that the state of Arkansas has established some of the most scenic state parks in the country. It’s first State park, Petit Jean State park, opened in 1923 and is still open today. As of 2014, Arkansas has
- [Arizona](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/arizona/) - Park rangers in Arizona work to protect and preserve 30 state parks and natural areas throughout the state. Arizona state parks include a wide range of natural and historical wonders, from lakes and rivers and other rich natural areas, to historic buildings such as pueblo ruins and adobe homes. Some of Arizona’s unique state parks
- [Alaska](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/alaska/) - Alaska’s immense State park system comprises more than 3.3 million acres of real wilderness where visitors will encounter everything from dall sheep and mountain goats to brown bears and wolves. Chugach State park, nearly half a million acres in size, is the third largest state park in the world. Alaska’s state park rangers work hard
- [Alabama](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/alabama/) - State parks in Alabama feature a variety of breathtaking landscapes, from glistening beaches along the Gulf Coast, to the Appalachian foothills. In fact, Alabama boasts 22 state parks, ranging in size from the 40-acre Florala State Park to the 10,000 acre area that encompasses Oak Mountain State park. These parks of varying shapes and sizes
- [Park Ranger Training](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/park-ranger-training/) - The work that park rangers perform may encompass everything from law enforcement to cultural interpretation, with smaller, less visited parks requiring rangers to serve in a number of roles; and larger, more popular parks calling on rangers to serve in a more specialized capacity. Whether working for a local, state or national park, training requirements
- [Salaries](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/salaries/) - Rangers and other park staff all have a lot in common – an unwavering commitment to preserving our state and national parks and the ecosystems within them, a conservation-minded love of nature and the outdoors, and an understanding of how the big-picture approach to environmental causes has to involve teaching the public how to appreciate
- [What is a Park Ranger](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/what-is-a-park-ranger/) - Park ranger is a broad term for a career that is incredibly multi-faceted and diverse. Park rangers are responsible for protecting our state and national parks; the natural resources, ecosystems, and wildlife within them; and the people who visit them. Park rangers may serve as law enforcement officers, environmental experts, historians or a combination of
- [National Park Service Jobs](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/national-park-service-jobs/) - The National Park Service (NPS) is a massive federal agency that includes no less than 400 national parks and a workforce of more than 28,000 employees (and that’s not counting the more than 2 million volunteers). The NPS workforce encompasses a wide array of professionals, all of whom are instrumental for ensuring that this agency’s
- [What is the National Park Service](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/what-is-the-national-park-service/) - Writer and historian Wallace Stegner once referred to our national park system as the “best idea we ever had.” The National Park Service (NPS) was created by Congress following President Woodrow Wilson's signing of the Organic Act in 1916, which was designed to preserve and protect parks for the “enjoyment of future generations.” By the
- [Park Ranger Requirements](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/park-ranger-requirements/) - Park rangers, whether at the state or federal level, are responsible for protecting designated state and federal lands and sites, such as: Parks Historic sites Cultural sites Beaches Lakes Nature reserves National monuments Recreational areas Depending on their position, the park in which they work, and the current needs of the park or the people
- [New York Forest Ranger](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/new-york-forest-ranger/) - Forest rangers in New York State, work for the Division of Forest Protection to preserve the state’s abundance of wild lands, wilderness, and forests. In 1885, New York created the Forest Preserve of New York State, which went on to establish the beautiful land of the Adirondacks and Catskills as protected areas that are to
- [Wildland Firefighter Jobs](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/wildland-firefighter-jobs/) - Wildland firefighters within the National Park Service (NPS) are members of an elite fire crew that are called upon to contain and suppress wildland fires that threaten public safety, damage natural and cultural resources, and destroy property. Wildland firefighters may also use fire as a land management tool, when appropriate. The ultimate goals of NPS
- [Physical Science Technician Jobs](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/physical-science-technician-jobs/) - Physical science technicians, as the title suggests, assist senior resource scientists by collecting, managing, analyzing, and interpreting a wide array of physical science information. Physical science technicians must have the ability to: Apply the methods, concepts and principles or physical sciences and long-term monitoring in natural resources projects Install and manage remote environmental monitoring instrumentation
- [Biological Science Technician Jobs](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/biological-science-technician-jobs/) - Biologists and biological science technicians in a state or federal park setting work to manage and conserve the native system and the natural and historic objects within the park setting. Wildlife conservation is a major focus of biologists and biological science technicians, and it is managed in concert with the park’s natural resources and its
- [Law Enforcement Ranger Jobs](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/law-enforcement-and-protective-park-ranger-jobs/) - Park rangers that work in law enforcement have the knowledge, training and authority to enforce state and federal laws within municipal, state and national parks. Some state parks departments, such as the California Department of Parks and Recreation and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation require all park rangers to be
- [Interpretive and Cultural Park Ranger Jobs](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/interpretive-and-cultural-park-ranger-jobs/) - Interpretive park rangers, also commonly referred to as cultural park rangers, are responsible for providing an enlightening experience to the visitors of city, state, or nationally designated parks. Freeman Tilden, the father of heritage interpretation, referred to interpretation as “an art which combines many arts, the chief aim of which is not instruction but provocation.”
- [Careers](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/careers/) - A park ranger can be best defined as a professional whose work revolves around the conservation and use of state or national park resources. How this work is performed and the duties associated with this job, however, may be distinctly different depending on the job level and the state agency where the work is performed.
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- [Contact Form](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/contact-form/)
- [School Listing](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/school-listing/) - Whether working for local or state parks departments, or at national parks and historic sites, park rangers are responsible for educating the visiting public while serving as guardians of our nation’s protected wilderness areas. With the right experience and a degree related to parks and recreation, natural resource management, natural sciences or even law enforcement,
- [School Request](https://www.parkrangeredu.org/school-request/) - Content for this page is not used. We simply have this page to link to the school request data. //TODO: Put the call parameters here to make it easier.

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