How To Become A Park Ranger: Information And Advice
A park ranger has many responsibilities within a specific natural area. In addition to taking care of the flora and fauna, its goal is to guide visitors and train them properly, avoid possible fires and check the state of biodiversity. If you want to know how to become a park ranger, keep reading this article.
Becoming a park ranger: is it really for you?
According to the definition, a park ranger is a person responsible for the protection and conservation of all aspects in natural, historical or cultural areas. In addition, this professional ensures and conveys information, tourism and recreation activities for all ages. In addition to serving as a link between local communities and visitors.
Before making the decision to become a ranger, you need to consider what his duties and duties are. Some relate to science and research. Such as the collection of samples of plants, bones, fecal material or any other element that allows you to analyze one or more species of the place.
Others focus on teaching and education. Therefore they carry out welcoming and guiding duties dedicated to tourists. They present and explain the ecosystem, geological formations, geography and ecology.
Then there are the park rangers who deal with more aspects of safety and control. Such as services to prevent forest fires or the defense of remote areas, for example against illegal hunters and poachers.
A job that requires sacrifice
However, not everything is “action” in the life of a ranger, as he must also take care of administrative duties. Such as the sale of tickets or the maintenance of the necessary infrastructure for visitors. As well as the cleaning of the common access areas.
In turn, working as a ranger, a person often finds himself in unfavorable conditions: cold, heat, snow, rain… It can be a very difficult task, but at the same time rewarding and wonderful.
Not everyone is aware of the great responsibility involved in taking care of a national park or nature reserve. In order for these sites to maintain their status as “paradises” and to be appreciated by all, someone must take care of the constant maintenance.
How do you become a park ranger?
The basis for being a valid park ranger must be found in love and respect for nature. But you also need a spirit of initiative, a correct physical shape, ability to communicate and manage resources, both human and material. Without forgetting training, both theoretical and practical, and the awareness of having no timetables. Nature never sleeps, neither on weekends nor at Easter or Christmas.
1. Be familiar with the parks in the country
The national park system is similar all over the world, although the legislation changes by country or province / state. It is very important to have knowledge of the laws and rules that revolve around this area.
2. Studying (and training)
Simply being a “nature lover” is not enough to become a park ranger. You need to be qualified for this complex and valuable task. In universities it is possible to attend various degree courses related to this type of work which, generally, is accessed through a public competition, managed by the State. Zoology, Biology, Forestry Sciences, Natural and Environmental Sciences… these are just some of the training courses which, inevitably, will have to be expanded with further specific knowledge, if required.
3. Create a network of contacts
It’s not always easy to get a ranger job in the area or park we want. If you like forest or mountain, there may be locations available in local coastal or wooded areas as well.
In the beginning, you will probably have to accept jobs in more remote areas or with less exciting tasks, carrying out more monotonous and less “adventurous” activities. But all of this will help you gain experience and thus be able to introduce yourself for more interesting profiles.
If you live near a reserve or natural park, the best thing to do is to contact the people in charge of the place. Introduce yourself without shyness, tell him about your course of study, your passion and your dream of becoming a park ranger. Maybe, and surprisingly, they might have a place for you. Even not very relevant, but the important thing is to start.
