聚光灯
Park Naturalists, Environmental Education Specialist, Environmental Educator, Interpretive Naturalist, Naturalist, Park Activities Coordinator, Program Production Specialist, Conservation Ranger, Natural Resource Specialist, Park Patrol Officer, Recreation Supervisor, Land Stewardship Coordinator, Trail Ranger
America is one of the largest nations on Earth by landmass. It sprawls across 3.797 million square miles of territory, including Alaska and Hawaii…and a good chunk of that consists of parks and other public lands! The Department of Interior (DOI) alone oversees more than 189 million acres of public lands, for which it is responsible for preserving, managing, and protecting.
To fulfill that mission, DOI and the Army Corps of Engineers hire Park Rangers to serve at county, state, and national parks. The duties of these Rangers can vary greatly, but in general, they will either focus on 1) law enforcement, fire protection, and emergency services or 2) conservation, environmentalism, and public education.
As DOI describes it, all Park Rangers must possess a “visible and tangible desire to protect and promote our national parks and our natural and cultural history.” They must be committed to preserving the parks under their domain, including the fragile plant and wildlife ecosystems within. That said, they’re also ambassadors there to welcome and help visitors learn new things while enjoying their stay!
- Getting to spend time outdoors in beautiful settings working with nature
- 帮助维护人们可以来放松的公共空间
- 通过保护自然栖息地为环保事业做出贡献
工作日程
- Park Rangers work at least full-time, with overtime possible when problems arise such as damage or safety concerns. The job entails lots of standing and walking. Expect exposure to various climate conditions, including heat, humidity, dampness, rain, and storms. Park Rangers face the risk of encounters with wildlife.
典型职责
Note: Duties may vary from one position to another. Some Park Ranger jobs are more oriented to law enforcement while others are more administrative.
- Provide general law and policy enforcement services to protect visitors, wildlife, and resources
- Organize public educational programs, exhibits, and activities related to the park and its unique geography, plant and wildlife species, and historic or culturally relevant features
- Write informative content for flyers and displays. Host public events and give presentations
- Offer park information to visitors, as needed
- Create hiking trails; provide entertaining, educational tours, nature walks, and field trips
- Oversee general park maintenance to include various facilities and structures, such as playground equipment or other recreation-related resources
- Manage budgets, supply ordering, and employee schedules
- Perform conservation duties related to wildlife, air and water quality, and other aspects of the local ecosystem
- Respond to emergencies such as search and rescue operations to help lost, injured, or jeopardized visitors
- Investigate complaints and incidents. Work with appropriate external agency representatives
- Speak with media outlets related to park activities or concerns
额外责任
- 担任与执法机构和紧急第一反应者的联络人。必要时，指导应对工作
- Manage, train, and supervise assigned staff members, seasonal workers, and volunteers
- 组织或帮助举办活动、参观和活动
- 通过网站更新、社交媒体帖子、开放日、传单和公告，与公众分享信息
- 回复公众通过电子邮件、电话或书面提出的要求
- 执行公园政策，并对违规行为发出罚单
软技能
- 分析性的
- 注重预算
- 协调和指导技能
- 注重细节
- 倡议
- 诚信
- 领导和管理技能
- 组织能力
- 耐心
- 实用性
- 公共关系
- 可靠的
- 聪明才智
- 健全的判断和决策
- 强大的沟通能力
技术技能
- First aid, CPR, search and rescue protocols, and emergency management and response
- Knowledge of animal and plant diseases and hazards (such as indigenous predator species, poisonous spiders and snakes, and allergenic plants, flowers, and berries
- Knowledge of applicable safety standards and facilities management
- Knowledge of natural science and conservation practices
- Normal or correctable vision; normal color vision
- 项目管理技能
- 体力和耐力
- Skills in writing, making and delivering presentations, and public speaking
- Department of the Interior
- 土地管理局
- 垦务局
- 国家公园管理局
- 美国鱼类和野生动物管理局
- 陆军工程兵部队
Park Rangers are entrusted with public safety and the conservation of stable natural habitats. Like Park Managers, a big part of their duty is to ensure visitors have safe, enjoyable experiences that don’t unduly interfere with the fragile ecosystem of plant and animal species.
Many country, state, and national parks sprawl over hundreds, thousands, or even millions of acres. Clearly, such locations can be ripe with all sorts of inherent hazards and risks, ranging from dangerous cliffs to unattended bodies of water, predatory wildlife, venomous spiders and snakes, and countless tripping hazards.
All too often, hikers get lost and suffer from injuries, dehydration, and weather exposure. Park Rangers can’t be everywhere at once, but they are responsible for doing their utmost to keep visitors safe from harm and to help with medical assistance or search and rescue operations, as needed. At the same time, they must watch for campers and arsonists who cause devastating wildfires that can rapidly spread and wipe out millions of acres—and animals.
The entire parks industry has been impacted by the loss of part-time staff and volunteers leaving as part of the so-called Great Resignation. During this critical employee gap, Park Rangers may have to occasionally help cover duties typically assigned to positions that remain vacant.
As parks continue to recruit, there’s a need for much more diversity in this career field, which is currently made up of almost 91% Caucasians, and 66% males. In terms of funding and job security, the government recently passed two significant acts that should benefit parks for many years to come—the Great American Outdoors Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Parks are continuing to explore ways to boost interest in younger visitors, which has declined in recent years. One of the promising methods being promoted is the National Park Service’s Junior Ranger Program!
Park Rangers are often lifelong outdoor enthusiasts! They may have gone camping, boating, or fishing with their parents when they were younger, or perhaps lived near large parks that featured plenty of other activities for them to get involved with.
Many enjoy the law enforcement and habitat protection aspects of the job because they have always cared deeply about wildlife, indigenous plants, and the environment in general.
- Park Rangers usually have a bachelor’s degree in forestry, parks and recreation management, conservation management, ecology, zoology, botany, geology, or law enforcement
- Some Park Rangers hold master’s degrees in majors such as natural sciences, earth sciences, or natural resource management. Those who work more on the management side may have an MBA or accounting degree
- Jobs at larger parks may bear higher levels of responsibility, so employers might list a master’s degree as a “preferred” or “desired” criterion. However, don’t let that stop you from applying, because some parks are struggling to find enough qualified applicants!
- Having practical experience from seasonal jobs, internships, or volunteer work looks great on a resume! Check out the job boards and the Student Conservation Association to find opportunities in your area
- For most Park Ranger jobs, candidates must complete the National Park Service’s Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy (PRLEA) Training Program (formerly known as the Seasonal Law Enforcement Training Program)
- PRLEA is offered through the below schools, with some customization per program:
- Colorado Northwestern Community College, Rangely, CO
- Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ
- Skagit Valley College, Mount Vernon, WA
- Southwestern Community College, Franklin, NC
- Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
- PRLEA programs run for approximately 17 weeks and consist of ~680 class hours (though the total number of hours can vary by school), with additional add-on specialty classes often available
- A sample curriculum (taken from Colorado Northwest’s program) includes classes like:
- Behavioral Science
- Driving
- Enforcement Operations
- Firearms
- 法律
- Patrol Procedures
- Physical Techniques
- Additional specialization certifications may include Wild Land Firefighting, Emergency First Responder, and Fundamentals of Search and Rescue
Other requirements:
- All students must pass the Physical Efficiency Battery (PEB), with components for body fat composition, flexibility, agility run, bench press, and a 1.5-mile run
- Rangers must be at least 21 years old, be US citizens, and have a driver’s license
- PRLEA students should not have any felony convictions or serious misdemeanors (such as domestic violence or weapons violations)
- PRLEA graduates may need to submit to a background investigation, drug testing, a polygraph test, plus medical and psychological exams
- Once these are passed, candidates are “eligible to receive a Type II law enforcement commission” which allows them to lawfully “carry firearms, make arrests, investigate crimes and assist in the execution of warrants”
- Park Rangers can expect to receive On-the-Job training as part of their conditional employment period. They may work as “seasonal employees” for two or three years prior to being eligible for permanent placement
- There are several college majors that students can choose from, but ideally, you’ll want to find a school that offers internships or other practical, hands-on experiences
- 查看毕业率，并尝试找到校友的信息。看看他们毕业后在做什么!
- 考虑学费、折扣和当地奖学金的机会（除联邦援助外）。
- 在决定是否参加校内、网上或混合课程时，要考虑你的时间安排和灵活性。
- Many Park Ranger candidates must also complete Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy (PRLEA) Training Program at one of the below-listed schools, so look for the one that fits your unique needs the best (i.e., geographic location, tuition costs, scholarship opportunities, specialization options, etc.)
- Park Rangers should have a good understanding of natural sciences, including geology, biology, botany, zoology, and microbiology. An interest in history, English, public speaking, and communications is also helpful
- To hone your people skills, volunteer for extracurricular activities, speech or debate club, and project management activities
- Volunteer or take part-time jobs working with youth at local clubs or recreation centers. This can include developing curriculums for activities and games, teaching students, or simply overseeing activities to ensure safety. The more practice you can get, the better!
- Take part-time or seasonal work at different park types to learn the ropes. If attending a college program, look for internship opportunities!
- Read articles and watch videos related to the parks in the region where you plan to work. Study their unique geographic features, managed activities (such as hiking tours), conservation efforts, and historic or cultural sites. Pay attention to information about the indigenous wildlife and plant species, as well as any hazards posed
- Establish a good exercise program that includes plenty of walking, hiking, or biking in wooded areas
- Learn about basic first aid and outdoor survivalism tactics, such as how to safely build a fire, how to locate clean water in the wild, how to tell what plants are safe to eat (and which to avoid), and how to navigate with just natural landmarks (or the sun or stars)
- Take guided tours of the county, state, or federal parks in your area. Talk to representatives and request informational interviews
- 起草一份工作简历，记录你的工作和学术成就
- Park Rangers need the perfect mix of practical experience, academic credentials, and real-world training. That’s why they generally need a college degree and related work experience plus successful completion of a Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy (PRLEA) Training Program and all screening requirements (including medical, psychological, physical fitness, and background checks)
- Students interested in PRLEA training must submit an application package answering basic questions about any criminal history, along with results of a medical screening exam, to ensure they can safely participate in exercises such as running, jumping, wrestling, and self-defense
- Completion of all academic, training, and other selection requirements does not guarantee a job, it just makes you eligible. You’ll still have to apply for the job(s) you want
- Look for job postings on portals such as Indeed.com, USAJOBS.gov, and local Department of Wildlife and Department of Parks and Recreation career pages
- Ask your college or PRLEA program faculty and career center if they know of openings or have connections in the industry
- 提前征得你打算列为个人推荐人的任何人的同意
- 与朋友进行模拟面试，并 穿着合适的服装参加工作面试
- As federal employees, Park Rangers are assigned a General Schedule (GS) classification which is linked to a pay scale (i.e., their salary scale)
- The Office of Personnel Management maintains the General Schedule, which consists of 15 pay grades. Within each grade, there are 10 step rates
- GS-1 (Step 1) is the lowest pay grade and step; GS-15 (Step 10) is the highest pay grade and step
- Every Park Ranger job is assigned a particular starting GS grade, and each grade comes with its own work and academic minimum qualifications
- For example, to qualify for a GS-5 job, an applicant usually needs at least a bachelor’s. For a GS-9 job, they usually need at least a master’s
- Each Park Ranger job has a minimum and maximum GS grade that can hold the position. Thus, Rangers that want to be promoted beyond the maximum grade that their current job allows may need to apply to other positions, at larger parks, for instance
- The Office of Personnel Management maintains the General Schedule, which consists of 15 pay grades. Within each grade, there are 10 step rates
- 如果你有学士学位，可以考虑攻读硕士学位或证书，以便在你的领域进一步专业化。
- Complete training in specializations such as Wild Land Firefighting, Emergency First Responder, and Fundamentals of Search and Rescue
- Finish certifications such as:
- 与当地官员和社区、游客、志愿者、利益相关者、承包商和供应商建立牢固的关系
- 保持对行业变化的关注，包括修订的法规、技术进步和趋势。阅读来自 国家娱乐和公园协会和其他新闻来源
- Join professional organizations like the Association of National Park Rangers or the Park Law Enforcement Association. Attend events, give presentations, write articles, and grow your network!
网站
- 美国公园和娱乐管理学院
- 美国健康、体育、娱乐和舞蹈联盟
- 美国营地协会
- 美国红十字会
- 美国的州立公园
- Association of National Park Rangers
- 土地管理局
- 垦务局
- 环境保护局
- 伟大的美国户外活动法
- 基础设施投资和就业法
- International Ranger Federation
- 全国县级公园和娱乐官员协会
- 国家户外领导力学校（NOLS）
- 国家公园管理局
- 国家娱乐和公园协会
- 国家历史遗迹名录
- 自然资源保护局
- Park Law Enforcement Association
- 户外休闲专业协会
- 美国内政部
- 美国鱼类和野生动物管理局
- 美中贸易协会
- 野外教育协会
- 世界休闲组织
书籍
- Bear in the Back Seat: Adventures of a Wildlife Ranger in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, by Kim DeLozier and Carolyn Jourdan
- Ranger Confidential: Living, Working, And Dying In The National Parks, by Andrea Lankford
- So...you want to be a Park Ranger!, by David Rose
While working outdoors at a large public park can seem like a dream job for many, it comes with plenty of responsibilities. From keeping visitors entertained and safe to conserving wildlife and plant species, protecting historic and cultural areas, and maintaining law and order, there’s no end to the stream of duties that’ll keep you busy all day! If you want to explore a few similar occupations, we recommend checking out the following!
- 农艺师
- Animal Control Officer
- 动物训练员
- Armorer
- Bailiff
- Bike Patrol
- 边境巡逻队
- Code Enforcement Officer
- Customs Officer
- 生态学家
- 环境科学家
- Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician
- Farm or Ranch Manager
- 渔业科学家
- Game Warden
- 园艺师
- 人力资源经理
- K-9 Officer
- 自然主义者
- 植物生物学家
- 警务人员
- 土壤学家
- Training Instructor
- 葡萄园经理
- 野生动物生物学家
- Zookeeper
新闻联播
特色工作
在线课程和工具