Are you fascinated by the life of the park guards? These people work as collaborators of national and state parks to keep these natural areas safe for plant and animal species and accessible to the millions of people who visit them every year. They have different job functions: protecting endangered areas, informing visitors about wildlife and plants, collecting scientific information, and conducting search and rescue operations. This article provides information about a park attendant's career, the requirements for becoming one of them and getting a job in the national parks service or within a state park.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Part 1: Deciding to Become a Park Guard
Step 1. Decide what kind of park attendant you want to become
Are you hoping to work in a rural area or in totally wild places, collecting environmental data and looking for people who got lost in the woods? Or do you see yourself welcoming visitors to the park at the entrance and teaching children about plants and animals? Before starting a career as a park attendant, it's important to know which roles are right for you.
- Some guards have a scientific background. They collect important information on animal and plant populations and participate in decisions that affect the health of the park in which they work. They usually have a degree in earth science or forestry.
- Other guards focus on education. They are responsible for teaching the public not only about the fauna and geological formations in their park, but also how the park is affected by pollution, waste and climate change. They teach people how to enjoy nature while helping to preserve it.
- Another common goal of forest rangers is police duties and firefighters. They are the first line of protection in areas away from police and fire stations. They make sure visitors follow the park rules for everyone's safety.
- Waste tax, garden maintenance, paperwork and permit and sales equipment are other common responsibilities of forest rangers.
Step 2. Know the pros and cons of being a park guard
Many people are attracted to becoming a forest worker, because they care about nature and want to work outdoors every day. The downside is that they have to be willing to do manual work in cold, hot or rainy conditions and often work on weekends and holidays. Law enforcement rangers can face dangerous situations, and at times, the job can be emotionally difficult, such as when people get injured or die in the park. The work is sometimes strenuous, but it is often rewarding and most of the forest rangers say they love their job.
Step 3. Try to understand their mentality
They are state workers with a serious role in the protection of the regional and state territory. Whether their primary role is education, conservation or law enforcement, they tend to have the following qualities:
- They honor the natural world. Forest rangers spend their days learning about the land they work in. They care about protecting animals, trees and other plants.
- They are experienced leaders. Whether it's leading the night walk through a forest or leading a research expedition on the trail of a lost hiker, the park guard is usually the expert on the situation and often has to take responsibility for guiding others.
- They are well prepared for seasonal work or working on weekends and holidays. Since most park visitors flock to the parks during the warm months and rest days, the rangers are most active when other people are on vacation.
Method 2 of 3: Part 2: Qualifying to Become a Park Guard
Step 1. University education is needed
To qualify as a guard for the National Parks Service, you need at least a bachelor's degree, one year of work experience in a park, or a combination of both.
- The most common degrees obtained by forest rangers are related to public administration, law enforcement, and park and recreation management, but there are other qualifying degree programs. Most wards want their guards to have at least a minimum of three college years; some positions may require a master's degree.
- If you intend to focus on ecology or conservation, take a degree in natural sciences, such as biology or geology, environmental or forestry studies.
Step 2. Familiarize yourself with the park system
Visit national and regional parks. Research the parks' stories, rules and regulations. Ask the forest rangers how they have pursued their careers. Become a volunteer and spend time assisting a park guard to get a better understanding of what the job entails.
Step 3. Get relevant work experience
Many parks hire low-level seasonal workers who will become park guards. You can also volunteer at a national, regional, or municipal park or historic site. Consider working as a tour guide or lecturer at a museum or working as an intern with expenses paid by some student association for the conservation of public goods.
Method 3 of 3: Part Three: Get a job as a Park Guard
Step 1. Get in touch with the parks that interest you
Contact the office that has jurisdiction over the entire area where you wish to work and ask how to become a park attendant. The requirements vary for each department, depending on its needs.
- Contact the regional office of the National Parks Service if you wish to work in a national park. You will find job offers by searching on official websites as well.
- Contact your National Ministry of the Environment if you want to work in a state park or in a department in your city if you want to work in a municipal park.
Step 2. Apply for Jobs
The application process for a job as a forest ranger varies depending on the department offering the position. In any case, it will include an application phase, a test, an interview and a check of criminal charges before being hired. Know the requirements for the particular job you are applying for and be sure you have them before proceeding.
Step 3. Pass the preliminary checks
There are particular exams to pass to enter administrative careers in national parks to qualify for work in a park. You will be asked to take the exam by the Personnel Department Office.
If you want to carry out a law enforcement assignment, you must also complete the training program at a dedicated school. It is not possible to substitute other training programs or experience for these lessons and there is no distance learning option
Warnings
- The competition for park attendants can be tough, especially for police duties.
- Having the education, work experience and other prerequisites to get the position you want can be difficult. Try to get detailed information from the Parks Department in which you want to work, rather than relying on general descriptions of the job requirements.
