Has anyone here a National Park Ranger or has worked with the National Park Service?
I would like to get your experiences, opinions and advice about being a Ranger. How did you become a Ranger?
I’m currently serving in the Air Force but I’ve come to a point where I’m considering staying in or becoming a Ranger.
2
Enjoy being online again!
Welcome to the community of good people who base their values on evidence and appreciate civil discourse - the social network you will enjoy.Create your free account
5 comments
Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.Thank y’all for the great responses. I’ve been getting a lot of great advice. It really helps me.
RandyMoose
Level 7
Aug 30, 2018
0
It's very hard to get into, but you will have veteran's preference. I tried for years and never made it, but I was going for the interpretive side (giving talks and leading hikes and such). I did one seasonal job doing that with a state park. If you are just going for general ranger and can do maintenance-y stuff, those jobs are easier to get.
Remi
Level 7
Aug 28, 2018
1
I waited to reply to see if anyone with firsthand experience spoke up. The closest I've been is an uncle who recently retired after ~30 years. My personal input for what it's worth is that I have yet to ever meet a Ranger I didn't immediately like.
My uncle worked hard to get on. If I got the story correctly, he worked 6 volunteer seasons before he got on full time. He also had a degree in forestry with a minor in anthropology. Then one of his first tries for a particular position involved finishing 6th out of 1500 applicants and not getting the job.
He obviously didn't quit and it turned out extremely well for him (and his wife -- he was enforcement, she was an interpreter). As I said above, I don't have firsthand knowledge but from what I've seen: Stick with it, the personal rewards make it worth the while.
RichCC
Level 8
Aug 28, 2018
1
The son of a friend is a Park Ranger. he studied something appropriate at Brown university, applied to the Park Service and was hired. Sweet Charlotte gave you the correct information. At one point, he and his wife were stationed in the SMokey Mountains in Tennessee. Thatá all I know.
Spinliesel
Level 9
Aug 28, 2018
1
@sweetcharlotte You are a trailblazer. Respect!
bingst
Level 8
Aug 28, 2018
0
@sweetcharlotte Nope. It's gone. I tagged you to make sure you saw Randy's post. I was sure you would have something to tell him. 
Enjoy being online again!
Welcome to the community of good people who base their values on evidence and appreciate civil discourse - the social network you will enjoy.Create your free account
Share this post
Categories
Agnostic does not evaluate or guarantee the accuracy of any content. Read full disclaimer.