PARK RANGER

The mission of the National Park Service is to “conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wildlife therein, and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.” If you are committed to the mission of both preserving nature and providing the public with an opportunity to appreciate and enjoy it, you will fit in perfectly at the National Park Service. Ranger jobs involve equal parts conservation and public relations. The duties are very wide-ranging, ensuring that each new workday will be a little different than the last. On any given day, you may find yourself preparing exhibits and informational material; developing recreational activities and conservation programs; leading tours and nature walks; presenting educational talks to visitors; demonstrating folk arts and crafts; working on conservation, habitat restoration, and ecological projects; studying wildlife behavior; monitoring air and water quality in the park; searching for lost hikers and campers; rescuing stranded climbers; fighting fires; transporting injured park guests to hospitals; administering first aid; and serving as a law enforcement officer.

Working conditions vary depending on the location of your park. National parks are located in forests, deserts, mountain ranges, wetlands, coastal regions, and even big cities. Much of your day will probably be spent outside, exposed to the elements and weather patterns associated with these types of terrain.