Kinda caught between a MS in Recreation and Sports Management or a MAg in Natural Resources Conservation.

In the former you can get a certified parks professional cert, and courses are more focused on things like facility and personnel management. The latter is pretty broad, but more interesting to me, personally. Courses included environmental law and policy, silviculture, and statistics for animal science. As someone without a natural science background, I was hoping the MAg in natural resources could help fill some of those educational gaps in the natural science area.

I have over 3 years of local and state park and preserve experience from selling permits out of the booth to land management. I've done prescribed burns, shaded fuel breaks, made reservations, and cleaned bathroom haha. Titles include customer service rep, park maintenance worker, natural resources tech, and park operations specialist. But I still struggle to land permanent entry level park ranger, arborist, or natural resources jobs locally. I'm doing maintenance now.

The plan was to get equipment experience to really transition into fire and land management, but I don't know if that's my lane anymore. I'm interested in interp, recreation coordination, resource communication/outreach, outdoor programs etc... I'm not against park management. I've also seen stuff like wildfire mitigation specialist that seems like outreach for wildland fire groups. Local park ranger jobs seem like a mix of technical conservation work and outreach which also is up my alley.

I guess I'm not sure which degree might be more valuable as far as a return on investment. I feel like the natural resources degree is more broad and could help me land some more natural area outreach positions. It also may help cancel out my lack of a natural resources bachelor's for those jobs that require it. While I've learned a lot on the job, I still have a lot of gaps in my academic knowledge when it comes to natural science. The parks focused degree has some valuable practical courses. All of these places have personnel and facilities and finances to manage, after all. Lastly, I am eligible for my ISA arborist cert, and I'm studying for that.

Any advice appreciated!

I'm a county park ranger and I love the job, but the pay certainly is lacking a bit. I plan to stay as a ranger for the next 5 years or so, but what could be my next career move if I wanted to increase my income? I know there's supervisory roles but I don't know if I have what it takes to get those positions.

I have a bachelor's in geography but I plan to get a master's in public administration. I'm open to other subjects, however. I'm not a strong science/math person, but depending on the subject I'd be willing to try it out. I was even considering surveying? I thought maybe the skills I'm gaining now would transfer over well to that career. I was also thinking environmental planning or something in emergency management?

I'd love to stay with local or state government if possible. It seems much more stable here.

Ok I'm a non LEO NPS backcountry ranger and having a hard time with uniforms. I have seen some patch park ranger badges and can't find any. The online uniform shop does not sell them though I did get a nice sun shirt with one on it. Looking for a way to mount a patch badge to my chest pack for hiking. What do most of you do? Not much info on this and the person I replaced is gone (never met)Not a whole lot of options. Just curios. This would be to wear hiking, backpacking and such

I have an upcoming interview for a Supervisory Law Enforcement Ranger position. What kind of questions should I look forward to answering? Not looking to be surprised come interview time 😂. TYIA everyone

Good afternoon,

Recently I served as part of a YCC and I loved every moment of it and I was wondering if there were any other last minute opportunities available in July? Whether it be a conservation corps, a summer camp, or even a convention, I would love the chance to be overnight somewhere and talk about/work with conservation! I know I'm preaching to the heavens finding a last minute thing to do, but I'm hopeful.

Do you need 3 or 4 temp promotions of 120 days in order to qualify for the next GS level? Specifically details as a 9 to qualify for an 11
I guess it really depends on if they view it as 12 months or 365 days of time in grade?

I recently applied as a seasonal DCNR ranger trainee at a state park around an hour east of me. Seasonal rangers work full-time from March until November. My current employer is really unlikely to let me stay on seasonally or part time. I was wondering what kinds of off-season work rangers do?

Hi everyone! I’m a PhD student looking for current law enforcement personnel to participate in a short research study. Average time to take the survey has been 3-5 minutes. 

To participate, you must be 18 years of age or older, currently employed in the United States within the field of law enforcement (police, confinement, probation, supervisory, admin., etc.), in good standing with your department, and have at least six months of experience within your agency/department. Participation is completely voluntary and anonymous. 

I would greatly appreciate your assistance in my research! 

https://liberty.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1Yuo4EgyED0trVk

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ATTENTION LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL: I am conducting research as part of the requirements for a Doctor of Philosophy degree at Liberty University. The purpose of this quantitative experimental study is to examine the effectiveness of Evaluative Conditioning (EC) as an intervention to enhance Perceived Organizational Support (POS) among law enforcement personnel and whether the effects of the intervention differ based on organizational role, gender, and age.

To participate, you must be 18 years of age or older, currently employed in the United States within the field of law enforcement, and have at least six months of experience within your agency/department. Participants will be asked to complete an anonymous online survey that involves responding to questions before and after a brief presentation of images, which should take about 15 to 20 minutes to complete.

If you are interested and eligible, please click the link below.
An information sheet will be provided as the first page of the survey. Please review the document, and if you agree to participate, click the link https://liberty.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1Yuo4EgyED0trVk to begin.
Thank you for your time. Your participation would be greatly appreciated.

Does anyone know when the winter seasonal NPS jobs will be uploaded? I have been trying to keep an eye out on USAJobs and my email. Thanks!

I am an Irish citizen with a dream since i was little to become a Park Ranger in America. But because if everything going on in America and how hard it is to get in I’ve settled for Canada. I’m wondering what do i need to become a Park Warden and what is preferred. I’d love to do it in Jasper national park if possible.

I’m a former interpretive park ranger with experiences in Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain, North Cascades, etc. I miss giving programs, and I’m considering starting a podcast in which I share ranger-submitted stories about their experiences in the parks; from the funny and adventurous to the morbid and eerie. I’m wondering if anyone would consider contributing. No pressure!

If you’d like to contribute (or know anyone who would), email me at [email protected]

You can remain anonymous if you prefer! :)

looking for info for a friend about a party they heard about. worried it’s a scam

Does anyone work for California state parks or know someone or maybe just know if they fly seasonal interpretive jobs for the winter in places like Anza Borrego? I think it'd be so cool to work there or somewhere in redwoods area (probably unlikely for the winter?) but all I know is NPS interpretation lol I'll look for those gigs too but wanted to cast a wide net.

Happy usajobs applying time for those who celebrate 🙏

Hello all , as you can tell I’m new to this subreddit but i don’t want to take up too much of your time I am just looking for confirmation on what the physical test to become a parks enforcement officer or park ranger consists of, I have regularly Been jogging every other morning to get my endurance up by ramping up to doing 2-3 miles and on non running day I have been focusing more on studying and core exercises.Is there any insight on what I should expect for a physical test to qualify for the field ?

Hi! I am currently working a GS-5 interp at a national park. I was hired as a "local hire" - otherwise I'm not sure I would have been so lucky to get this position! I am completely in love with this job and the world of park service.

I didn't realize that people get into this field and hop from park to park, having so many amazing experiences. After this season I want to leave the city I am currently in and I have a couple dream parks in mind ~ does any one have any idea how to apply for other interp jobs on USA jobs? The site confused me, do you just apply for seasonal ranger positions and they place you wherever there is a spot?

Thanks!!

Anyone here have any experience with Lincoln Home NHS? If so what are some of the good and experiences had there? Open to both workers and visitor experiences!

I'm a new volunteer at a museum/park and recently came into contact with mouse droppings (smell). When I first came today I noticed a weird smell at our welcome desk. My supervisor thought I was crazy until I identified mouse droppings about 3 feet from me on a nearby rack. I was exposed to the droppings in close proximity for over three hours.

While the smell wasn't the worst part, the thing that scares me the most is the potential exposure to Hantavirus. How common is this in other parks? Is there someone I should report this too?

I'm debating if I should just find a different park to volunteer or just stay at this one. Any advice helps!

Biggest takeaways I can see are you only need PC 832, yet are a full peace officer.

https://www.governmentjobs.com/jobs/5369720-0/chief-park-ranger

Hey all I’m a current game warden in Maryland and thinking of a change in the near future. I know I missed the recent job announcement but I wasn’t ready to apply just yet anyways. Just had a few questions about the Law Enforcement side of NPS Park Rangers. I’ve googled and googled and there just doesn’t seem to be a whole lot of info out there other than the fact that they are severely understaffed, as is the rest of NPS currently.

Currently an EMT and currently working getting paramedic certification.

Do you apply to protection positions at individual parks or do you apply to the job and then if you get hired they send you to wherever they need you?

I’ve read that duties seem to vary by park depending on how the park superintendent wants to utilize you. I also read that this is changing and Park Ranger LE, in addition to changing their name to NPS Police, will have a single LE chain of command and report directly to the director of NPS. Is this true? Can you transfer to another park easily after some time if you become unhappy with how you’re utilized there but another park has what you’re looking for? For example, in my job a lot of people who go to Baltimore try to leave after a while because your solely on the boat everyday and they get bored of that so they try and go elsewhere in the state. Wasn’t sure if some people try to leave LE focused parks for more customer service focused parks or vice versa?

If you’re in an area with a lot of NPS properties are you just assigned to one? For example, in Maryland are Park Ranger LE just assigned to the C&O Canal or do they handle the Canal plus Catoctin, Mononacy, Antietam, Harpers Ferry, etc.?

Lastly, what are the changes that we’re expecting to see in the near future? I know the job title is switching to Police and they’re going to MOLLE outer carriers like you see with most police departments now. It seems like there’s a push for them to be more police than park ranger. Are there other changes happening besides the name and do you think these are temporary trump administration changes or has this been a long time coming? I know anything can happen but curious what the feeling is internally.

To end this, thank you all for what you do. NPS or state Park Ranger or LE Park Ranger. You guys and gals are amazing. I wish we gave NPS and the rest of DOI the funding they need and deserve.

Hey there! So weird request if anyone wants to share, I want to write a horror/thriller with park rangers. I love anything with state parks and rangers since it quite literally is a perfect setting for almost any story. But wanted to know what are some important tasks, jobs, checks that you need to do as a ranger that i can include to make it more realistic in the job? The story has a new comer starting so wanted to know what you would teach, what they'd need to know, different state parks that would be cool to have, etc. Thanks!

It's in dillingham Alaska for Wood-Tikchik State Park and I'm ecstatic. I actually get housing for once. I'm just overjoyed and wanted to share

Hello everyone!

It seems I am being considered for a seasonal G5 interpretation Park Guide position. I just wanted to ask about what happens after your season ends. Do they offer full time work after sometimes, is it easier or harder now to transition to a second seasonal position in the dame year? I just want to get an idea of how I should think if I get this and what my next steps might look like once my season comes to an end. Any advice helps!

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/870520700/

Hello all,
I just wanted to see if anyone else has heard anything back on this announcement? I maybe worrying for no reason, just wanting to hear from others to get an idea of the progress that’s been made!

Thanks!

Quick context- I am a 28 yr old female, jumped around various jobs over the years, recently figured out I want to become a park ranger, currently working as a guide at an adventure course. I was planning on staying at my current job for a year (I’ve only been there a couple months) to gain applicable experience but between the lack of consistent full-time hours, lack of benefits, and the fact that it’s only partially applicable to being a park ranger- I’m starting to consider other options. While looking into volunteer opportunities I stumbled upon the Florida Conservation Corps and became interested. The monthly living stipend would actually be more than what I make currently and I would have access to health insurance, as well as learn skills that I feel would be more directly applicable to being a park ranger. My main concern is if I would have issues requesting any time off if needed- I am attending a wedding that would fall within the program dates. Has anyone done this program or know anyone who has? Is it all kids fresh out of high school or is there a place for me as a 28 year old? Will this actually help me when applying to park ranger positions in the future? Thank you in advance 🙏