PARK RANGERS
Whenever you go camping, isn’t it fun to get to meet the park ranger? They have a really important job in our state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas. Park rangers have many responsibilities. They maintain park security and guest safety, protect the natural resources in the park, assist park guests, maintain and repair park property in the campgrounds, trails, picnic areas and buildings. They are in charge of all the personnel in their park.

How does a kid like you become a park ranger? When you’re in high school, start taking classes in science and nature studies. Take classes in environmental studies, ornithology (study of birds), botany (study of plants), zoology (study of animals), entomology (study of insects), or wildlife management. These are all really great classes that will help you begin your park ranger career. When you go to college, consider majoring in biology, Wildlife Management, or even Parks and Recreation. Always check with a school counselor to help you select the correct classes for your course of study.

If you want real hands-on experience, try working as a volunteer or an intern. This will introduce you to what it’s really like as a ranger for a day.