Park Rangers perform a wide variety of duties in managing parks, historical sites, and recreational areas. Many wear a prescribed uniform.

Duties
Park Rangers supervise, manage and perform work in the conservation and use of resources in national parks and other federally-managed areas. Park Rangers carry out various tasks associated with forest or structural fire control; protection of property; gathering and dissemination of natural, historical, or scientific information; development of interpretive material for the natural, historical, or cultural features of an era; demonstration of folk art and crafts; enforcement of laws and regulations; investigation of violations, complaints, trespass/encroachment, and accidents; search and rescue; and management of historical, cultural, and natural resources, such as wildlife, forests, lakeshores, seashores, historic buildings, battlefields, archaeological properties, and recreation areas. They also operate campgrounds, including such tasks as assigning sites, replenishing firewood, performing safety inspections, providing information to visitors, and leading guided tours. Differences in the exact nature of duties depend on the grade of position, the site's size and specific needs.

Location
Park Rangers work in urban, suburban, and rural areas. More than half of the Park Rangers work in areas east of the Mississippi River. Much of their work is performed outdoors, but often Rangers must work in offices, especially as they advance and assume more managerial responsibilities. During their careers, most Rangers can expect to be assigned to several different parts of the country. While we try take into account each employee's preference, we do not guarantee that a ranger will remain stationed in only one area.

Training
The orientation and training a Ranger receives on the job is sometimes supplemented with formal training courses. Training for duties which are unique to the Park Service is available at the Horace M. Albright Training Center at Grand Canyon National Park, AZ, and the Stephen T. Mather Training Center at Harpers Ferry, WV. In addition, the Park service makes use of the Training Center in Brunswick, GA. Performance is evaluated critically on a continuing basis and only those who prove completely satisfactory in every respect are retained in the park management career field.

Career Potential
Depending upon qualifications Park Rangers begin their service at various grades. From the entry, Rangers may move through the ranks to become District Rangers, Park Managers, and Staff Specialists in interpretation, resource management, park planning, and related areas. At upper levels, Rangers' responsibilities and independence increase as their influence covers more staff and area. Upper level managers in the Park Service are recruited primarily for their managerial capabilities. Competition exists for Park Ranger positions in all grade levels.  The starting salary for summer Ranger hires with a college degree is a GS-4 ($18,687); Permanent Ranger hires are GS-5 ($20,908) to GS-9 ($31,680) depending on college degrees and experience.

How To Apply
Applicants should contact the appropriate office having jurisdiction over the area of interest to inquire about vacant positions. An avenue of entry is provided through the Administrative Careers With America, an OPM program which provides applicants with the opportunity to compete through an examination. Park Ranger positions come under Group VI, Law Enforcement and Investigation, in this program. Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study - natural resource management, natural or earth sciences, history, archeology, anthropology, park and recreation management, law enforcement/ police science, social or behavioral sciences, museum sciences, business or public administration, sociology, or other closely related subjects pertinent to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources, and deemed applicable to job performance. General Experience: is administrative, professional, technical, investigative, or other responsible work which provided a familiarity with natural or cultural history, fish, or wildlife habitat characteristics, techniques of resource protection and use, recreational use of public lands and facilities, enforcement of laws, rules, or regulations, fire prevention and suppression, or the practice of interpersonal relations skills in dealing with the general public. Pertinent work experience in substantive and relevant aspects of secretarial, clerical, or trades and crafts is also qualified. Nonspecialized tasks and those of a routine nature, such as typing, filling, and maintaining records is not qualifying. Specialized Experience: is work which demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform successfully, the duties of the position to be filled. Experience may have been in technical, administrative, or scientific work, fish and wildlife management, recreation management, law enforcement, or other park-related work.