My Park Story: Ranger Junior Earns Her Badge

Read below to learn about how Lauren Spier, a ranger at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, is continuing a family legacy!

Early preparations for a future career!

Lauren Spier

"I cannot remember a time when I didn't know what a park ranger was. Some of my earliest memories involve flat hats and boots polished to perfection. At the age of three, I was told that the flat hat was a princess crown (maybe to keep me entertained after a long day), and it was very special crown because "only the best people get to wear it." I held onto that knowledge as I grew up in Big Bend National Park, unaware of how unique my childhood was. The best part of all of it was having my favorite ranger also be my dad.

Several years down the road, I was looking for a summer job between college semesters. Both of my parents talked about how much they had enjoyed working as seasonals in the NPS and their belief that I would be very good at it. To humor them, I applied to a few sites and put it out of my mind. As fate would have it, a hiring freeze from January to April presented me with an opportunity to work as a seasonal park guide at Wind Cave National Park. I can still remember how proud I was to call my dad and tell him I was going to work for the National Park Service.

My dad and I during my 2021 season at Big Bend National Park.

Lauren Spier

That summer felt like coming home. It was like a part of life that had been missing was suddenly back. I loved the place and the people, but mostly, I loved being back in the type of environment I grew up in. Living and working in working in such a special location surrounded by people who care just as deeply is such a joy. I spent that season doing as much as I could to learn and explore, both on and off the job. At the end of the season, my superlative was "Ranger Junior," as a tribute to my ranger parentage. I didn't know it yet, but I was on the path to beginning my own NPS career.

Two generations of rangers!

Lauren Spier

After eight seasons in some pretty amazing places, I recently started my first permanent job with the NPS. My dad retired just after I finished my third season, and I'm so grateful that even with us being in different regions, we were wearing the green and grey together. He has always been there to cheer me on and provide guidance as I navigate challenges. Some of my fondest memories as a ranger include him attending my programs and sharing the distinction of both having worked at Big Bend. Every day when I put on my uniform, I take a moment to remind myself how lucky I am to work in such amazing places and how incredible it was to have watched my favorite ranger do it first. Without him and his dedication to our National Parks, I wouldn't be half the person or ranger I am today. I'm so proud to be his daughter."