Park rangers are the experts who are assigned to protect and preserve the park lands. The parklands may be of national, provincial, state or local parks. They are also called forest rangers. However the name for this particular position may change depending on the countries where they work. They are essential part of parks or specific forest areas.

The demand for the park rangers is expected to remains constant. Although the work of park rangers comes under the same name, there are many specializations within this field. Usually those with proficiency in more than one area are preferred by most employers. The various responsibilities of park rangers include providing information about the nature to the visitors; perform research and conservation, law enforcement duties, etc. They also perform emergency medical services. Apart from giving protection to the natural resources, the primary responsibility of the park rangers is to provide safety to the people who visit parks.

Qualifying Exam

Candidates usually need a minimum qualification of undergraduate degree to become a park ranger. However they can also enter in this profession with high school qualification provided that they possess relevant experience in park conservation or park operations for minimum three years. They can obtain graduate degree in any of the disciplines such as botany, geology, zoology or ecology. Other related course of study includes forestry, social sciences and park management. However those candidates with post graduation in any of these disciplines can expect a better career as park ranger than those with bachelor’s degree.

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants who wish to become a park ranger should first complete their HS education with biology from a reputed institution. After pursuing this education they can apply for the bachelor’s degree in related subjects. It should be done in any of the recognized university. If they wish to pursue advanced degree in the same field, then they can apply for the master’s degree after successfully completing graduation. More job opportunities as park ranger exist for those with advanced studies and relevant experience.

Key points in the process

• Study 10+2 or equivalent with biology in a reputed school and pursue good marks in the concerned examination.
• Join the university or college that offers the bachelor’s degree in related disciplines.
• Search out for the job as Park ranger and apply for it.
• Otherwise pursue post graduation in same field for a better career in this area.

Skills required for a Park Ranger

A career as park ranger will best suit for those who have great passion and interest in nature and related things. Park rangers should possess certain good skills and qualities to carry out their job. They must have deep knowledge about the behavior and many aspects of nature. In addition to the formal education they must have good physical and mental fitness to work in parks or forests. They should be able to handle many different types of people who visit the parks. Creativity, communication, responsibility, energetic and resourceful is some other qualities required for the park rangers.