Do you want to be a...

Park Ranger

Also known as National Parks and Wildlife Ranger and Ranger - Park.

Park rangers control, supervise and manage national parks, scenic areas, historic sites, nature reserves and other recreational areas.

Park rangers work in many environments, such as snow fields, rainforests, coastal regions and semi-arid areas.

They may be required to work in remote areas and move from park to park.

All rangers have contact with the public. Park rangers often work on weekends and public holidays.

TASKS

A park ranger working in wildlife management may also perform the following tasks:
capture and relocate potentially dangerous animals
manage commercial and recreational harvesting of native wildlife
inspect commercial operations making use of wildlife
ensure park visitors follow laws and procedures relating to wildlife
process animal ownership permits
care for sick, injured or orphaned animals
clean enclosures and prepare food and water for caged and captive animals

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

able to make accurate observations and recordings
good communication skills
able to organise and supervise work
enjoy dealing with people
able to handle animals with confidence and patience
interested in land management and natural conservation
enjoy science
enjoy working outdoors in all weather conditions
able to endure isolation and limited social contact
mechanical aptitude
willing to fly in light aircraft
willing to be involved in incident management duties
a full unrestricted manual vehicle drivers licence

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

Indigenous Park Ranger - manages areas of parkland and their usage through their knowledge of Indigenous culture and heritage, often working with Indigenous communities to identify and protect sites of special significance.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

You can work as a park ranger without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job.

Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have qualifications and/or work experience.

You may like to consider a VOC qualification in conservation and land management or lands, parks and wildlife. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.

You can also become a park ranger through a traineeship in Conservation and Land Management or Lands, Parks and Wildlife.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Alternatively, you can become a park ranger by completing a degree at university in a relevant discipline such as botany, environmental science, environmental management or geography. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, chemistry and physics are normally required. Most universities in Australia offer degrees in these areas.

Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact Open Universities Australia or the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Additional Information

Once employed, rangers often receive training in wildlife handling, fire management, weed eradication, pest control and enforcement.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Park rangers are mainly employed by government agencies. Competition for positions is strong, and employers usually require applicants to have some park or nature-orientated experience.

Some park rangers move between states and into forest officer, fisheries officer or land protection officer positions. Opportunities may also be available to work as conservation officers with local councils.

With experience, and sometimes further training, park rangers may progress to professional science positions or general management.