Park Ranger
Park rangers control, supervise and manage national parks, scenic areas, historic sites, nature reserves and other recreational areas.
What you would do:
- assist with guided tours and promote understanding and appreciation of the natural and cultural features of the park
- inform visitors of the park facilities and supervise public visits
- advise visitors of park rules and regulations and enforce these when necessary
- direct parking, control traffic and collect fees from campers and visitors
- patrol waterways, roads and tracks to observe and report on the park environment, including the condition of animals and plants
- make sure endangered animals and plants are protected, and assist in research projects
- make sure that parks, park facilities and equipment are clean and properly maintained
- assist in the development of visitor facilities
- assist in wildlife management projects, including surveys and monitoring of wildlife
- participate in search and rescue operations
- supervise and coordinate fire management, weed eradication and pest-control programs
- investigate and report to supervisors on matters relating to park management
- support local communities in protecting their cultural heritage and in developing sustainable land management practices
- conduct research into the protection and recording of Aboriginal and historic sites
- supervise and train park staff and volunteers
- oversee crews of general maintenance workers and contractors
- attend to administrative and clerical duties
- prepare, review and implement reports, submissions, management plans, development proposals and environmental impact assessments
- capture and relocate potentially dangerous animals
- control feral animals
- manage commercial and recreational harvesting of native wildlife
- inspect commercial operations making use of wildlife
- process animal permits
- care for sick, injured or orphaned animals
- clean cages and prepare food and water for caged and captive animals
- make sure public facilities are clean and operable
You need to be:
- able to make accurate observations and recordings
- a good communicator
- able to organise and supervise work
- able to handle animals with confidence and patience
- interested in land management and natural conservation
- interested in science
- willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions
- able to endure isolation and limited social contact
- mechanically apt
You will require:
- Certificates II, III, IV or Diploma in Conservation and Land Management
- a degree in Environmental Science
Improve your chances by:
- gaining work experience in a recreational park
- having a current First Aid certificate
What you will earn:
The starting salary for rangers is about $27,000 per year and this may go as high as $50,000 for senior rangers.
Long term possibilities:
Agricultural Scientist, Botanist, Natural Resource Manager or an Indigenous Park Ranger
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