How to become a Park Ranger

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

Personal requirements for a Park Ranger

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 and have an interest in science
Enjoy working outdoors in all weather conditions
Able to endure isolation and limited social contact
Mechanical aptitude

Education & Training for a Park Ranger

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 VET qualification. 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. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10. Alternatively, a university degree in a relevant discipline such as botany, environmental science, environmental management or geography may be useful. To get into these courses you usually need to a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, chemistry and physics are normally required. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study.

Additional information

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

Duties & Tasks of a Park Ranger

Park rangers:

Assist with guided tours and promote an understanding and appreciation of the natural and cultural features of the park
Supervise public visits and inform visitors about park facilities, advising of park rules and regulations, and enforcing 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
Ensure parks, park facilities and equipment are clean and properly maintained
Assist with the development of visitor facilities
Assist with 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 Indigenous and historical sites
Supervise and train park staff and volunteers, and oversee crews of general maintenance workers and contractors
Undertake administrative and clerical duties
Prepare, review and implement reports, submissions, management plans, development proposals and environmental impact assessments.

Tasks

Participates in management planning by providing environmental information and making inventories of plants, animals and items of cultural and heritage significance.
Implements policies and organises activities in designated parks and other areas to conserve and protect natural and cultural heritage.

Working conditions for a Park Ranger

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.

Employment Opportunities for a Park Ranger

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.

Specializations

Indigenous Park Ranger

An 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.

Park Ranger

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

Average age
42
Future Growth
N/A
Gender Share
29% female
Average full-time
41 hours
Weekly Pay
N/A
Skill level rating
Very high skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
81%
Employment Size
3,100
Employment by state
ACT: 2.0%
NSW: 13.0%
NT: 15.3%
QLD: 31.8%
SA: 3.1%
TAS: 3.5%
VIC: 17.7%
WA: 13.1%
Age brackets
15-19: 1.6%
20-24: 6.3%
25-34: 20.8%
35-44: 28.6%
45-54: 24.1%
55-59: 10.5%
60-64: 5.4%
65 and Over: 2.6%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 17.2%
Bachelor degree: 28.2%
Certificate III/IV: 21.4%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 6%
Year 10 and below: 13.7%
Year 11: 4.3%
Year 12: 9.2%