Park Ranger

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

Park rangers may perform the following tasks:

• assist with guided tours and promote understanding and appreciation of the natural and cultural features of the park
• supervise public visits and inform visitors of the 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
• make sure endangered animals and plants are protected, and assist in related 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 historical sites
• supervise and train park staff and volunteers, as well as overseeing 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.

Specialisations:

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
• make sure people follow laws and procedures
• 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.

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 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.

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.

Related Jobs:

• Fisheries Officer
• Forester
• Pest and Weed Controller
• Recreation Officer

Education and Training, Employment Opportunities and Additional Information

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