Forest Ranger Information
The words "forest ranger" may bring to mind a lone, uniformed friend of Smokey the Bear sitting alone in a tower watching for fires. However, forest rangers, also known by other titles such as foresters, provide services for the nation's forests and parks, only part of which relate to forest fires. The tasks they perform keep our national forests and parks running smoothly, their vegetation and wildlife healthy and their visitors safe.
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Titles
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A forest ranger might also use the title forester or park ranger depending on the location and designation of his position. Many work for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) forest service in national parks and forests where they oversee the care of land, animals, objects and visitors (See Reference 1). Fire prevention, protection of property, gathering environmental data, preparing reports, acting as guides and keeping the peace are but a few of the jobs they perform. Forest rangers often wear a uniform and carry a weapon. They operate national parks, campgrounds and forests.
Education
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Most forester positions require a minimum of a bachelor's degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, preference generally is given to those with a strong background in forestry, biology, natural resources and environmental studies (See Reference 2). Along with natural sciences, college education should include management, technology, surveying, math, statistics and government regulations (See Reference 2). Many degree requirements include field study. Some states offer licensure or certificates that can help a ranger advance.
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Environment
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Most park or forest rangers work outdoors the majority of the time, however some work at desk jobs indoors, particularly after advancement. Sometimes work hours are split between indoor and outdoor duties. Demanding physical work can be expected along with long hours, especially in the event of a disaster or other emergency. Working outdoors over an extended period alone and often walking great distances occurs (See Reference 2). Rangers may receive reassignment without request and have to move. According to the National Park Service, most positions exist east of the Mississippi river where more national parks and forests are found (See Reference 3).
Salary
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a bachelor's degree, rangers and foresters can expect a starting salary of $28,000 to $35,000 annually. A master's degree raises that to $43,000 to $52,000 (See Reference 2). Generally, those working for the federal government make a higher salary than those working in the private sector or for state and local governments. A doctorate degree may demand a salary of up to $74,000 with work mainly occurring in the research and educational fields.
Potential
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Job growth remains slow in the field but an expected rise in retirements through 2016 may mean additional jobs opening according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (See Reference 2). In 2006 about 33,000 careers in the field existed in the United States. While over half of the jobs occur with government offices, jobs also exist with private companies and as independent consultants. While traditional park management jobs may see limited growth, jobs in wildfire prevention, law enforcement and conservation planning are on the rise (See Reference 2).
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References
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