Forest Ranger Careers
A forest ranger (or park ranger) makes sure state and national forests, wetlands and parks are well taken care of by maintaining the natural beauty of the land. Rangers are knowledgeable about the environment and take their jobs seriously to both protect and promote the importance of keeping the outdoors safe and clean.
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Conservationists and Educators
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A forest ranger's foremost job is to support conservation of the nation's forests and wetlands by educating the public about hiking, camping, wildlife, trees and plants in the outdoors. They often lead hikes in the forests or host programs within the park systems.
Policemen of the Forests
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The job of a forest ranger also entails patrolling the forests and parks to make sure the people who use the parks are safe from harm and are following the rules and regulations of the parks. Rangers are authorized to discipline any park visitor who fails to obey state or national laws regarding respect of the protected land.
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Rescuers
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Forest rangers are taught how to react to any emergency situation that may occur in the wild outdoors. They often go out into the wilderness with search teams to look for lost hikers or visitors who may be injured in the sometimes harsh, unfamiliar outdoor conditions.
Firefighters
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A forest ranger is educated in how to handle and suppress forest fires. They are often involved in the education of the public about the dangers of forest fires and how to prevent them.
Researchers
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Many forest rangers go out in the field to collect data and develop research and statistics on various animals, plants and trees among the nation's parks. Rangers also make note of any environmental changes in the area and how they have affected the natural habitat.
Types of Forest Rangers
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Although most forest rangers study all the general issues of conservation, firefighting, rescue techniques, patrolling and research, some rangers prefer to specialize in a more specific area. Specific types of forest rangers include forest conservation technicians, forest conservation workers, forest firefighters and forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists.
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