Qualifications for a Law Enforcement Park Ranger
If you like working outdoors and want to have a rewarding career in law enforcement, a career as a law enforcement park ranger might be an option to consider. The National Park Service employs rangers in over 400 locations nationwide. Classified as foresters by the Bureau of Labor statistics, qualified foresters made a median annual salary of $53,840, as of May 2009. The NPS determines the necessary qualifications to work in this field.
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Education
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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, foresters typically need to have a bachelor's degree. The BLS and the National Park Services both indicate that studies in areas like natural resource conservation and management, park and recreation management, history, archeology, earth science, sociology, police science or criminology are all appropriate for a career in this field. Although it is possible to obtain one of these positions with a combination of experience and education, competition for jobs in this field typically requires a bachelor's degree in order to even be considered for a position.
Law Enforcement Training
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One way to get your foot in the door with the National Park Service is to work part-time as a seasonal park ranger. These individuals work during peak traffic times during the spring, summer and fall as needed by the NPS. The NPS as its own Seasonal Law Enforcement Training Program, which is required of anyone wanting to work as a seasonal officer in this field. Training in other law enforcement programs is not recognized by the NPS for employment purposes.
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Licensing
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 16 different states have a credentialing process for foresters. Of these, New Hampshire, Alabama, Massachusetts, Maryland, California, Maine and Connecticut all have licensing requirements. Nine other states have a voluntary registration process. Licensing typically requires a combination of post-secondary education and experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a four-year degree and several years of experience are typical requirements. Licensing exams are also common.
Other Qualifications
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Law enforcement park rangers typically need to have a number of different personal qualifications in order to work for the NPS. Because they must cover large tracts of land, park rangers need to be physically fit. They also need to have a love of working outdoors and a natural or learned ability to navigate forests and difficult terrain. Although park rangers sometimes work alone, they often work on teams and need have excellent interpersonal communications skills.
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References
- Photo Credit park ranger image by Jim Parkin from Fotolia.com
