Is being a forest ranger a good job?

If you enjoy being outdoors and want help maintain and protect natural resources, becoming a forest ranger could be the ideal career choice. This diverse and challenging job encompasses a robust range of responsibilities and duties that ensure no two days are exactly alike.

Do forest rangers make good money?

According to career website ZipRecruiter, the average annual pay for a national forest ranger was approximately ​$59,000​ a year (as of Jan 13, 2021). According to the website, while some rangers make more than ​$200,000​ annually, the majority make between ​$27,000​ and ​$60,500​.

What is being a forest ranger like?

Forest rangers perform a wide range of tasks for state and national forests. For example, they may help maintain campground facilities and trails, and help with fire prevention and firefighting. Some give fire education programs,provide information to visitors, and explain regulations to the public.

How hard is it to become a forest ranger?

So what could be so hard about becoming a park ranger? Well, it’s not as easy as you might think. While a college degree is highly desirable, for some park service positions this is not an absolute must. However, the better your education, the better your chances are of getting a park ranger job.

Are forest rangers armed?

Forest rangers, also called park rangers, work for federal and state governments at parks, preserves, historical sites and monuments. In most positions, they are law enforcement officers, although their powers vary and they may be armed or unarmed.

Do forest rangers get drug tested?

Must be between the ages of 21-37 for federal employment due to retirement guidelines. No domestic violence convictions. Pass a drug test. Pass a physical exam consisting of five different components: agility run, bench press, 1.5-mile run, sit and reach, and body composition.

What do forest rangers wear?

Most distinctive aspect of the NPS uniform is its gray and green color, introduced with the Uniform Regulations of 1920. Little has changed since then. Rangers now wear shoes, trousers, and skirts instead of boots and breeches.

Do forest rangers get housing?

The INSIDER Summary: National parks aren’t just for tourists and rangers — researchers work there, too. Some rangers live in in-park housing during the season. It’s a competitive job to get, but it’s not all adventure all the time.

What does a forest ranger do?

Forest rangers, also called park rangers, work for federal and state governments at parks, preserves, historical sites and monuments. In most positions, they are law enforcement officers, although their powers vary and they may be armed or unarmed.

How competitive is a non-technician forest ranger job?

Generally speaking, non-technician forest ranger positions, particularly with the U.S. Forest Service, are highly competitive. Non-technical jobs that involve planning and administration require a significant amount of study in science.

What are the dangers of being a park ranger?

The job exposes them to various hazards. In the process of enforcing the law, rangers face the same dangers as a deputy sheriff or police officer. Visitors may be armed with knives, guns or other weapons. Not all visitors are peaceful families; criminals sometimes seek refuge parks to escape capture or commit crimes.

What kinds of wildlife do Rangers work with?

Many areas in which rangers work are home to a variety of wildlife. There may be predators, such as mountain lions, wolves or bears, that the ranger encounters while making patrols or performing other job duties.