1. Agricultural Careers Park Ranger By: Dr. Frank Flanders and Mitzi Marshall Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office Georgia Department of Education June 2005 START

2. What does a Park Ranger do? Park Rangers are hired by the National Park Service to maintain the natural beauty of the environment and to aid campers and tourists in the enjoyment of national parks. They give out helpful information to visitors Keep law and order inside the parks Administer camping permits and emergency services Protect and cares for wildlife and wildlife habitats

3. What kind of qualities and skills are needed? Be in excellent physical condition Understand animals and wildlife Be able to handle tools and firearms Be able to communicate well with others

4. What is my salary? Park rangers make $20,000 to $23,000 per year With experience, you can make up to $40,000 per year

5. What are the conditions of the work environment? All possible weather conditions such as extreme high and low temperatures Hazardous and difficult situations involving wild animals Various modes of transportation including foot, vehicle, horse, helicopter and boat Primarily work outdoors, but may work in an office indoors May work with park visitors

6. How can I become a Park Ranger? Receive a bachelors degree in a wildlife or forestry related area Volunteer or intern with your local park services during the summer to gain experience Receive a combination of a Bachelors degree and experience in the field Contact professional organizations for Park Rangers

7. Career Resources Rangers on the Web Internet: http://www.rangersontheweb.com What is a Park Ranger? Internet: http://www.parkranger.com/whatis.htm U.S. Department of the Interior Internet: http://www.nps.gov National Park Service Internet: http://www.nps.gov/ Department of Natural Resources Internet: http://georgiawildlife.dnr.state.ga.us/

8. Other careers that you might want to explore Wildlife Biologist Game Warden Forester Forest Ranger Timber Procurement Forester Tree Surgeon