Hi all,
In the ongoing effort to eliminate repetitive posts and questions, all new posts will be moderated and will have to be approved by a moderator. Even if the post is not approved, you can still post it as a comment on the monthly questions thread. If you have any issues, please message the mod team.
Ranger On!
(Also, photos and gifs are now enabled for the subreddit.)
May the forth...com ing month be salubrious to your ranger career goals.
Ask your ranger questions in this thread.
Open to the Public
https://www.usajobs.gov/job/792043600
Those with Hiring Authorities.
https://www.usajobs.gov/job/792042500
Best of luck.
Did a few seasons of interp there. Had one season in a FEMA trailer and it was absolute hell. Just wondering if this was still a thing.
I’m about to start a permanent seasonal position with the Forest Service and I’m confused about how health insurance works.
From what I’ve read, it looks like the Forest Service only pays its portion of your premiums while you are working and not off-season. Is that right?
What happens when you aren’t working? Can you just drop the insurance for the winter and start up again when the season starts? Or do you need to pay the full premium while not working in order to stay enrolled?
I don’t think I can afford to stay on the insurance year-round, and I’m worried having an employer that offers coverage will make me ineligible for Medicaid or ACA coverage.
I also worry my state’s Medicaid office will be confused about a permanent seasonal position. Will they understand how much I actually make per year, and how the coverage isn’t year-round?
Has anyone had experience with this? What is the best strategy for having some kind nsurance coverage year-round?
We camped at Mammoth Cave National Park in March, and are headed to a Michigan state park in a few weeks. When we were in Mammoth Cave I got to thinking about how weird it must be to work in a place where all these people and families sleep outdoors every night. Like, you come to work in the morning and folks are sitting around, drinking coffee, making breakfast, getting dressed etc. Are there park rangers that are on duty around the clock in the different parks? Or do park employees leave by a certain time every day? Just wondering! Thanks in advance.
I’ve got a few questions regarding seasonal LE Ranger work.
I’m currently working as a paramedic and sheriffs deputy. I’ve been active EMS for 21 years and law enforcement for 7. In the next 5 years my kids will both graduate and my wife and I have been looking to do travel work in the summers (or really whenever) and probably just come back home during off seasons. She does travel nursing and can take contracts virtually anywhere.
I’ve talked to a coworker of mine that was seasonal LE with NPS for several years and enjoyed it. I’m not sure what other opportunities like this exist. I’m too old to take full time job with any federal agency and I’m really not trying to. This would mostly be a way to earn some supplemental income while getting to experience different parts of the country.
For those of you that have done it, I’m curious to hear your experiences. How’s the work schedule, attitude/culture around law enforcement, opportunities to practice skills of medicine and policing, job opportunities, etc? Are there more or better opportunities than NPS? Any insight would be appreciated!
Has anyone gone through the Washington State Parks Hiring process ? They invited me to do a virtual interview where I’m supposed to record myself answering 7 questions.
All,
I am a current NPS type 1 LE Ranger.
Please reach out to me if anyone has questions regarding the position, how to get hired, what's it's like, ect...
Hi I’m wondering if anyone on here would be open to speaking on zoom with a group of K-2nd graders about park range duties. Especially if you are employed in glacier bay national park but welcome to any! We are covering national parks and roles of a ranger to conserve and educate the community about the environment! Please message me it would be 20-30 minutes in mid June !
What are some of your tried and true favorite bug sprays? Any recommended to prevent a run in with a black widow?
edit: I know black widows only bite when threatened, but I was told some sprays could deter them from coming near
Is there anyway to know exactly what kind of background check they do in California? I have heard from people that have done this process that they ask for; residences that you've lived in the last 10 years, ex girlfriends (addresses, phone number & email), and also the last 10 years of jobs I have held with managers names, phone numbers and emails, HR email and 2 coworkers that I worked with. Is this true? I have had many jobs within the last 10 years and dont know if I even have any managers numbers from those jobs.
Hi, I was asked to take a drug test in a state where cannabis is legal.
I was not expecting this, since I’ve read that federal regulations are relaxing, and it’s a seasonal aide position. I have smoked once but recently in the past 30 days… should I disclose? Is it over for me? Is there a time limit to complete the test, is it possible to buy more time?
I really wanted this job more than anything. I am not a heavy drug user whatsoever, and am ok to never smoke again in my life.
Advice is appreciated.
Hello! I just applied (about a month ago) for a trainee position at a Texas state park. I’m just wondering if I should follow up at all while my application is “under consideration” and if I do not get the position, what are ways to beef up my resume? (Bio grad with a minor in environmental science) thanks!
Looking to talk to any of the same STL park Rangers about job opportunities. Looking for links, anyone to talk to about getting into the "business".
Hi! I'm moving to Alaska to become a park ranger. I can't drive due to my disabilities, but I have a drivers license. I can't drive any more but I was wondering if they would possibly accommodate me by letting me drive a golf cart. My disabilities are not anything physical, I am still very active and can do what anyone else does with their bodies. Just can't drive because of my anxiety.
Just curious if anyone here is or has been a park ranger for the state of Tennessee? Long story short, I discovered a great appreciation for being outdoors a couple of years back, and have since dreamt of being a ranger. I don't think I want to work for NPS because I don't want to move all over the United States.
I know the rangers in Tennessee do a lot, including law enforcement and interpretation. I have a cushy WFH job, but I'm a people person and I get depressed staring at a screen all day long. I was also a registered nurse for a long time and still do that some on the side. So I'm thinking being in my upper 30s and not having any relevant degree or experience may hold me back. I'm looking at maybe doing some ride alongs if they will let me.
Anyway, any insight is appreciated and hats off to all of ya'll protecting the great outdoors!
Hey guys! I am going to be doing a season of trail work with ACE this summer. Mostly will be logging up in the sierras. I need a 8 inch, full leather lugged sole. As a woman, this research has been hell to say the least. So many options, and so much money to spend it's like betting in las vegas. Here's the options I've come up with so far based on my research:
Tibet GTX from Lowa https://www.lowaboots.com/mens/backpacking/tibet-gtx
Wild from Alico https://www.alicousa.com/product-page/wild
Alpina Forester https://alpina-us.com/alpina-hunting-shoes-boots/108-forester.html
and similarly the Hoffman Explorer https://hoffmanboots.com/product/8-hoffman-explorer/
Do you any of you guys know these models, or have any more suggestions/experiences? Thank you so much!!!
What National Park sites have noncommissioned backcountry ranger programs? I've already got my foot in the door with the park service and public land management with ten seasons under my belt. That being said I am currently working my first season as a BC ranger for NPS, and just want to see what other options I should be considering come next hiring season.
What FS units have good Wilderness Ranger programs?
Are there any units anywhere with winter BC ranger positions or something similar?
Thanks Everybody
disclaimer: I will Not be working at the national park in the glades but instead just outside of it
Hey friends! I got a job as a naturalist/tour guide for an Everglades pontoon boat tour that is located just outside the national park (abt an hour from Homestead). I think the tour may even enter the NPS territory? Anyway. I'm super excited as I feel like this is a step on my way to working in state & national parks. I was wondering if anyone who's worked in the Everglades has tips?
I'm from North FL and have visited the glades a handful of times! I also will be living in shared dorm style housing.
I start the first week of June. I'm doing a f*ck ton of research right now but if you have any books/resources to recommend, please share them! I'm a certified interpretive guide so that part I'm not new to.
Thank you for any advice :)
Male 27, while I'm still young, I have greatly contemplated doing some military experience? Will earning the DD-214 give me an improved chance to become a permanent Park Ranger for the NPS? Some family members and veterans discouraged me about getting into harms ways and traumatic experiences. But, on the upside is government health care, monetary gain, GI bill, housing, and hiring preference on USAJOBS.GOV? It's a continued lingering feeling in my mind.
Background- B.A/M.A History Degrees as of 2022. And, earned the Public Land Corps Hiring Authority award in summer 2023. Currently, working in a museum as a Admissions Clerk.
Hey gang, does anyone have an update on what's happening with USFS hiring? I'm a PFT hire, and my onboarding has pretty much been done for months, but I haven't heard anything. Supposedly, they are letting the seasonal hires through now. Any updates? Thanks!
I’m about to take my PAT and I am soooo nervous . I’ve been working out so much and really have been trying to meet the basic requirements . Does anyone have any info on how strict they are pass or fail ? Do the requirements differ for men and women ? I feel like I can definitely push myself physically and my endurance has improved but I’m having such a hard time meeting my 1.5 mile requirement of under 15 mins . Im so nervous and feel like I won’t pass :/
Become a Law Enforcement Ranger for the National Park Service!
Opening May 20th 2024 on www.nps.usajobs.gov – Search for “Park Ranger (Protection)”
Law enforcement is a rewarding profession. Combine it with some of America's most amazing views, historically significant places and rich cultures and you have a fulfilling and noble career. The National Park Service (NPS) is looking for its next generation of law enforcement rangers – those trusted to protect the country's most precious resources and the people who visit them.
One of our goals is to prioritize recruitment of applicants who are underrepresented in our law enforcement workforce, including women and diverse candidates. “Diversity” in this context is used to describe individuals from a range of different social and ethnic backgrounds, as well as gender, sexual orientation, and those with certain disabilities.
Job opportunities will be advertised in two ways:
All-Sources Announcement: Open to all United States Citizens/Nationals and Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
You are eligible to apply to our All-Sources announcement if you are a United States citizen. Veterans receive hiring preference on these announcements, how read here: https://lnkd.in/eiRhPf3q
Open to current and former Federal employees - Competitive service, Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL), Individuals with disabilities, Land & base management (LMWFA), Military Spouses, Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista, Veterans, and former Public Land Corp Member (PLC Member) eligible applicants Learn more about specific hiring authorities here: https://lnkd.in/eXseYNfz
To learn more, visit https://lnkd.in/dJ8smKB6
Struggling to get past the federal hiring process in USAJOBS.gov? NPS wants to help give you the knowledge to compete, with our Federal Jobs webinars. These free webinars are held at 1 pm Central US Time Zone on the 2nd or 4th Thursday using the URL provided below to reregister for the next one:
Please register for the next webinar at: https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/3b9e60e7-4da7-4ae7-b331-ee4388ee9f14@0693b5ba-4b18-4d7b-9341-f32f400a5494
Good luck folks.
Anybody know rules and regs for living in park housing with an ESA or Service Dog?
Hello! My partner will be starting a job in a major national park working primarily outdoors. I was trying to brainstorm what I could assemble as a little gift basket for starting a new job and graduating. What would you recommend buying someone who is spending lots of time in the parks? These can be as utilitarian as they need to be — I’ve been thinking in the direction of good socks, layering shirts, etc. If you got good brands you like or any other recommendations, lmk!
