park rangers?

[chongoblanco]

I have been looking into possibly becoming a park ranger.

I know schooling is involved. What I was wondering was how you get started, what's the difference between the rangers at places like LCW, Aliso, Santiago oaks, etc and the rangers for the U.S Forest department that are positioned out in the sticks.

I know some carry firearms like the police and some dont, whats involved in that, I know volunteer or part time employment is required before full time employment.

Not to be nosey, I was also wondering average salaries? I know there are a few members here that are rangers, any advice would be helpful.

Oh yea almost forgot! what's the extent of possible dangers in relation to like a police officer. I know you get weird people on trails somtimes.
cheers
jared

[davemw]

Wow great thread, I need to subscribe to this one. My dream job is to be a park ranger, right now I'm a network and systems administrator stuck behind a desk all day.

[DISCO]

The process is very selective just like any other govt job expect to lose to law enforcement, Fire/rescue, or Ex-military. If that wont stop you than go for it.

[genusmtbkr5]

Jared, for County Rangers, go to www.ocparks.com/reserves or call 714-973-6866. Becoming a reserve ranger is a good stepping stone and many reserves become full time rangers

[chongoblanco]

Originally Posted by davemw

Wow great thread, I need to subscribe to this one. My dream job is to be a park ranger, right now I'm a network and systems administrator stuck behind a desk all day.

I feel for you I did the big office enviroment for about a year and hated it, keep yer head up!

[guero]

i would endorse the white monkey as a ranger anyday!!!

[Elisheva]

I considered going down that road. You may want to consider volunteering first to see if you're willing to work every weekend for the next 8 years. You must pass a very thorough background investigation. Its the same investigation that Orange County Sherriff's complete. Sherriff investigator told me most likely all Rangers will be carrying firearms in the future. Currently, some are, most are not.

[Dusty]

Start talking to the rangers as you see them and ask them these questions. They can give you the logistical process as well as their personal experience. Years ago I had considered this but could not pull it off as a single parent. Go for it.

[slowSSer]

as for schooling, some may desire a background of education in something related to biology. I looked into this a while ago, when college was nearing an end.

as for pay, it's not the best out there and starting salaries, from what i remember (nearly 10 years ago), are in the $20k range, but as a gub-ment employee, the benefits are really worth it. (I'm currently trying to get a gub-ment job, fwiw)

[DBD]

Originally Posted by chongoblanco

I... What I was wondering was how you get started, what's the difference between the rangers at places like LCW, Aliso, Santiago oaks, etc and the rangers for the U.S Forest department that are positioned out in the sticks.

I know some carry firearms like the police and some dont, whats involved in that, ...

Go to the USFS (if you want ot work with them) and browse around.

The armed Rangers go through the police academy I believe just like a Fish and Game warden and regular police plus all the same background checks and interviews.

As far as where you get placed, that depends on where they need you and your seniority. I am sure you can request certain posts but if there are no openings you be sol.

[BobBurnes]

Most Park Rangers in California fall under the PC 832 law enforcement code. They have the same powers as a reserve police officer (which, in my opinion, is not a lesser position than a full time PC 836 law enforcement officer.) PC 832 gives the PR police powers while on duty and as such can and will issue tickets, carry a fire arm, conduct traffic, boat, and personnel stops. Those without firearms are usually those that have not completed the PC 832 qualification course. That's for county park rangers. As for federal PR's, like BLM, they have PC 836 powers and have attended a formal academy and retain their police powers off duty. Both the county and BLM ranger perform the same duties.

As for dangerous, any law enforcement job, regardless of location, has the potential for harm. You're going to deal with traffic or boat stops. You'll come across persons with warrants (sometimes, they just don't want to go to jail), domestics (more police officers are killed in this senerio), drugs, drunk in public, medical call outs, and the list goes on.

It's a great career with lots of benefits. Good luck!

[Zippy]

You just missed the application deadline for State Park Ranger Cadet. I'm taking the written exam for Ranger/Lifeguard on Saturday. Some college is required, things like an EMT certificate and a fou-year degree are preferred.

The state REALLY needs quality people to fill these positions right now. My district (SD Coast) is at 50% staffing for Peace Officer/Lifeguard spots.

I think they take apps. once a year and the process takes a year. The Lifeguard Rangers I work with went through a 19 week Police academy (Riverside City, I think).

Salary is Police Officer comparable with cool perks: free campsites, PERS retirement, medical, dental, blah, blah.

Check it out:
www.parks.ca.gov

[Chopper]

Go here:

http://jobs.spb.ca.gov/wvpos/spbpay2rd.cfm

and search on State Park Ranger. You'll get all the requirements and pay scales for each type of state park ranger.

[chongoblanco]

thanks for all of the positive feed back, lots of helpful info to look over and think about.

[Rockinthecasbah]

Your gonna be hating life in the summer covering up your arms, but ranger jobs are cool I looked into CDF and may try to work for something similar after my masters

[boboso]

Great thread... wish I had the know what to think about these things I enjoyed and to make a career out of it... Now lifestyle and family considerations are established. But... I am going to look into it for my "early" retirement enjoyment to give back a little...

[dirtvert]

you should talk to ed over at aliso woods. he's a good guy- and a mtber.

[Rockinthecasbah]

too get your feet in the door just got an email


THE OPPORTUNITY
OC Parks job opportunities for Park Attendants.This recruitment is being held to establish an Eligible List to fill Orange County Parks Extra Help, Limited Term and Regular full-time vacancies until the next recruitment. Please note these positions frequently require flexibility to work nights, weekends and holidays. The OC Parks staff members are committed to providing a high quality operation and a pleasant visitor experience. If you meet qualifications and are interested in working at OC Parks apply today!

We invite you to visit theOC Parks website to learn more about the desired qualifications and learn more about our agency. All interested candidates can apply for this position online at OCjobs webpageor by selecting Job Openings on the County of Orange intranet site.