2 answers
2 answers
Updated
Sierra’s Answer
Hi there! The requirements to be a forest ranger depend on the country or state you live in. In the United States you can choose to either be a forest ranger for the state parks system or to be a forest ranger for the national parks systems. Most park ranger training programs require that you at least have a bachelors degree which would include 4 years of schooling after high school. Also, some park systems might be competitive and require that you have joined lots of clubs and have some experience in forestry management. If you love the outdoors it can be a really cool job! Here are some steps you can take right now to learn more about being a forest ranger:
1. Reach out to your local parks about junior forestry programs that you can join!
2. Learn as much as you can about being a park ranger and how to take care of the environment.
3. Keep joining programs near you as you get older, including high school and college.
4. Enjoy the outdoors!
Sierra recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Jenna’s Answer
Hi! Becoming a forest ranger does usually require higher education and pay rates often vary based on the education you have. If you are wanting to work in the US national park system often you need to be very flexible about your location and be willing to move about every 6 months for a contract with a different park. It often takes a few years to be statused in a park permanently. If national parks aren't your thing local governments often hire park employees and those jobs tend to be much less competitive.
Spend as much time as you can outside!
Join scouting organizations or other outdoors clubs
Meet your local forest rangers and ask them about their job
Jenna recommends the following next steps: