Intepretation

• Park rangers assigned to interpretation teach visitors, officials and media about the natural resources, conservation efforts and wildlife under their jurisdiction. They may provide educational services themselves or recruit, hire and train interpretive staff. They require two full academic years of progressively higher level graduate education, or a master's degree related to their career. Acceptable programs include natural sciences, earth sciences, natural resource management, history, archeology, park and recreation management, and law enforcement, according to the National Park Service. Other useful degrees include business administration, public administration, education, behavioral sciences, sociology or anthropology.
  
  

Protection

• Park rangers assigned to protection enforce the law by patrolling their jurisdictions, arresting violators, enforcing park rules and regulations, checking permits and providing emergency services. This is the most common park ranger position and requires a bachelor's degree in the same subjects allowed for interpretation positions. Note that in either position, equivalent combinations of education and experience are allowed. For example, a park ranger can have two years of related education and two years of related law enforcement experience.
  
  

Protection Qualifications

• Depending on the level at which you are hired for a protection position, your educational degree may only be a secondary factor in hiring. A protection park ranger at the GS-5 level, working for the National Park Service, must have a National Park Service Law Enforcement Commission held within the past three years or must have completed Seasonal Law Enforcement Training Program within the past three years. This training consists of 334 class hours at one of nine educational venues that include community colleges and universities. Successful completion of the program awards Continuing Education Units, semester hours, quarter hours or a certificate, depending on the educational institute.
  
  

Other Requirements

• Park rangers must be U.S. citizens, have valid driver's licenses for the state in which they work and must pass a security investigation. Those in protection must also pass a Physical Efficiency Battery, medical exam and drug test. They must demonstrate competency in criminal law, the use of force and self-defense, oral and written communications and interpersonal skills. Veterans receive preferential consideration, especially if they have a service-connected disability.