Ranger
Park rangers do many different things but a big part of the job is managing national parks, reserves and other recreational areas.
What the job looks like
Salary expectation
starts at $53,000 up to $82,000+
The good
- Being outdoors
- Working with different people and wildlife
- Helping to conserve the environment and our native species
- Potential to work around Australia
The not so good
- Time consuming administrative tasks
- Working weekends and public holidays
Park rangers get to spend a lot of their time outdoors and have the responsibility of visitor safety, conservation (plants, animals and historic) and handling emergency situations.
You need to be comfortable with getting your hands dirty as being a park ranger is a physical and practical role. Some of your tasks might include conducting control burns, managing feral animal populations, checking fences, maintaining park facilities and conducting guided tours for visitors.
Understanding the cultural and environmental aspects of the park you are working in is also a really important part of your job. This is the sort of information you will tell people about during guided tours so you need to be familiar with the area.
You will also work with other organisations like councils to report any concerns or highlight a particular issue. Good English skills will help you write reports, promotional material and accurately record observations you make during your duties.
If you enjoy being outdoors, talking to people and caring for the environment, then a career as a park ranger could be for you.
The best thing is working for conservation and the environment with lots of different people.
Pathways to this career
Subject suggestions for the HSC
Choosing your HSC subjects from this list could really help with your career. Think carefully about what you want to study after school as you might need to choose specific HSC subjects for that course and to count towards your ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank). An ATAR is your academic rank in relation to other HSC students and helps with University admission.
HSC subjects
Some subjects will count towards your ATAR, others will not. Check with your career advisor before making subject selections.
- English (Standard or higher)
- Mathematics (General 2 or higher)
- Biology
- Earth and Environmental Science
- Geography
- Aboriginal Studies
What can I do after I have finished school?
University degrees
Studying one of these degrees can help with your career.
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Environmental Science
- Bachelor of Natural Resources
Suggestions
Check out The Office of Environment or Heritage or NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information
- Pick up practical skills safely and as you become older, like driving a 4-wheel drive and doing a first aid course
- Do as much volunteer work as you can – the National Parks and Wildlife Service has opportunities doing animal surveys and bush regeneration
- Go to career expos and events like university Open Days for information about what you will study
