How to Become a Park Ranger in Alaska

If you are interested in finding out how to work as a Park Ranger in Alaska, you’re at the right place.

In 1980, the Alaska Lands Act established ten new parks and expanded three others, for a total of 15 park units. This act more than doubled the size of the National Park System. The parks today include striking geological diversity from the tidewater glaciers of Southeast’s Glacier Bay to Katmai’s Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes to the sand dunes of the Kobuk Valley. Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is the largest internationally protected area in the world.

Alaska Park Ranger Requirements

The goal of a national park ranger is to protect and preserve public resources while helping people enjoy them. This may be accomplished by fighting fires, enforcing land use regulations, or studying the natural world to learn how to better care for it. Some activities include:

• 4-Wheeling
• Wildlife Sight Seeing
• Dog Sledding
• Kayaking/Rafting/Canoeing
• Glacier cruising
• Hiking

Fundamental Alaska Park Ranger Duties

• Helping injured and/or lost hikers
• Provide exceptional customer service
• Supplying visitors with advice
• Teaching people how to protect nature
• Collecting environmental data on plant and wildlife inhabitants
• Executing firefighting responsibilities and law enforcement, including gathering license fees, gear sales and performing grounds care

2.5 million individuals see Alaska’s national parks each year, leaving the demand for quality park rangers constantly present.

Alaska Park Ranger Education and Training Requirements

Undergraduate and graduate studies focused on physical sciences, resource management and business administration or pertinent work experience can also help a candidate qualify for a ranger position. Majors that are closely related include:

• Parks and Recreation
• Forestry
• Forest Management
• Natural Science

OR

2 years of professional experience in the field of natural resource management. Related expertise may include the following:

• Geologist
• Hydrologist
• Environmental Specialist
• Agronomist
• Historian
• Forester
• Biologist
• Archaeologist
• Park Specialist

OR

2 years of college education equivalent to 48 semester hours, plus 1 year of technical experience in natural resource management. This experience might include:

• Forest Technician
• Natural Resource Technician
• Fish & Wildlife Technician

Public Speaking Abilities: Preform demonstrations on historical and natural resource information to big groups.

Law Enforcement Abilities: Understanding the use of deadly force, rules of evidence, interview and interrogation techniques, investigation skills

Search and Rescue Abilities: Skill to understand how best to react to water-saving situations and other scenarios.

Knowledge and Heritage: Understanding of general principles of ecology, land use, natural and cultural resource management, conservation, and park and visitor management

Firearms training: Abilities in the skill to execute defensive strategies and defensive gear as well as manage firearms.

Training and Certificate Requirements for Alaska Park Rangers

Alaska State park rangers preserve and must obtain certificates and special training throughout the state of Alaska; these will range from the following:

• A commission as a peace officer
• Alaska State certificate program end and park ranger training
• Authority by the Commissioner of Department of Game and Fish

Particular requirements for national Park Rangers will be different by place, however, there are a few typical requirements that must be satisfied.

Minimal Requirements:

• Required to maintain good health and can pass a drug screening
• Required to have a legal state driver’s license

OR

• Recorded specialized expertise, (for example work as a park guide or environmental teacher, program specialist, law enforcement officer; or preceding related forestry expertise).

OR

• A blend of expertise and instruction

Concerning the essence of the place, specific chances will demand the passing end of the Physical Efficiency Battery evaluation to establish the level of fitness and the Seasonal Law Enforcement Training Program (SLETP).

Salary Information for Park Rangers in Alaska

Park Rangers in Alaska take home a great salary while pursuing a fulfilling career protecting the land of his or her state. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average Park Ranger in the state of Alaska makes a median salary of $69,340 per year.