Are you interested in find out about how to work as a park ranger in Iowa? Here, we have provided a complete outline of the Iowa Park Ranger Training and Degree Requirements for you.
The state of Iowa is amazing with two national parks and at least 72 state parks for people to enjoy. These natural resources provide duties which vary from observing wildlife to fishing and camping on property.
Duties and requirements will vary depending on where you are employed. Below, we have created an outline of the Iowa training and requirements.
Requirements to Become a Park Ranger in Iowa
Basic:
- Must be at least 21 years of age
- Having a legal driver’s license
Education:
- GS-07: A complete year of graduate school associated with the profession
- GS-05: Bachelor’s degree
- Including 24 hours of related classes including:
- Archaeology
- Law enforcement
- Fish & Wildlife management
- Including 24 hours of related classes including:
Featured Schools
Experience:
Applicants with one year of expertise in these regions may be considered for national park ranger positions:
- GS-07: Having used LEO abilities to protect visitors and resources
- GS-05: Having worked in a place including LEO or a park guide
Applicants can have a mixture of expertise and instruction.
Quality Ranking Factors:
These abilities will make candidates more competitive in the procedure:
- Power boat operation
- Certified in emergency response
In accordance with a study by the University of Iowa, at least 13.7 million individuals see Iowa’s state parks every year during the period of 2007 to 2010. These visitors supplied the state with an enormous economic gain. The following numbers were averaged by the state parks using the largest support:
- Gull Point Complex: $66,000,000
- Big Creek: $40,000,000
- Lake Manawa: $72,000,00
Discover online park ranger educational opportunities in Iowa that are a match for you!
Iowa Park Ranger Education and Training Requirements
Iowa’s Department of Natural Resources requires park rangers to get instruction related to the public park management. Upon being hired, recruits receive instruction (at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy) to learn the special techniques of law enforcement.
The DNR (Department of Natural Resources) requires applicants for park ranger to have an understanding of park management through education or previous experience. Applicants who do not have a college education will be required to have 2 years of full time work experience at a public park facility.
Thirty college credit hours in at least one of the following areas will count as one year of experience:
- Evironmental Science
- Forestry
- Outdoor Recreation
- Park Management
School credit can replace as much as two years of expertise.
A third approach to satisfy the conditions for experience would be to have been a Natural Resources Tech or have been working full time for 18 months in a state park or recreation area.
General Conditions
The state of Iowa has the following age limitations that have to be satisfied by the exact date of appointment:
- Must be between the ages of 21 and 66
- Excellent vision
- 20/20 vision
- 20/100 in both eye with unchanged vision
- Standard color
A background check to eliminate the following:
- Substance abuse
- Arrest and conviction records that might rule out becoming a peace officer
- A physical examination
- Vision screening
- Hearing screening
- Psychological examinations
Prior to being employed, the DNR will provide applicants with a time period to obtain the following certification:
- Commercial Driver’s License
- Pesticide applicator
- Waste and water system operations
Salary Information for Park Rangers in Iowa
Park Rangers in Iowa 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 Iowa make a median salary of $49,120 per year.
Park Ranger Programs and Schools in Iowa
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Choose your area of study and receive free information about programs you are interested in. Park rangers are responsible for protecting our parks and wilderness areas as well as guiding and educating the public. These duties are the same across the local, state, and national levels. Park rangers pursue degrees related to parks and recreation, environmental science, as well as law enforcement and criminal justice.