Have you been searching for more information on South Dakota park ranger training and degree requirements to advance your career? We have compiled some excellent information for you here.
Park rangers working for the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks Agency are highly skilled law enforcement professionals that have been selected above many applicants.
Working to protect South Dakota’s greatest natural resources, park rangers work at dozens of places throughout the state where they act as first responders in cases of crises.
South Dakota Park Rangers Education
Those of you who are considering trying to get park ranger work in South Dakota must ensure that you adhere to the minimal conditions as stated from the Game, Fish and Parks Agency.
Procuring a Bachelor’s degree is a great way for applicants to advance their applications beyond the others; although higher education isn’t a prerequisite for employment with the Game, Fish, and Parks Agency.
Featured Schools
Related majors would include ones such as the following (and others):
- Public Management
- Law Enforcement
- Natural Sciences
- Business Administration
- Sociology
The Game, Fish and Parks Agency gives preference to candidates with the following certifications/qualifications:
- First Aid and CPR
- Emergency Management Tech
- First Responder
These conditions must be adhered to by applicants for park ranger occupations:
- Haven’t abused drugs at least a year just before application
- Maintain good moral character
- Be a U.S. citizen at least 21 years old
Discover online park ranger educational opportunities in South Dakota that are a match for you!
South Dakota Park Ranger Training
One other significant prerequisite for employment is expertise and training. Applicants have two options for how they’re able to satisfy this standard:
- Graduation from your National Park Service Seasonal Law Enforcement Training Program (SLETP)
- An equal mixture of training as well as law enforcement expertise
The SLETP is supplied at places through the entire United States. All SLETP grads will receive instruction and training that qualifies them to do the following:
- Make arrests
- Help in the performance of warrants
- Carry firearms
- Investigation of offenses
The SLETP program in Ely has a value of 19 credits; education is offered on the duration of an academic term.
Applying to Become a Park Ranger in South Dakota
The application for these positions needs to be filled out in its entirety and submitted to the address within the job announcement. Once nominees are selected to continue in the hiring procedure, they need to focus on completing the following important steps:
- Drug screening
- Background investigation
- Medical exam
- Interview
Working as a Federal Park Ranger in South Dakota
The National Park Service also relies on superb park rangers in South Dakota. These federal workers possess a similar job role as their counterparts through the state and help protect and handle South Dakota’s picturesque national parks.
Learning to be a federal park ranger differs from learning to be a state ranger; it will include applying through the federal government’s primary employment website.
The hiring procedure can also be different but calls for similar measures, and nominees should satisfy similar fundamental conditions like passing a drug test and being a U.S. citizen.
There are several different types of federal park rangers, with entry-level opportunities at the levels of GS-05 and GS07. These ranks designate the minimum qualifications needed for application:
GS-05 – one of the following is mandated:
- One year of specialized park ranger expertise
- A Bachelor degree having a major course of study associated with the park ranger responsibilities
- A blend of expertise and education
GS-07 – one of the following is mandated:
- One year of useful expertise and advanced experience
- A blend of expertise and education
Salary Information for Park Rangers in South Dakota
Park Rangers in South Dakota take home a great salary while pursuing a fulfilling career protecting the land of South Dakota. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average Park Ranger in the state of South Dakota makes a median salary of $49,010 per year.
Park Ranger Programs and Schools in South Dakota
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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.