Park Ranger
Note: Completion of a TAFE SA course does not guarantee an employment outcome. Formal requirements other than educational qualifications (eg licensing, professional registration), may apply to some occupations.
| Job Prospects |
Good. |
| Salary Range |
$30,000 to $45,000 plus |
| Brief |
Unlike Park Rangers there are few occupations where people spend most of their working day outdoors among natural flora and fauna, breathing in fresh air and meeting people from around the world.
There are approximately 250 Park Rangers currently working in South Australia. Employment is mostly full-time with the majority working in the Property and Business Services and the Government Administration and Defence industries. Most persons in this occupation are males with the main age group between 25-34 years. |
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TAFE SA courses that may be relevant for: Park Ranger
Accredited (Award)
Introduction
The vast areas of land that comprise the State's national parks, scenic areas, historic sites, nature reserves and other recreational areas are managed by park rangers. Park rangers promote awareness, understanding and an appreciation of the natural and cultural features of a park. They also assist in rehabilitation projects, monitoring waterways, roads and tracks, and the condition of local flora and fauna as well as ensuring that endangered species are protected. Recently local rangers undertook a rehabilitation project that involved planting eucalypt trees to ensure a plentiful supply of gum leaves and homes for the koalas in the park!
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Helping and Community Services
Police Officer, Aged or Disabilities Carer, Counsellor and Community Worker, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker, Child Care Worker, Landcare Officer, Customer Service Officer, Park Ranger, Tourist Information Officer, Kitchen hand, Medical Administrative Officer, Interpreter, Reflexologist, Youth Worker or Disability Worker, Financial Counsellor, Patient Care Assistant, Massage Therapist, Fitness Instructor, Occupational Health, Safety & Environment Professional, Personal Assistant, Financial Planner / Financial Investment Advisers, Library Assistant or Technician
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Education Requirements
Of those currently employed 41% have Bachelor Degrees, 23% have Postgraduate Degrees, 12% have either an Advanced Diploma or a Diploma, 9% have either a Certificate III or IV and 8% have no post school qualifications. There are no specific educational requirements needed for entry into this occupation, however, employers may look favourably upon applicants who have undertaken a relevant course.
TAFE SA offers the following courses to assist with gaining employment in the field:
Certificate II, III, IV and Diploma of Conservation and Land Management
Certificate IV in Environmental Technology
Diploma of Environmental Management
Dual Certificate II and III Program in Conservation, Land Management and Horticulture
Certificate II, III, IV and Diploma in Horticulture
The University of South Australia offers the following courses: Bachelor of Biodiversity & Park management and the Bachelor of Science (Environmental Systems).
The University of Adelaide offers the following courses: Bachelor of Science (Natural Resources), Bachelor of Science (Environmental Biology), Bachelor of Science (Ecology) and the Bachelor of Environmental Studies.
Flinders University offers the Bachelor of Ecotourism, Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science) and the Bachelor of Aarts in Environmental Studies.
Career Path
Park Rangers are employed by centres throughout the State. Rangers employed may be classified as forestry, reserve or national park rangers. According to other industry representatives Park Rangers require more sophisticated management skills than in the past. Rangers no longer see themselves as enforcers of rules, but as managers of park activities.
Industries
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing, Cultural and Recreational Services
Interview
To be updated.
Nature of the Job
Park rangers also pay attention to feral (non native) animal control and check that the park's public facilities and amenities actually work. Essentially, you are ensuring that the park is pristine 24/7. This involves general maintenance duties such as collecting rubbish and cleaning the park's amenities. You will also liaise with the general public answering any of their enquiries and we regularly conduct interpretative (ecotourism) tours. Night and day, you may take people through the park, the caves or introduce them to the native wildlife in the park.
Park rangers also advise visitors of park rules and regulations, and enforce these when necessary. They may have to deal with people who exceed an area's speed limit or disturb the public in some way. Directing parking, controlling traffic and collecting fees from campers and visitors are also part of their job description. Fires are not uncommon during the summer months, so park rangers also supervise and coordinate fire management procedures, including firefighting, if necessary.
Typical Physical Working Environment
As far as other technical skills are concerned, a sound understanding of local flora and fauna is imperative to this occupation. A working background in environmental management or recreational park experience will stand applicants in very good stead. First aid skills are also needed. Park rangers may need to assist a bike rider who has fallen in a recreational area or tend to someone with a snake bite. On a personal level, you will need to be able to interact with people from all walks of life. Because park rangers also have to communicate with people who are 'not so pleased' about a parking fine for instance, they have to know how to handle 'heated' situations. During summer you can generally expect to work from 7am until 6pm and between 8am and 5pm in the cooler months.
Typical Occupational Example
Although park rangers spend most of their time outdoors, they do have office duties, such as answering calls from the general public or from government organisations interested in some aspect of the park's management. Rangers also prepare, review and implement reports and submissions about development proposals and environmental impact assessments.
Earning Potential
The starting salary for rangers is about $27,000 per year and this may go as high as $50,000 for senior rangers. It takes about 12 years to reach that senior level.
Further Information
For further information about all TAFE SA Courses, phone 1800 882 661 or enquire online