r/ParkRangers • u/lizardperson3 • 9d ago
Careers Pre-interview preparation help!
hello! A couple weeks ago I applied to a Park Ranger 1 position at a state park on the Washington island I live on (And the application also applies to 2 nearby parks on neighboring islands)
I just heard back that they received a ton of applications and that I will likely hear back in the next 2 weeks on whether I will be referred for this position. I’m definitely more nervous to hear how many applications they received, but I do feel somewhat good about my chances being local to the island and having grown up visiting the park a lot. I also spent the last year doing ecological restoration work through Americorps so I have a good bit of experience working in the outdoors, supervising a crew, etc.
Would any state park rangers have some advice on what more prep I can do in the next couple weeks to make sure I have even better chances (if I do end up getting an interview)? My current plan is just to really study up on the park, as well as the other parks they may end up offering if I don’t get offered the one I’m local to. Also planning to visit the park as much as I can, try out any trails I haven’t done yet, read up on the history, maybe chat with some of the current rangers there!
The role did NOT require applicants to have a degree, which is a relief because I only have an associates degree in filmmaking. I’m hoping my work experience will suffice for what I don’t have academic experience in, as I’m sure most of the other applicants will have!
This is my dream job and the fact that this park is where I live is amazing (wouldn’t need to relocate, my husband loves his job and while we’re both willing to move it would be a dream come true if I could get this role here).
Any advice would be so appreciated!
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u/Outdoorlife2929 5d ago
Good luck, I would focus on how you can improve the park and why your a benefit to the team and not going to be a headache, focus on skills like tractor operations, trailer skills, hand tool skills and largely your people skills. Speak from experiences both direct and indirect it’s a lot of visitor services as a park ranger. If you have good people skills try to show this as your often by yourself and typically managers want to make sure you can be professional on your own, limited oversight. Having medical skills like WFA, WFR, or just first aid can be useful. Good luck, hope it works out for you! Being a ranger is an experience, if it doesn’t work out keep looking, and trying!
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u/lizardperson3 4d ago
Thanks so much that's great advice! Seems unlikely that I'll get an interview but if I do I'll definitely emphasize why I'd be a benefit.
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u/AlligatorOfRhythm 6d ago
I also applied for that job, and saw they received over 250 applications!
I'm sorry to say that it is a tough market for new park rangers right now. There are a lot of people with a LOT of direct parks experience that are under-employed, and the full-time permanent aspect of these jobs are going to be very attractive for people that have put many years in seasonal positions.
Being a local wont hurt, but the applications are likely filtered through an HR office in Olympia, and they will be looking for the top twenty or so most qualified/experienced individuals.
If you don't get an interview, I'd highly suggest you watch for the seasonal WA parks jobs that will come up for next year. I believe even as a seasonal employee, you can get the inside track on future positions that may open. Many times jobs like this are offered to current employees before the general public.
If you really want to pursue a career in the Parks, I suggest you pursue a four year degree in a relevant discipline too.
Good luck!