So I am in the process of finishing my AA and going to apply next year for the academy. I will be going to butte college and am wondering what the academy is going to be like. I do not have any prior military or law enforcement experience but I know some people going in don’t have experience either. Is there any tips or suggestions of what I should be doing such as getting familiar with firearms, taking up martial arts, or anything in that nature that this sub thinks might help me through the academy? Thanks guys

I just started with the VA state parks and will need to get some pants and boots. Anyone have recommendations for a good pair of each? Thanks!

I have a strong interest in becoming involved in Law Enforcement through the NPS or other similar agencies. I'm trying to develop a roadmap for myself, and here is what I have come up with:

• You need sponsored by an agency before you can attend FLETC
• PRLEA is great for a resumee, but you will still attend FLETC afterwards
• LE training is mainly geared towards law enforcement roles (obviously)
• There are other agencies with similar roles that are less competitive which would be good for gaining LE and patrolling experience

As of right now, I am still trying to do more research and apply to more positions on usajobs. The most I have going for me is I do have about 6 years experience working in a tour guide setting in a National Park, I have CPR / AED / First Aid certification, and am already an employee at a federal agency (USPS). On the downside I did not go to college. I have a high school diploma and a lousy trade school cert for computer engineering.

I realize that some or most of the information in this post is inaccurate, and I am seeking a little guidance or advice as far as first steps or what I still need to do. Working in the outdoors as a career is a dream for me and I am more than willing to make sacrifices for it. I have close friends in law enforcement in the federal level and they tell me I would love it, but if there are other routes outside of law enforcement I am completely open to those as well.

TL;DR I have plenty experience but little education, how do I get in?

I may be the only one here in this predicament but I live with my husband in park housing, way out in the middle of nowhere. We’re planning on staying at least five years. It’s a dream for me- I’m a homebody, love the woods, and I love how I use my spare time (gardening, exploring, photography, foraging, hiking, indoor hobbies, etc), but I’m currently not working and want to feel more productive and want to have a better answer for people when they ask what I do all day lol. I want to volunteer because the park could always use extra hands, and I think it would be useful for me to learn more bushcraft skills to teach to children who visit our ELC. What are my fellow park ranger wives who live in housing doing with their time?

Was supposed to start a seasonal job in 3 weeks but just got a call to work another one in the Tetons which seems way more bad ass. Would I be black listing myself if I tell the original job I got something better with that short of notice? Thank you

Hi there, I have a few questions specific to the Big Meadows housing. What's the overall condition of the places? Age, upkeep, furniture? How about internet? Is there anything you would really recommend someone to bring for moving in for a while?

Thank y'all for any and all help.

I'm sorry, I have to rant for a second. I need to get this off my chest lol and yes, this is a T.A account.

Me messaging a certain person in charge of a certain department, what their job code for purchasing is, since once my GPC comes in, I'll be purchasing supplies for them since I do repair work for their department. Time goes by, no response. So, I send it AGAIN. Heyyyyyy Can I get the job code so I can get to purchasing when my card comes in?? Time goes by and no response.

I messaged them a while back saying, "hey, we need more drainpipes because there are some that are rusting and wearing out and leaking, can you go into town and purchase them, or let me know what the JOB CODE is so I can create an AD700 and get them? No response. I wait a little while, send another email "Hey, by chance do you have any update for the drainpipes or the AD700?" NO RESPONSE.

So, I say fuck it. I enjoy fixing things; I enjoy helping other departments out when needed because most people here don't really go around fixing shit or helping other departments out in this way. But if I try contacting you twice with no avail, then that's it. Shit can deteriorate and not get fixed because we don't have the parts for them. I take time out of my day and my site to order supplies, contact suppliers and distributors to get quotes and ensure the parts we get are correct for other departments and the least you can do is take 20 minutes out of your 8 hours and at least give me a "Let me get back to you on this" or "Here's the JC" or "I have to get _____ first". What's disrespectful is ignoring the emails someone is sending you.

If you're busy too, which I absolutely have no doubt they are, guess how much more work it would be if I said, "lol, no you're going to create the AD700's, you're going to call these manufacturers, distributors, local contacts and order the supplies and then pick them up yourself, you're going to go to your utilities and your part that you need and ensure the part is correct and the proper sizing, and only then, when it comes in, will I take part in it and fix the issue". Imagine that and believe me, it won't get fixed because that'll add hours of extra work which is so much more than a 5–10-minute email response. If I'm doing that for you, you at least should respond and give me a little bit of your time.

Then get this. They send an email out pretty much asking if I have had my gov't purchase card yet and "getting approval in the spreadsheet for facilities with a jobcode needs to be done before ordering.
Could someone discuss with me?". You mean the multiple emails I've been sending trying to get a fricken job code from you with no response? And now you're asking if someone can discuss this with you?? You know the funny thing is? I responded to their message and guess what? No response! haha

Listen, it's really NOT my job to repair issues in your department. My area of work is actually somewhere else, but since no one else is willing to take on the responsibility of fixing anything there, I've stepped up for years fixing utilities and windows and motors and all that stuff. The LEAST you can do is at least respond to the emails since you're literally at your desk the entire day doing administrative work. I know you see the emails and teams messages I send you.

And yes, of course I'm always respectful and professional in my emails. I am never demeaning and condensending. Right now I'm just frustrated and a little hot headed which is why I needed to vent and hopefully this doesn't get removed because of it.

Does getting certifications (for lack of a better word) for things other than just patrol (red card, EMS, SETT, SAR, K-9, etc.) as an NPS LEO give you more pay since you’re doing theoretically more work? Or do people just get those certifications because they’re passionate about it. Just curious.

Edit: this includes becoming cross-trained as a firefighter/EMT etc.

I’m currently an auto tech but I’ve seen my local park rangers are hiring. I’ve been thinking of a career change for a while and think I’d like this job. I have former experience working for a city as a seasonal employee and volunteering for events at a local fire station. Do you actually enjoy the job or is it just a paycheck?

So to start, I’m a ranger at a state park in southeast United States. I won’t say which one on here because I fear retaliation from the higher ups. The rangers in this states are paid just enough to get by, have to do everything they can just to have form of savings. Some rangers have houses on the park grounds, but depending on where you live, you may consider in poverty line whether you have housing or not. But to get to meat of my question, I want to unionize the park system in my state, but I don’t know where to start. Does anyone on this subreddit know or have experience with unionizing there park system? Anything advice will be appreciated.

Hello Park Rangers!

So I had an interview with a PA state park for the resource ranger position. I was pretty stoked to get the interview, it was last Friday the 12th.

I thought the interview went great. They said they would be making a decision the following Monday and that everyone interviewed would get notified whether they got the job or not. There was one person in there before me and one person after me.

So here we are a week out, I haven’t heard anything but I also haven’t gotten a rejection email.

Any park managers on here who could confirm if I’m rejected? I figured I would know by now if they chose me, but holding onto a little shred of hope since I also haven’t gotten the let down email.

Give it to me straight. 🙃😬

I had an interview on Tuesday for a temporary BLM position that seemed 100% ready to start the hiring process, but I'd have to move to accept it. BLM wants to make their decision and start hiring today (Friday) or early next week.

I had an interview Thursday for a permanent NPS position that I would supremely prefer because it's permanent and I wouldn't have to move to accept it, but the interviewer didn't give me a vibe that they were 100% ready to start hiring me. NPS said they would make their decision at the end of next week.

BLM wanted a definite yes or no from me by today (Friday), but I don't feel like I can give them one: if I say no, and I don't get the NPS job, I'm screwed; if I say yes, and I do get the NPS job, I'd have to rescind my acceptance at BLM, and I don't want to do that because it feels rude and might hurt my chances at getting another job in the future. Is it okay to have to back out?

Is it better to just say, "Sorry, I can't give you a definite answer right now but I would be able to by this time next week" ? Should I just say no?

These are the only interviews I've gotten after 50ish applications.

I've applied to nearly every GS-5, GS-7, and GS-9 permanent position that comes out and is open to the public, but it seems like only ACE is interested in interviewing me. Just curious if it's due to higher competition or if anyone could offer some insights.

Some background: -I am currently working as a park manager for my state DNR. I've been in this role for ~6mo. -I worked as a park assistant manager for 1.5 years. -I previously worked as a GS-5 seasonal interp ranger for the BLM in Montana. (2022 summer) -I have a masters in Natural Resource Management from UGA.

I want to return back to the federal level and serve my career there. I had originally planned to take a career seasonal position with ACE after my season with BLM but was unable to find housing in the area I was offered in, and was ultimately forced to decline because of that. Any tips or advice for someone looking to break back into Federal?

What is the course of fire for the LE park ranger pistol qual?

I was just offered a permanent position in fee remittance at Arches NP so I've been trying to find out as much stuff as possible before I officially accept. Is it true that the provided housing is nearly an hour drive from the park? I'm completely new to all things NPS

Any Park Rangers from England here? I have a few questions…

I'm struggling to get a perm position in the NPS and unfortunately I had to accept a full time position somewhere else instead of completing a 3rd season. I apply to almost every NPS Park Guide position I can (especially because I have schedule A), but it's taking FOREVER to hear back.

Anyway, I was wondering whether I would have better luck being in a related field in the private sector or taking an unrelated job in the federal government? Thank you

Howdy! I just accepted a job offer as an interp ranger at a national park. I am really worried about my selective service registration (I’m FTM, in the process of changing my birth certificate to male officially). I know AFAB don’t have to register, but since my birth certificate says male I’m worried it’ll be flagged. I’m nervous about losing the offer over it, since I’m not registered and they might not wait for me to get my SIL exemption (I’m working on getting my SIL now). Should I mention it to HR before my background check? I would hate to have to out myself. Is HR merciful when it comes to situations like this?

As the title states- I have secured a temporary position with EOD of 05/05/2024. I was wondering if it’s a bad look to include this position (which has not started yet) on my federal resume as I continue to apply for further positions. One position in particular is a 1-4 year term contract of the same position I’m going to work for next month. Thank you :)

I was wondering if anyone had any advice or any information relating to internships involved with Park Law enforcement and how internships work with USFS, NPS and BLM. Any information is valued.

This is probably going to sound silly. I'm shy about asking those I work for/with. Some are pretty dismissive of us volunteers, while others treat us as coworkers. Life kind of got in the way of me ever becoming a Ranger, but I decided to do what I can and volunteer. I'm a single dad and not able to devote as much time as I'd like, nor enough to get a solid position where I am, but I'm committed. My grandfather was park superintendent back in the 60's, so I take a lot of pride in working with the NPS, no matter how small of a roll. So what do you all think of us volunteers?

Hello! I know that the requirements for peace officer requires 20/20 correct AND 2/40 not corrected, but is this the same for other positions as a park ranger? I’m majoring in anthropology and my goal always has been to be a park ranger. Now I’m almost done with my degree I see the qualifications and I’m broken hearted. I have bad eyesight! I go Wednesday to find if I’m a candidate for lasik but I have a history of diabetes and my family has a history of glaucoma. Praying that I’m a candidate coz this has been a dream of mine since I was a kid! I’m in my 30s now, I went to school late but only because I finally started to believe in myself. I’m hoping if I can’t be a ranger officer I can still do something in the realm of national park ranger jobs.

Thanks for all the hard work, sacrifice, and effort. From the volunteers to the park rangers and everyone in between. I love you beautiful bastards. Each one of you who does their job and does it well is a hero in my book.

So I wanted to discuss this and get your opinion on it and i know this is long and drawn out. But him leaving is very new and unexpected and very very quick and so my mind is racing trying to piece everything together.

Everywhere I've worked, I've found my supervisors to be older, maybe 40s+. I'm in my mid 30s in a position I just started my current job where the only maintenance position above me is the maintenance supervisor.

It might be hard to grasp what I'm saying, but I've worked here for some time and have led and managed this site for around 6 years now. During my time here I've either had no supervisor or a supervisor that has been completely hands off and literally asked me run the site.

Other than my first supervisor who was here about a year or less before he retired, the other supervisors have been terrible. They are overdramatic, they suck at communicating, they play favorites, they never responded to texts or emails or were on top of shit, and tbh, were just plain disrespectful. They don't understand how to run this site.

I do, and I'm not trying to toot my horn. For years I ran the site with no supervisor and let me tell you, it was great. Things ran smooth. We had the supplies we needed. Other than having just a couple bad temp coworkers, it was drama free. Shit got done. I ran the site, led the maintenance team, worked with other departments and did all the maintenance in government housing at the same time and we were often times severely understaffed for one of the highest visitation sites in our agency.

So, I just found out my supervisor is resigning because he just didn't like the job and all the admin duties. I'm going to apply for it and hoping i can get detailed into it until the job comes out. Our site has a revolving door with supervisors. This one was here maybe 1.5-2 years. Before that, 1 year. I know the site and I plan to be here until I retire which is many years down the road.

Idk how it is in other parks or districts but I know it's not uncommon for them to not care about maintenance experience and only care about how you manage people as the supervisor is almost never in the field.

Have you ever seen a maintenance or rec supervisor who is on the younger side?

Would you rather work in a Park you really like but have to share a bedroom? Or a Park that isn't high on your list but you get your own room?

Hello! I am hopefully working at Katmai this summer at Brooks Camp, and I was wondering about the different experiences people have had while there. What should I prepare for beforehand? How did you communicate with your family/friends, if all? What do you suggest to pack/what are your essentials/what did you wish you brought with you? Did you have a hard time making friends? What did you cook, since there's not much fresh food?

This will be my first NPS job ever, I'm incredibly excited and a little nervous since it's so far from home with so little communication.