How do I become a Ranger?

1.Conservation

•  Ongoing protection, enhancement and management of natural, recreational and cultural assets

•  Promote and maintain historic assets, such as gold mining sites and historic huts

•  Develop co-operative relationships with local indigenous groups

•  Identify weeds and pest animals and eradicate or control those that hold the most threat to native plants and animals

•  Identify and protect populations of endangered animals, such as the Mountain Pygmy Possum in the Alpine National Park

•  Organise and conduct back-burning operations prior to the fire season

•  Assisting with fire suppression (fire fighting) for fires on public land at a state-wide level

•  Work with volunteers on such projects as weed control, hut building and maintaining tracks and other infrastructure

•  Issue permits and oversee researchers operating within the park

•  Monitor and grant permits to businesses operating within parks, such as, hydroelectricity, café's and beekeeping

2. Recreation

•  Maintain and develop facilities such as picnic areas, camping areas and toilets

•  Create and maintain trails for visitor use – hikers, mountain bike riders, four-wheel drive programs and more

•  Approve licences and monitor the businesses within park boundaries, such as tour operators and ski resort operators

•  Respond to emergency situations such as ‘Search and Rescue'

•  Management and development of staff, volunteers, contractors & work experience students

•  Delivery of information, facilities, events and services to customers, schools and other stakeholders

•  Planning, implementation and management of projects, programs and contracts

•  Allocation of budgets, staff and resources to best meet business needs

On a broader level, the role of a Park Ranger involves extensive planning, researching, strategic thinking and people management to balance the conservational and recreational values of each asset and build committed teams of staff.

A diversity of other roles

In addition to Park Rangers, Parks Victoria employs people in a variety of other roles from a diverse range of professions. These include (but are not limited to) the following:

•  Natural resource managers (including rangers and field service officers)

•  Conservation & environmental specialists

•  Cultural & heritage managers

•  Engineers & statutory planners

•  Marketing, media & tourism professionals

•  Education staff

•  Human resources

•  Strategic planners

•  Information Technology & GIS staff

•  Accountants & business managers

•  Customer service & administrative officers

It may also be worthwhile investigating the role of a Park Ranger within park management agencies throughout Australia. There is a list of park management agencies on the Parks Victoria website www.parkweb.vic.gov.au

Do I require a tertiary qualification to work as a Ranger?

Parks Victoria highly recommends the completion (or progress towards completion) of an appropriate tertiary qualification in Natural Resources/Park Management or a related discipline to individuals who wish to pursue a career in environmental management.

Does Parks Victoria recommend any tertiary courses?

A number of Universities and TAFE colleges offer undergraduate and post graduate courses in Natural Resources Management, Recreation/Tourism or Environmental Sciences. These areas of study all relate directly to careers within Parks Victoria as there is a need for individuals with both generalist and specialist environmental management skills. If you wish to obtain information on these programs, contact the Office for Prospective Students at the relevant University or TAFE.

Indigenous employment

Parks Victoria offers a number of opportunities for Indigenous employment, including cadetships and traineeships. Opportunities for Indigenous staff to work for Parks Victorias as they arise are advertised in the Koorie Mail, other major newspapers and on the Parks Victoria website.

Where are job vacancies advertised?

As vacancies arise (including permanent and casual/fixed term), positions are advertised in major newspapers and on the Parks Victoria website.

Does Parks Victoria employ temporary staff?

Parks Victoria employs temporary staff to fill specialist project roles or to support key work periods. The Summer Ranger Program, for example, provides a number of opportunities for fixed term employment in ranger/field service officer roles. Recruitment for the Summer Ranger Program targets University students nearing completion of their studies.

Volunteering

Because employment with park management agencies throughout Australia is usually very competitive, volunteering is a great way to get experience in park management as well as making a valuable contribution to the parks system.

‘Friends Of' groups make a huge contribution to our parks and are a great way to get involved and develop contacts within parks. Refer to Parks Victoria's website to find a friends group near you.

The Camp Host Program, is another example, this program operates over the summer and Easter Holidays and is a great way to enjoy camping out in a park and meet other visitors to help them enjoy their visit.

Does Parks Victoria support work experience students?

Parks Victoria supports secondary and tertiary work experience students in a range of activities. If you want to undertake work experience with Parks Victoria, you will need to allow plenty of time so that park staff can organise a program for you. When planning work experience you need to carefully consider which park will give you the best opportunities for the type of experience you wish to develop, as well as a park which is in close proximity to your home. Contact your chosen park directly to discuss work experience opportunities.