How do I become a Ranger?

• Conservation & environmental specialists

• Cultural & heritage managers

• Engineers & statutory planners

• Accountants & business managers

• Marketing, media & tourism professionals

• Human resources & strategic planners

• Information technology specialists

• Customer service & administrative officers

What sorts of skills do Rangers utilise?

• Natural/cultural resource management skills

• Technical environmental management skills

• Risk management skills

• Cultural management skills

• Stakeholder and customer service management skills

• Strategic thinking skills

• Business management, human resource skills

What do Rangers do?

Rangers have diverse roles which entail challenges and responsibilities at operational and strategic levels. On a daily basis, rangers focus on:

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

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

• Management of stakeholders and issues

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

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

• Management of business operations

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

• Responding appropriately to a range of emergency situations, including bush fires.

On a broader level, the role 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.

It may also be worthwhile investigating the role of a Ranger within other parks management agencies. In Victoria you can contact organisations such as local councils, the Phillip Island Nature Park and within Australia, contact other park and wildlife management agencies in each state or territory

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.

Parks Victoria has had direct involvement in the development of an undergraduate degree in Applied Science/Park Management at Deakin University. It is a three year course incorporating a practical placement which also provides students with the option of undertaking specialist or generalist streams. Contact the Office for Prospective Students at Deakin University for further information.

Training and development within Parks Victoria

Parks Victoria values staff development and is committed to investing resources into training staff in order to enhance their skills and competence in both current and future roles within the organisation. Parks Victoria also strongly supports employees who wish to undertake secondment or exchange programs to other Victorian, Australian or International Agencies.

Does Parks Victoria offer Indigenous programs?

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 Parks Victoria’s Website.

Where are job vacancies advertised?

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

Does Parks Victoria employ temporary staff?

Parks Victoria employs temporary staff to fill specialist project roles or to support key work periods. The Seasonal Ranger Program, for example, provides a number of opportunities for fixed term employment in ranger/field service officer roles. Staff are required to fill the busy summer or winter periods, particularly in high visitation parks.

Does Parks Victoria offer voluntary work?

Volunteering is a great way to get experience in park management and to make a valuable contribution to the parks system. The statewide Camp Host Program, for example, operates over the Summer and Easter Holidays. Volunteers are encouraged to participate in interpretation, information and other park activities.

Similarly, the Dandenong Ranges Volunteer Program provides valuable experience in working in the great gardens of the Dandenongs. Friends groups also make a huge contribution to our parks and are a great way to get involved and develop contact within parks. Refer to Parks Victoria’s Website to discover a friends group near you.

Does Parks Victoria support work experience students?

Parks Victoria supports secondary and tertiary work experience students in a range of activities. If you are wanting 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.