How to Become a Park Ranger in New Jersey

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There are two routes open to becoming a park ranger in New Jersey, due to the presence of two separate park systems: the state park system and the national park service (NPS). The New Jersey State Park equivalent of the Park Ranger is the Conservation Officer. Although the two job paths overlap in general terms, each is special in its own way and deserves separate consideration.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

National Park Service Ranger

Things You’ll Need:

NJ: B.A. degree in environmental science, fisheries biology, fisheries management, natural resources management, wildlife biology, wildlife management, or a related field. 1 year minimum of work experience in law or environmental enforcement NPS: A B.A. degree in a parks-relevant field, or some law enforcement experience combined with an A.A. (Associate Arts) degree in a parks-relevant field. Past experience that includes relevant field work Emergency first responder certification (optional)
NJ: B.A. degree in environmental science, fisheries biology, fisheries management, natural resources management, wildlife biology, wildlife management, or a related field.
1 year minimum of work experience in law or environmental enforcement
NPS: A B.A. degree in a parks-relevant field, or some law enforcement experience combined with an A.A. (Associate Arts) degree in a parks-relevant field.
Past experience that includes relevant field work
Emergency first responder certification (optional)

Step 1

Get a B.A. in the appropriate field. These include sciences like botany, conservation, forestry or wildlife management; business studies such as business, park and recreation management or public administration; and law enforcement degrees such as criminal justice. Promotion to a management slot will probably require an M.A. as well. Those looking to make the jump from being a law enforcement official to a park ranger can do so by tacking on an A.A. degree in a parks-related field to their police experience.

Step 2

Take any opportunity to work with a national park in N.J., including volunteer openings. This will create documented experience and establish connections. You will want to stick with national parks, if possible, as a state park will not furnish useful connections within NPS.

Step 3

Become certified as an emergency first responder. Some NPS part-time jobs require this, and getting one of those is a big help as detailed in Step 2. It is also a help in getting a full-time ranger position.

Step 4

Keep an eye out for job openings, and be ready to apply quickly when one becomes available. Inform your connections at NPS, if any, that you have applied.

New Jersey Conservation Officer

Step 1

Get a B.A. degree that includes a least 24 credit hours in environmental science, fisheries biology, fisheries management, natural resources management, wildlife biology or wildlife management. Another parks-related science degree is acceptable, but only with an express exemption granted by the N.J. Civil Service Commission.

Step 2

Begin the first step to accumulating the necessary job experience by volunteering through the N.J. Wildlife Conservation Corps. Use this to get experience for Step 3, and to make connections.

Step 3

Find and get hired at a job in law or environmental enforcement, and accumulate at least a year's experience at it. Cumulative experience at part-time or seasonal jobs are accepted. A good source of employment within the N.J. parks system itself is the seasonal work at a N.J. fishery, or the Governor's Summer Employment Program. This is also useful in cultivating more connections.

Step 4

Keep an eye out for job openings, and be ready to apply quickly when one becomes available. Inform your connections at NPS, if any, that you have applied.

Article Written By Edwin Thomas

Edwin Thomas has been writing since 1997. His work has appeared in various online publications, including The Black Table, Proboxing-Fans and others. A travel blogger, editor and writer, Thomas has traveled from Argentina to Vietnam in pursuit of stories. He holds a Master of Arts in international affairs from American University.

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