Park Ranger/Aides (job openings, to buy, campsites)

[cfnpgn]

Hello!
I am a current environmental studies student at a 4 year uni, I have been considering pursuing a career as a Park ranger/in the parks department after I graduate. This summer I am considering applying to be a Park Aide but, I have little experience with outdoor maintenance, and I am not in great shape (never did any sports, I would say I am average in strength/endurance for other girls my age). I am worried if I apply, and get the position I won't be able to keep up physically even pushing myself because, the majority of other people who apply/have been aides before are athletic and in very good shape. I love the outdoors, and want to work in conservation but I am not a frequent hiker/biker/mountain climber and the idea of jumping in with more experienced individuals intimidates me. Any suggestions on what to do? Experiences from Park rangers/aides? Comments on other possible positions? ANYTHING helps!

[tobester]

How 'bout start cycling and hiking - it doesn't require a lot of skill and you'll be surprised how fast you get in good shape. Go slow at first so you don't get discouraged.

[Seacove]

Originally Posted by cfnpgn

Hello!
I am a current environmental studies student at a 4 year uni, I have been considering pursuing a career as a Park ranger/in the parks department after I graduate. This summer I am considering applying to be a Park Aide but, I have little experience with outdoor maintenance, and I am not in great shape (never did any sports, I would say I am average in strength/endurance for other girls my age). I am worried if I apply, and get the position I won't be able to keep up physically even pushing myself because, the majority of other people who apply/have been aides before are athletic and in very good shape. I love the outdoors, and want to work in conservation but I am not a frequent hiker/biker/mountain climber and the idea of jumping in with more experienced individuals intimidates me. Any suggestions on what to do? Experiences from Park rangers/aides? Comments on other possible positions? ANYTHING helps!

What do you do in the outdoors, i.e. how do you know you like it?

[cfnpgn]

Originally Posted by Seacove

What do you do in the outdoors, i.e. how do you know you like it?

I really enjoy leisure hikes focused on discovery/observation or general field work like taking water samples, so mostly academic based. I don't like skiing or rock climbing so I would say I am more of a bird watcher vs an outdoorsy type.

[cfnpgn]

Originally Posted by tobester

How 'bout start cycling and hiking - it doesn't require a lot of skill and you'll be surprised how fast you get in good shape. Go slow at first so you don't get discouraged.

I plan on going on some beginner hikes bi-weekly with a friend starting next month, I will definitely look into cycling tho!

[MarciaMarshaMarcia]

I worked as a park aide when I had to escape my career for awhile, and I was already middle-aged & needed a complete change.

There was some manual labor involved...I cleaned bathrooms, cleaned campsites, emptied trash/recycling, emptied the iron ranger (I had to wrestle with that thing, but I mastered it), hauled firewood bundles for campers to buy. I also helped a little with trail maintenance, and had to do minor repairs, like fix toilets, window screens, the ancient computer printer. But, the physical stuff made me stronger.

There were also administative tasks like keeping the reservation system up to date for our area, collecting fees, answering the phone, assigning campsites & balancing the receipts at shift end. I also answered the public's questions regarding trails, thing to see & do, which was fun, as I was very familiar with the area.

I didn't make much more than minimum wage & the job was seasonal; but I enjoyed it...met a lot of great people. I also became well-acquainted with the agency & had inside information regarding future job openings, agency plans, etc. And for me, the job was just transitional.

I think it would be an excellent opportunity for you to kickstart a career in forestry, get experience & make some connections. You should definitely look into it.

[cfnpgn]

Thank you for your insight, I'm very interested in forestry and State Parks especially as sources of information, and conservation efforts. I submitted my application despite being worried so wish me luck!