National Park Service

Education

Park rangers must get a NPS Type II Law Enforcement Commission. Potential law enforcement rangers are evaluated in: criminal law; use of force and self-defense; oral communication; interpersonal skills, and writing.

Minimum qualifications to become a park ranger serving in a security/protective capacity include:

• U.S. citizenship, 21 years of age
• Attend and successfully complete a Seasonal Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy
• A state issued driver’s license
• A pre-employment medical exam and drug test
• A Physical Efficiency Battery (PEB)

College coursework plus an EMT or First Responder certificate gives you a competitive edge on obtaining a job as well.

You would be a great federal law enforcement officer if you:

• enjoy helping people
• enjoy working outside in some of America’s most beautiful areas
• can handle unpredictable or stressful events by quick problem-solving
• are very aware and perceptive of details and clues in your environment
• are willing to learn wildland firefighting, search and rescue, and emergency medical skills

What You Do

Federal law enforcement officers protect park visitors from natural hazards, other people, and animals. They also enforce laws that protect plants, animals, rocks, and resources from visitors that break laws. For example, they might catch a person cutting down a tree in a park and give them a ticket. Law enforcement rangers also perform emergency medical operations and search and rescue for injured or missing people.