When you think of park rangers, I bet you think of the classic green and tan uniform of a National Park Ranger, Stetson hat and all, or maybe the all-green uniform of a New York State Forest Ranger. But did you know there are also New York State Park Rangers? Here in New York State, there are over 200 state park and historic site facilities, and many of them have park rangers to help guests feel welcome.

When working as a park ranger, every day is different. Some days I might spend my whole shift patrolling my assigned park and answering questions. Other days, I may need to respond to multiple emergencies. I have also had days where I spend my entire shift managing traffic. We have a multi-faceted job, and I’m proud to be a New York State Park Ranger every day.

The beginning of my day as a park ranger always starts at home. Am I mentally and physically prepared for the day? Did I pack my lunch and make sure my uniform is clean? A hot, busy summer day at the park can take its toll, so it’s important to be prepared for what may come. I work at Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest state park in the country with the largest waterfall in the continental United States. People from around the world come to visit every day, and park rangers need to be visible and readily available to provide assistance.

When I arrive at the park, I put my personal belongings into my locker and take out the equipment I carry with me every day. A New York State Park Ranger uniform includes olive green pants, a grey polo shirt, a black belt, black shoes, and a black hat. I put my name tag on, and grab my black pens, CPR mask, keys, notepad, ID badge, and tourniquet. Depending on the day, I might also grab my windbreaker or raincoat.

Park rangers work outside in all weather conditions, whether that be rain, sun, or snow, and must be dressed appropriately for the weather. Rangers need to be informed on what is going on in the park, so I check daily activity schedules and look for filming permits, race permits, large events, tours or escorts, or anything else I may be called to assist with during the day. I read the work schedule to see what other rangers are working, and who the supervisor is for the day. While some of my fundamental preparations start at home, I use the first few minutes of my day to prepare the bag I carry on my shift. Inside are first aid supplies like bandages and gauze, park maps, trail maps, and stickers for kids. I also carry a water bottle and make sure it is full before I head outside.

Communication is one of the most important aspects of our jobs, so I make sure to have my radio and cell phone with me to communicate with other rangers and park employees. I check my phone to see where the other park rangers are and if anyone needs any help. If no one does, I notify the group where I’m headed and go outside to start my patrol.

Trained to assist in emergencies, park rangers are certified in First Aid, CPR, and administering an AED, and we are often the first on scene for medical emergencies within the park. Other emergencies we may respond to include missing persons, missing property, traffic-related issues or other safety issues or hazards. We are in constant contact with the New York State Park Police and are ready to respond to any calls for assistance throughout the day. Park rangers navigate the parks in vehicles, in UTVs and on bikes, but we spend most of our time walking through the park so we can interact with our visitors.

New York State Park Rangers are also licensed security guards. As such, it is critical that we stay vigilant and are aware of any activity that is out of the ordinary. We close and open buildings and help manage traffic. During the summer months, I can often be found in a HI-VIS yellow vest, managing the traffic onto Goat Island or in one of our parking lots. Directing cars, trucks, tour vans, campers, and bikes throughout the park can be a difficult job, but I stay in communication with fellow rangers and parking attendants to best assist with traffic flow and get as many guests into the park as we can.

If you’re interested in becoming a park ranger, subtle perks of this job — like walking — are probably worth mentioning. For instance, if you enjoy walking, I log between 5 to 10 miles walking around the 260-acre park each day! I always like to start my day walking, as it really helps me to enjoy the park before I must respond to calls.

As a park ranger, being passionate about the park you work in is also key. I’ve found it helpful to have a passion I can share with our guests. For me, it’s birds! Niagara Falls State Park is a part of the Niagara River Corridor and is not only an Important Bird Area, but an International Bird Area recognized by both Canada and the United States, as the Niagara River separates the two nations here. Many birders come to this park to seek out endangered, rare, and migrating birds. Understanding and being aware of what birds are in the park helps future visitors’ experience, whether they’re birders or not. While I patrol the park, I listen and look out for birds and other wildlife. I seek out patrons at map stands or patrons who look like they may have questions. I point out birds, talk about history and the environment, and give information and directions.

Some areas of the park require extra attention. As a park ranger, it is part of my job to ensure that our guests are being safe so they can best enjoy the park. I make sure patrons are not crossing over railings, trying to walk on slippery rocks, or entering restricted areas. On hot summer days, it is normal for our guests to get frustrated or angry. As park rangers, we are there to educate guests about the park rules and de-escalate situations when needed. We work hard to ensure our visitors feel welcome and understood.

At the end of my day, I store my equipment back in my locker, finish any reports I didn’t get a chance to do earlier, and touch base with my fellow rangers about the day. We like to discuss what went well and where we have room for improvement. It’s also vital that we are communicating about anything unusual that happened. Being a park ranger can be stressful at times, so it’s important to have strong relationships with the coworkers who understand your job and are there for you to talk to when needed.

Parks are a valuable resource for our visitors, and getting to play a role in ensuring our facilities are safe and enjoyable for everyone is an honor! I would encourage anyone interested in being a New York State Park Ranger to apply today.

— Written by Liz Rolon, New York State Park Ranger