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Operated through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Division, park rangers have the flexibility of full-time, part-time, and seasonal opportunities.
Due to a large number of national and state parks, and historical locations, Michigan has numerous available park ranger positions.
Michigan is a park ranger’s dream, with 79 state parks across the lower and upper peninsulas with varying diversity.
If you’re thinking about becoming a park ranger in one of Michigan’s many beautiful parks, keep reading to learn more about the requirements, duties, and popular parks!
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Article Table of Contents
- 1 Popular Programs
- 2 Requirements to Become a Park Ranger in Michigan
- 3 Park Ranger Duties in Michigan
- 4 State Parks in Michigan
- 5 Salary
- 6 Frequently Asked Questions
- 6.1 Is any education required to become a Michigan park ranger?
- 6.2 What is the difference between a park and a forest ranger?
- 6.3 Which degree is the best to become a park ranger?
- 6.4 What are some of the skills needed to be a successful Michigan park ranger?
- 6.5 What is some of the on-the-job training that Michigan rangers undergo after being hired?
Popular Programs
Requirements to Become a Park Ranger in Michigan
Like in all states, there are federal and state requirements that must be met, including:
Federal Requirements
The U.S. government requires that all park rangers meet the following criteria:
- Be able to earn an NPS Law Enforcement Commission Type II certification
- Be at least 21 years old
- Complete a physical fitness assessment
- Pass a background check
- Pass a health and drug screening
State Requirements
The State of Michigan requires:
- Hold a Michigan driver’s license
- Permanent U.S. citizenship
- The ability to earn a CDL permit within six months following the employment start date
Park Ranger Duties in Michigan
Michigan park ranger duties can be categorized into three areas:
Educational Duties
From an educational standpoint, Michigan rangers must:
- Create park lectures for community groups and schools
- Develop and implement conservation programs
- Lead nature tours
- Monitor water and air quality
- Prepare informational materials and exhibits
- Provide group and private park tours
- Study wildlife
- Understand and communicate the park’s history, rules, regulations, and statistics to visitors
General
General responsibilities include:
- Community activities and programs
- General park operations
- Interpretation
- Resource management and protection
- Public safety
Law Enforcement
Sometimes park rangers must use law enforcement training, which includes:
- Assisting with wildlife suppression
- Conduct traffic control
- Issue citations and enforce park regulations
- Patrol parks via horseback, foot, boat, and vehicle
- Perform investigations
- Perform rescue missions for injured hikers or stranded climbers.
- Providing emergency medical services
State Parks in Michigan
Michigan has so many parks because of the surrounding Great Lakes.
Some of the top parks include:
Mackinac Island State Historic Park
As the first state park, which was established in 1895, Mackinac Island State Historic Park has been a popular destination.
No cars are allowed on the island, so visitors must ride bicycles or take horse carriages to various places.
Half the island falls under the state park, including historic downtown Mackinac.
Other popular destinations within the park include Arch Rock, Sugar Loaf Rock, Skull Cave, and countless trails.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore provides visitors with contrasts of green, yellow, red, and red, with a diversity of colors from the beaches, forested trails, dunes, waterfalls, and sandstone cliffs across the diverse landscape.
The park also boasts over 100 miles of hiking trails, which reward visitors with monumental views.
Also, those visiting the park can enjoy a kayaking experience or ferry ride along the undeveloped shoreline.
The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Few places exist in the eastern U.S. where hikers can head to the top of a mountain and not see any human development.
One of those places is the Porcupine Mountains, which deliver sweeping views of untouched forests and rolling hills.
With such extensive natural beauty, there are also endless trails across the park.
At over 60,000 acres, this is the largest park in Michigan.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
One of Michigan’s most popular destinations, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, runs along Lake Michigan and includes North and South Manitou Island.
Visitors can carefully climb down 200-foto dunes to unmatched views of eh lake.
The park also features backcountry areas, picnic spots, and camping sites.
Warren Dunes State Park
Although this is one of the smallest parks on this list, it makes up for it with over 1,900 acres of forests, dunes, and beaches, so visitors are rarely bored.
At only a two-hour ride from Chicago and Indiana, it’s the ideal location for vacationers.
Visitors can climb the sandy dunes to earn stunning views of Lake Michigan.
Salary
The U.S. national park ranger salary range is $33,900 to $49,700.
In Michigan, the pay ranges from $32,900 to $48,200.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Detroit | $41,768 |
| Ann Arbor | $42,376 |
| Grand Rapids | $39,826 |
| Warren | $41,768 |
| Flint | $38,279 |
| Sterling Heights | $41,637 |
| Livonia | $41,637 |
| Lansing | $39,752 |
| Dearborn | $41,768 |
| Westland | $41,908 |
Regional Salary in Michigan
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor, MI | 70 | $76,510 | $36.78 | $116,960 | $48,310 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | 130 | $63,500 | $30.53 | $91,250 | $37,360 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI | 40 | $65,780 | $31.63 | $91,100 | $45,650 |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI | 130 | $72,600 | $34.91 | $102,130 | $39,190 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is any education required to become a Michigan park ranger?
While the state doesn’t require any advanced education for entry-level park ranger positions, it is always recommended to differentiate from the competition.
Also, those with an educational background in a park ranger-related field have a better chance of advancing faster within their career compared to those without training.
What is the difference between a park and a forest ranger?
While the duties are similar, forest rangers are more focused on forest areas, whereas park rangers can work in parks with various natural terrain, including forests.
Which degree is the best to become a park ranger?
While many park ranger-related degrees exist, some of the most relevant include specialization in park administration, law enforcement, social sciences, and natural sciences.
What are some of the skills needed to be a successful Michigan park ranger?
The most important skills include excellent customer service, the ability to work as a team, excellent verbal skills, flexibility and openness to change, legal knowledge regarding regulations, geographical knowledge, and knowledge of biology.
What is some of the on-the-job training that Michigan rangers undergo after being hired?
Topics like public interactions, grounds and building maintenance, financing and budgeting, and equipment operation are some of the on-the-job skills that rangers will pick up after being hired.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Wildlife Conservationist
Park Ranger by State