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There’s more than one type of Park Ranger that you can be in Virginia.
Learn your options before you decide to become one to make sure the path you’re on is right for you.
Article Table of Contents
Requirements to Become a Park Ranger in Virginia
Park Rangers in Virginia typically need some kind of formal training.
The state does offer a training program to help you gain hands-on experience working in a park.
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You can find more information about it on the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) website.
The basic requirements for becoming a Park Ranger include being at least 21 years old.
You also must undergo a background investigation and agree to substance abuse testing before you get hired.
It’s also vital that you complete the Conservator of the Peace training within your first year and complete law enforcement academy training.
In addition, you’re going to have to take CPR, and you’ll need EMT training.
Rescue training is also required when you reach Park Ranger II status.
Park Ranger Duties in Virginia
The duties you perform depend on the type of Park Ranger you are.
Essential duties usually involve overseeing of facilities and promoting safety while using the park.
If you work as a Park Ranger, one of your other primary responsibilities may be to respond to fires and clean up fire damage.
You may also help design programs to further conversation causes.
What’s more, you could have an impact on prevention of forest fires and plant diseases.
In addition, any training you receive will teach you about the impact that humans have on natural areas.
You can also do something about it.
State Parks in Virginia
Douthat State Park
Douthat made the National Register of Historic Places list, and it’s been operating since 1939.
It has a 50-acre trout lake and a 43-mile hiking trail.
It also has cabins, a picnic area, and other lodges.
It’s a place for fishing enthusiasts.
Hungry Mother State Park
Hungry Mother is referred to as one of the original six Virginia State Parks, according to the VA DRC.
It has a 108-acre lake and plenty of room for boating.
There’s also lodging, hiking and biking trails, and a fishing pier.
It features woodlands and mountains too.
It’s in Marion, VA, which is the southwestern part of the state.
Its lake was formed by a dam that a conservation crew built.
Natural Tunnel State Park
The Natural Tunnel State Park is an enormous cave that now serves as a train tunnel.
You can experience stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains here, near Duffield, VA.
The cave tunnel is 850 feet long.
Westmoreland State Park
This part lines the Potomac River.
It measures at about 1,321 acres and is about a mile and a half long.
It features the Horsehead Cliff, which is a prime lookout point over the river.
It also has fossils, and it includes beach access.
Twin Lakes State Park
Twin Lakes State Park is in the center of the state.
It features secluded lakefront cabin access, and it’s located in Green Bay, VA.
It includes 500 acres of land and Goodwin and Prince Edward lakes.
Pocahontas State Park
Pocahontas State Park is near Richmond, VA.
The Civilian Conservation Corps designed it, and contains 7,919.
It’s Virginia’s largest state park.
It has about 90 miles of trails, campsites, and picnic areas.
It also has additional amenities, such as an activity pool and water slides.
It also has nature and history programs.
In addition, there’s an Aquatic Center on the side that has a fountain, wet deck, and a toddler pool.
Salary
On September 26, 2022, a report indicated that a Park Ranger in Virginia could make a yearly income of $37,655 to $55,429.
If you keep continuing your education and gaining additional experience, you could raise your income to more than $64,730.
The average salary is $45,213.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | $39,259 |
| Norfolk | $38,668 |
| Chesapeake | $38,618 |
| Richmond | $40,976 |
| Newport News | $38,471 |
| Hampton | $38,471 |
| Alexandria | $45,715 |
| Portsmouth | $38,668 |
| Roanoke | $37,966 |
| Lynchburg | $37,825 |
Regional Salary in Virginia
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond, VA | 40 | $69,490 | $33.41 | $99,230 | $48,650 |
| Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC | 50 | $74,640 | $35.88 | $95,930 | $49,390 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Park Rangers the same as the police?
Park Rangers enforce laws, but they usually concentrate on the state park areas or other natural sites where they’re hired.
They may call in local law enforcement to help with serious issues, and they will call for additional EMT help when needed.
What kinds of Park Rangers are there in Virginia?
Some Park Rangers act more like activity assistants in a park and recreation department.
Others enroll in more extensive training and act almost like police officers.
An in-between role would be a Park Ranger that’s hired for security detail.
Other types of Park Rangers, however, promote conservation programs.
How long does Park Ranger training take?
Entry-level training takes about a year, and you can find part-time work in a park while going through it.
The second level will take you at least up to that second year while employed.
Some people might get a bachelor’s, graduate, or postgraduate degree.
Where do Virginia Park Rangers go to school?
They often seek the hands-on training provided by the state.
However, many of them also go on to college.
In addition to law enforcement training, they might take classes to help them deal with people and learn more about environmental science issues.
Can a Park Ranger arrest people?
If they’re trained like police, they would have that authority.
They may even still do it as a security guard, detaining people until an officer arrives on the scene.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Wildlife Conservationist
Park Ranger by State