Their work demands that they spend long hours alone, but they must also be skilled communicators with superior interpersonal skills. While rangers are generally thought of primarily as nature lovers, the life of a park ranger entails more than preventing forest fires and guiding tours. Rangers are trained law enforcement officers, first-aid administrators, and ecologists. From law to education Park rangers are a diverse group of professionals. Some specialize in law enforcement and search and rescue, others in maintenance, administration, concessions management, resources management, and interpretation.
Interpreters are in charge of the primary public contact responsibilities.
They staff visitor centers, lead guided hikes, present talks, give evening programs, conduct environmental education in and out of schools, distribute literature, and organize exhibits. Many park rangers break into entry-level positions after high school, starting out as seasonal rangers. Seasonal workers go from park to park, working at one in the winter and another in the summer. Seasonal rangers receive few or no benefits outside of worker's compensation insurance and a minimal amount of sick leave every two weeks. On top of that, rangers might have to endure very hot or bitter cold conditions for extended periods.