Many professionals in natural resource and park management specialize in a single area of expertise. However, many of these individuals must have diverse knowledge of the natural resource areas they manage, including park planning and maintenance. They help care for and maintain parks, as well as inform, guide and assure that visitors are able to fully experience the natural and cultural heritage of the country in which they live. However, the first responsibility of the park ranger is to ensure the safety of park visitors. Rangers in parks with treacherous terrain, dangerous wildlife or severe weather conditions must make sure hikers, campers, backpackers and others follow outdoor safety codes.
Rangers also protect parks from inappropriate use and threats from visitors.
The duties of park rangers also extend to conservation and research efforts not connected to visitor use. They may study wildfire behavior, plants, water quality, pollution and visitor use of park lands. Additionally, rangers may be involved with such projects as park planning, record keeping, facility construction and maintenance, and trail building and landscaping. In some parks, rangers may serve as specialists in certain areas of park protection, safety or management. Park Police - Park Police primarily focus on law enforcement and visitor safety.