Current Position: Park Ranger III
How long have you been with Mississippi State Parks and in what capacity?
Two years and 11 months as a Park Ranger III.
How did you become interested in working as a Park Ranger?
I've always had an interest in wildlife, so after I got out of the military I pursued a job with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks with the plan of advancing my career with them.
Describe a typical day at your job.
(If there is no such thing as a typical day, then please tell us about your primary responsibilities and duties.)
I talk to the public each day, giving out information about what the park has to offer. I patrol the park daily for security, fire detection, and compliance with rules and regulations. I take up fees for entrance to the park and camping, prepare reports for any incidents that happen in the park, and carry out whatever other responsibilities the park manager has for me to do.
How many hours a week do you work in this position?
Forty hours; I am a non-exempt employee.
What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?
- Dealing with the public
- Solving problems
- Having a job that helps make a difference for the wildlife and outdoors.
What do you find to be the greatest challenges of your job?
Getting promoted or applying for jobs that are advertised but never filled.
What kind of training/schooling is required in your position?
Common sense. I was trained by the rangers that were here at the park. I felt like they did a good job, but some type of formal training provided by the agency would be good.
Is there any kind of training or general experience that you wish you had before taking your job?
Some type of formal training program provided by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.
What are a few of the projects that you've been working on recently that have been the most interesting?
Trying to come up with ideas to generate more income for the park without a big investment. Also, getting the roads paved on one side of the park.
If someone were interested in working in your position, what advice could you give them?
I think this is a position to start in, then get a feel for the agency and see what direction to pursue.
Please share any further thoughts you may have about working in the state park system:
I think it could be better, there is always room for improvement. For people who really want a career with the agency, I'd like to see some type of career progression program to show them jobs that they could work towards.
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