Current Position: Alberton Gorge River Ranger
How long have you been working in the Montana state park system and in what capacity?
I have worked for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks since the summer of 2004 where I began as an intern. Since then I have worked various jobs such as a Game Harvest Surveyor, Hunting Access Technician and Park Patrol Officer as well as my current job, River Ranger.
How did you become involved in working as a River Ranger?
What caught my attention was the posting for an Intern on the Blackfoot River. I got really excited about the prospect of working on the river and for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. I never thought I would get the job, the dream job that every recreation management student wants.
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.)
My duties as a River Ranger include on site management and permitting outfitters. I patrol on and off the river holding Ex-officio Game Warden status with the ability to write tickets while enforcing the agencies rules and regulations. On a daily basis, while out in the field, I help private boaters as well as the outfitters with loading and unloading their gear. patrol 24 river miles that encompasses 7 sites. My main focus when in the field is to diffuse conflict, answer questions and help out boaters.
How many hours a week do you work in this position?
I work 40 hours or more.
What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?
All of it! I love the fact that I get paid to work in such a beautiful area. The Alberton Gorge is known for it class II and III whitewater and primitive feel. It is great to know that there are still places around that can instill wildness and leave you with an experience to remember.
What do you find to be the greatest challenges of your job?
Some of the greatest challenges I face while on the job are dealing with people who break the rules and have a disregard for why they were put in place. It can be very difficult for someone who has a blatant disregard for conserving our natural resources to understand why certain rules were created.
What kind of training/schooling is required in your position?
A bachelors Degree is required to become a Ranger for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Passing the background check is just as important as the degree. If you fail you are ineligible for the position.
It is always good to get your foot in the door by working similar jobs and gaining experience with the public and the agency you wish to work for.
Is there any kind of training or general experience that you wish you had before taking your job?
I wish I had more experience in enforcement tactics and greater computer skills.
What are a few of the projects that you've been working on recently that have been the most interesting?
Recently I have been working on use numbers and comparing the last few years to see if there has been an increase in users utilizing the Alberton Gorge Corridor.
If someone were interested in working in your position, what advice could you give them?
Go for it!
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