Current Position: Chief Ranger, Tennessee State Parks
How long have you been with Tennessee State Parks and in what capacity?
I served 5 years as a Park Ranger, then 3 years as Assistant Chief Ranger, and I have been Chief Ranger for Tennessee State Parks for 10 years.
How did you become involved in working as a Park Ranger?
I visited a park when I was 12 years old and decided that would be my life!
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.)
While I am in charge of activities like ranger horse patrol plus bloodhound search and rescue, the Chief Ranger job has a significant administrative component consisting of planning, coordinating and communicating with rangers in the field. So there is a combination of office and action-oriented work. My workload reflects the seasonal demand on our parks. During winter months I plan, prepare and train while the busier, warmer season finds me more active in the field with activities like emergency response and patrol.
How many hours a week do you work in this position?
We all spend long hours. Sometimes, I average 60 hours a week. I suppose I am too in love with the job!
What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?
I like interaction with people, but I also love my diverse responsibilities and the variety of my schedule.
What do you find to be the greatest challenges of your job?
It can be difficult balancing the job and family life. The parks are open 24/7, and you can feel your responsibilities are demanding you to work 24/7 too.
What kind of training/schooling is required in your position?
Bachelor’s degree and strong work background in the parks field.
Is there any kind of training or general experience that you wish you had before taking your job?
I was lucky. I started working for parks when I was 15 years old and worked all through high school and college.
What are a few of the projects that you've been working on recently that have been the most interesting?
My current project list is fairly interesting: I am scheduling park rangers to work locations during the week-long Bike Ride Across Tennessee; I am coordinating horse mounted rangers to work at several state park events; I am purchasing uniforms for all state park rangers; and preparing for the fall fire season during a period of historic drought.
If someone were interested in working as a Park Ranger at a state park, what advice could you give them?
Interview as many rangers as possible and get a realistic perspective on the job.
Please share any further thoughts you may have about working in the state park system:
You can become married to the job, so be prepared to set a limit on the time you spend on the job. Always try to include your family when you can!
<< See other Tennessee interviews -- Search by state -- Search by job title>>