A Walk on the Wild Side: The Work of Hillsborough County Park Rangers

Hiking up and down rolling mounds at Edward Medard Conservation Park is one option to get away from it all. Surrounded by towering oaks and the continuous chorus of waterfowl, you would think you were in a world of your own.

However, if you need assistance or simply have a question, help is never too far away. Rangers at the County's conservation parks work hard so guests can have positive, memorable visits. With a nod to World Ranger Day on July 31, discover what it takes and what it entails to be a park ranger in Hillsborough County.

Serving the public

Park rangers staffing Hillsborough County's 18 conservation parks may not always be visible to the public. However, the vast and varying work they perform is crucial to maintaining the parks and ensuring they remain open for all to enjoy.

One of the most important responsibilities park rangers shoulder pertains to visitor services. Keeping guests safe in the wilds and keeping the wilds safe from guests requires a lot of effort and attention. Much of this is accomplished through educating guests, often through presentations, guided trail talks, and simply being available for curious visitors.

Glen Murley has been a ranger at Lettuce Lake Park for almost eight years. Seeing guests develop an appreciation for the park and wildlife is one of the most satisfying aspects to his job. He finds meaning in knowing that his words and actions can spark interest in others, who can then carry on his conservation efforts.

Emergencies, maintenance, and landscaping

Park rangers also assist guests when they are in trouble. For instance, when emergency situations occur within the parks, rangers are usually first to respond. Towing boaters with motor issues or assisting kayakers who have flipped over are just a couple examples of when visitors may require help.

Enforcing park regulations is another duty rangers carry. Ensuring visitors are disposing of trash correctly, not lighting fires during burn bans, and treating the wildlife and fellow guests with respect are just a few common rules park rangers must educate visitors about.

A lot of time is also devoted to general park maintenance. Due to Florida's hot and humid climate, many park amenities quickly become weather worn and require attention. For instance, shelters, fences, and other wood structures often require regular repairs to extend their lifespan.

Having experience in a variety of trade skills can be a hefty advantage for a ranger. Knowledge of carpentry, plumbing, and construction skills can come in handy when it's time to repair boardwalks and docks, fix bathroom facilities, and pour concrete walkways.

Of course, there is also plenty of work to do when it comes to trail and grounds maintenance. Mowing, tree trimming, and landscaping are regularly done, due to the rapid, year-round growth of plant life in Florida. The monitoring and removal of invasive species is another facet of ensuring the parks are kept in excellent condition. Some rangers also conduct prescribed burns to enhance forest health and reduce the chances of uncontrolled wildfires.

With so much to do, it's important that park rangers have positive and flexible attitudes. James Hartman, a seasoned park ranger at Edward Medard Conservation Park, noted that a person in his role must be able to go with the flow and adapt as needed. Hartman understands firsthand that a ranger must be able to think on one's feet when working closely with Mother Nature and the public.

Could you be a Hillsborough County park ranger?

If you enjoy working with people, love being in nature, and want to learn and practice trade skills, a career in Hillsborough County's Conservation & Environmental Lands Management department may be for you. Visit the County's job listings to see what park ranger job opportunities are available.

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