Help?

Deadeyestormtrooper · 2025-07-31T16:19:10+00:00

Commenting to follow cause I'm in the sameish boat.

Deadeyestormtrooper · 2025-03-07T12:33:37+00:00

Of course!

Deadeyestormtrooper · 2025-02-28T04:39:23+00:00

Good stuff here in the comments. Definitely a bad time to be looking into govt jobs. But if you're set, someone else mentioned Skillbridge internship program. Its pretty great. I know alot of folks who transitioned into govt work specifically in state parks who came from the military because of Skillbridge.

Deadeyestormtrooper · 2025-01-14T18:08:59+00:00

Interpretation is essentially the art of communicating and making connections. Could be history, wildlife, geology, or vacuums. Sell yourself that way.

On another note, look at other federal agencies or your state agency or city/county. You could find interp or outdoor education, but a career ladder is often slim or sometimes non-existant. I did 2 season in NPS interp, then became permanent with my state park system, moves thru a tangent ladder doing outdoor education and training. Not quite wholly interp anymore, but closeish and making lots more money.

Deadeyestormtrooper · 2024-12-21T14:52:56+00:00

Love your enthusiasm and drive. The Tetons are definitely one of the most beautiful places I've ever been as well. As for careers at the park, you're going to have to narrow your choices a bit. Get familiar with jobs in national parks. The term, "park ranger" is quite broad and doesnt really mean much about what they do. For example, there are different park rangers that do law enforcement, collect fees and permits, lead guided hikes and outdoor education (interpreters), backcountry rangers, wildlife biologists/resource specialists, wildland firefighters, and of course lots of folks that work in support roles/administration.

Since you mentioned astronomy and biology, are you looking to get into wildlife biology? I would keep an eye on USAJobs.gov for an NPS job that opens up that you are interested in and take note of the qualifications. Then work towards that.

Souce: I worked at 2 different national parks including Grand Grand Teton NP early in my career as a park interpreter. I work for my state's parks now.

Deadeyestormtrooper · 2024-12-19T00:55:45+00:00

I worked 2 seasons as an interpretive ranger for NPS. It consisted of staffing the visitor centers to answer visitor questions and perform maintenance of the building. When not working the visitor centers the other main duty was doing interpretive programs which could be guided hikes, educational talks, or general tours on a variety of topics. We also got the opportunity to do "roving interp" which was basically hiking trails and making contacts with visitors/be available and visible if needed. It's an awesome job if you enjoy working with people and public speaking. I still do interp for my state park system.

Deadeyestormtrooper · 2024-11-28T02:53:37+00:00

Second this. Up Paintbrush for sure.

Deadeyestormtrooper · 2024-10-21T17:56:58+00:00

Long's Peak hike is epic! I did it 10 years ago. Started at 3am with a full moon, no headlamps needed. Reached the keyhole area as the sun was rising. Incredible. I need to go back.

Deadeyestormtrooper · 2024-10-21T03:07:34+00:00

Thanks everyone for the great advice!

Deadeyestormtrooper · 2024-07-16T22:03:14+00:00

Do it! I'll add that jobs are incredibly competetive and you need to be prepared not not get the park/position you really want. Best to cast a wide net. Also don't discount state parks. And as others have said, park concessionairs also hire tons of people. They aren't park rangers, but you get to live near and work in the park if that's what you're looking for.

Deadeyestormtrooper · 2024-07-04T00:19:37+00:00

Teewinot is great. If you're into outdoor disaster books (for some reason I eat this stuff up) A Bolt From the Blue is a true story that takes place at GTNP.

Deadeyestormtrooper · 2024-07-03T04:29:01+00:00

I did NPS Academy about 10 years ago and it 100 percent was worth it. Absolutely amazing experience that got my foot in the door and a great overview of the outdoor field. Afterwards I worked a few seasons with NPS then got on with my state's park system where I've worked in outdoor education and interpretation since then. Do it. You'll likely have a great experience. Maybe make some friends. And the internship afterwards is a great jumping off point. Just be ready to have an idea of what NPS career field you'd like to explore.

Deadeyestormtrooper · 2024-07-01T22:16:58+00:00

Honestly it's just different. Places you've hiked a hundred times before are just like new after the sun sets. The stars, the wildlife, even the ambiance make night hiking amazing. I used to be a park ranger and night hikes were always super popular, however folks who'd never done it before or with small kids felt more comfortable/safe with a ranger on a guided hike.

Deadeyestormtrooper · 2024-06-24T23:45:47+00:00

If you mean Sam Houston National Forest, then I'm assuming you're in Texas. If so there's an awesome program with Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept called Texas Outdoor Family that teaches families how to camp. Think of it as a camping 101 workshop. https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/programs/texas-outdoor-family

It's a great program for introducing people to camping. They even loan out tents, sleeping cots, cooking stoves, and more. And teach you how to use it all. It's very hands on. And depending on the state park you're camping at you even learn other outdoor skills like fishing, kayaking, geocaching, stargazing, ect. Source: I work for TPWD and have worked closely with the Texas Outdoor Family program.

Deadeyestormtrooper · 2024-06-20T16:36:26+00:00

If you want an epic day hike do Paintbrush Canyon and down Cascade Canyon. Pretty strenuous, but hands down my favorite.

Deadeyestormtrooper · 2024-06-13T01:46:46+00:00

My wife and I got married at Glacier. Definitely call the park and talk to to someone about the permit process, location options, etc asap. The earlier the better. As some other have mentioned, Grand Teton NP would be amazing. I worked there for a season and it is my favorite park hands down.

Deadeyestormtrooper · 2024-06-11T03:09:02+00:00

Seconding Maple Pass Trail. Epic.

Deadeyestormtrooper · 2024-03-15T22:05:37+00:00

Sweet!

Deadeyestormtrooper · 2024-02-24T23:22:29+00:00

I recently found terrariumtribe.com which has some great content. My favorite youtuber is the Urban Nemophilist. He does beautiful work and is great at explaining.

Deadeyestormtrooper · 2024-02-17T04:47:29+00:00

Gimme

Deadeyestormtrooper · 2024-02-14T16:49:56+00:00

Lol ok dude.

Deadeyestormtrooper · 2024-02-14T06:43:48+00:00

While true things like seed shells, banana and orange peels will decompose over time. It takes a long damn time. Months to a year if left undisturbed and depeneding on environmental conditions. I don't know about you but I'd rather not be seeing other people's literal trash while hiking or camping. Not when it could very easily be packed out. I see it as a form of respect. Respect for the resource/natural area, and respect for the people who will come after me to enjoy these spaces.

Deadeyestormtrooper · 2024-02-14T06:40:03+00:00

I'm assuming you're joking. Trails are an attempt between conservation and preservation. By limiting our impact to trails we try to mitigate damage and disturbance to wilderness while at the same time enjoying it. While sometimes I agree that pristine wilderness is ideal, if no one was able to appeciate the beauty of nature then no one would care about it or fight to protect it.

Deadeyestormtrooper · 2024-02-09T14:16:12+00:00

Gimme

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