Wildlands and Walkie-Talkies: What Teens Need to Know About a Career as a Park Ranger

Thinking about a career that gets you outside, protects nature, and makes a real impact? This book is your personal guide to becoming a park ranger—written just for teens who want more than a desk job. From law enforcement to wildlife science to leading nature hikes, park rangers do it all. Whether you're into hiking, biology, firefighting, or public speaking, there's a place for your skills and passions in this field. This guide walks you through the different types of ranger jobs, how much they pay, and what it really feels like to work in the wilderness every day. You'll get real-world tips on building the right skills, choosing the best degrees, and finding programs like the Youth Conservation Corps or ranger cadet opportunities. It breaks down certifications that actually matter, explains how to apply for seasonal jobs, and helps you figure out which ranger path fits you best—whether you're more into mountain trails, historic battlefields, or back-country rescue. If you're serious about shaping a future that's hands-on, adventurous, and full of purpose, this book will help you take your first steps—right now. Whether you're 13 or 18, your ranger journey doesn't start later. It starts here.