Description
Patrol parks and recreation areas to enforce park and resource protection laws, safeguard visitors, and protect natural and cultural resources. Investigate damage, hazards, or violations, respond to emergencies, provide education and outreach, and collect visitor use and resource data.
- • Document damage and estimate repair costs or restitution.
- • Patrol parks, campgrounds, trails, and waterways by truck, boat, bike, horse, or on foot to enforce park, wildlife, and boating regulations.
- • Protect visitors, park facilities, and natural and cultural resources.
- • Deliver visitor safety, fire prevention, and resource stewardship education.
- • Assist local, state, tribal, or federal law enforcement when needed.
- • Present programs to schools, community groups, and the media on park rules and conservation.
- • Recommend updates to park policies, seasonal closures, or recreation management plans to balance use and resource protection.
- • Inspect concessions, outfitters, special events, and permitted activities for compliance.
- • Monitor and report conditions of wildlife, vegetation, water quality, trails, and campsites.
- • Conduct visitor counts and campsite occupancy surveys to evaluate management actions.
- • Investigate vandalism, habitat damage, facility hazards, or pollution and advise on prevention.
- • Implement resource protection measures such as area closures, signage, erosion control, or bear-proofing.
- • Supervise and train seasonal staff, volunteers, or work crews.
- • Issue park passes, camping permits, special use permits, or citations.
- • Provide information, orientation, and wayfinding assistance to visitors.
- • Perform light maintenance on trails, signs, fences, and facilities.
- • Collect, preserve, and present evidence for administrative or court proceedings.
- • Investigate accidents, missing persons, or reports of rule violations.
- • Issue warnings or citations and complete incident and activity reports.
- • Serve warrants and make arrests when authorized.
- • Lead or assist in search and rescue operations and provide first aid.
- • Confiscate prohibited items or contraband and arrange for proper disposition.
- • Seize equipment used in park rule violations, such as illegal drones or off-road vehicles.
- • Support wildfire prevention, readiness, and suppression efforts.
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O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
