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Louisiana offers a total of 38 state parks, historic sites, and preservation areas that you can explore.
Working as a park ranger can be an exciting career when you love spending time outdoors.
You’ll get to oversee many of the activities that happen at the parks and more.
Finding out what it takes to become a park ranger can help you to start on the career path.
Earn your accredited, affordable Wildlife Forestry and Conservation career diploma online with Penn Foster in as little as 4 months!
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Requirements to Become a Park Ranger in Louisiana
To become a park ranger in Louisiana, you will need to apply to the Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism.
You will be considered a “peace officer” and will be required to carry firearms – and go through the necessary training.
While the state doesn’t require any specific degree, it can be helpful to have at least an associate degree in a field that is useful within this career – such as natural resources management, biology, or law enforcement.
Every position may have different requirements, so you will need to look at the job openings within the individual parks as they become available.
You will need to submit to a background check, too, to prove that you haven’t been convicted of any felonies.
Park Ranger Duties in Louisiana
There are a lot of responsibilities as a park ranger in Louisiana.
You will be responsible for enforcing the state laws and rules and regulations of the park.
If there is a safety issue or an environmental problem, you may need to conduct an investigation and work with other agencies as necessary.
You will handle recordkeeping and maintain the revenue of the park, if applicable.
You will also oversee many employees that work for the park to ensure that all aspects of the park operate properly throughout the year.
This includes overseeing the grounds and providing full access to recreational activities.
Additionally, park rangers help to educate the public – and you may provide guided tours, give lectures, and host events periodically throughout the year.
State Parks in Louisiana
You’ll find that there are a lot of state parks that help to showcase the natural beauty of Louisiana while also providing you with access to many recreational activities.
A few state parks you should explore include:
Bayou Segnette State Park: Located in Westwego, the park is located only 15 minutes away from New Orleans, across the Mississippi River.
There’s a full ecosystem of marshland and swamps.
You’ll find salt and freshwater fishing, hiking, boating, camping, and more.
Cypremort Point State Park: Located in Cypremort Point, the park is near the Gulf of Mexico with a man-made beach that stretches nearly half a mile.
You’ll find opportunities for windsurfing, water skiing, crabbing, and more.
There’s also a 100-foot fishing pier conveniently located on Vermilion Bay.
Fontainebleau State Park: Located in Mandeville, the park holds a lot of history, including being the site of an old sugar mill.
The park is home to 2800 acres and is on the shore of Lake Pontchartrain.
There are nature trails and even lakefront cabins.
Jimmie Davis State Park: Located in Chatham, the park is found on a peninsula on Caney Lake.
There are two boat launches as well as a fishing pier.
You’ll also find a playground and splash pad for the kids.
For camping, there are RV sites as well as a group camp with dormitories and a dining hall.
Sam Houston Jones State Park: Located in Lake Charles, the park offers tree-filled lagoons and a significant amount of wildlife.
There are three hiking trails, which can also be used for biking.
Camping is available as well as yurts that are available for a unique glamping experience.
Salary
The salary of a park ranger in Louisiana is approximately $40,600.
Your earning capability is heavily dependent on such things as your education, the number of years on the job, as well as any special skills and certifications that you may have.
According to salary.com, the average park ranger in New Orleans, LA earns an annual salary between $33,581 and $49,155.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| New Orleans | $40,624 |
| Baton Rouge | $38,183 |
| Shreveport | $37,756 |
| Lafayette | $37,730 |
| Lake Charles | $37,213 |
| Kenner | $40,603 |
| Bossier City | $37,756 |
| Monroe | $37,559 |
| Alexandria | $36,384 |
| New Iberia | $37,511 |
Regional Salary in Louisiana
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge, LA | 360 | $65,490 | $31.48 | $94,080 | $45,390 |
| Lafayette, LA | 60 | $74,690 | $35.91 | $103,170 | $48,510 |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | 70 | $69,690 | $33.51 | $99,280 | $48,690 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours a week does a park ranger work?
The average park ranger works 40 hours a week.
There may be instances where you have to work more based on the season and various pending investigations.
What are some of the other positions available in a state park?
If you want to work within a state park while you gain the experience and education to be a park ranger, you can look at other such jobs as a parks building and grounds attendant, lifeguard, and more.
What is the largest state park in Louisiana?
The largest state park in Louisiana is Chicot State Park.
It is home to the state arboretum and spans a total of 6400 acres.
Is there a minimum age requirement to become a park ranger?
You must be at least 18 years of age to be a park ranger for the state.
If you want to work for the National Parks Service in Louisiana, you will have to be at least 21 years of age.
Are any special certifications necessary for a park ranger?
No special certifications are required to be a park ranger in Louisiana, though you will need a valid driver’s license.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Wildlife Conservationist
Park Ranger by State