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You can become a park ranger in Missouri through the National Park Service or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Division of state parks.
You must have specific educational, practical, and basic qualifications to qualify.
The job will be posted on the Missouri Department of Natural resources website when any positions are open for recruitment.
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Requirements to Become a Park Ranger in Missouri
Park ranger job requirements in Missouri depend on the department you want to work in.
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You can apply with the Missouri natural resources department to work as a state park ranger recruit.
Or work under the national park service as a state or federal national park ranger.
Your level of education and work experience are the main determinants of the job you qualify for, whereby:
Park Ranger Recruits
Must complete 60 hours credit semester.
Fifteen hours of the total credit semester should be in behavioral sciences, law enforcement, and criminal justice courses.
Park Rangers
Must graduate from the Missouri Peace Officers Standards and Training commission.
But, some requirements apply to both park ranger recruits and park rangers.
Some of these requirements include the following:
- Showing up for an oral board interview
- Pass a physical performance test
- Pass a thorough background investigation
- Have or qualify for a valid Missouri driving license
- Be 21 years and above
- Complete a psychological evaluation
- Complete a medical exam which includes drug screening
- You should not have tattoos or bands that would appear offensive to a reasonable person. It would help if you did not have visible tattoos while wearing your uniform.
Park Ranger Duties in Missouri; What Do Park Rangers Do?
Once you qualify to be a Missouri park ranger, your duties will be to:
- Apply Missouri State laws as well as State Park rules and regulations.
- Develop solutions to avoid and reduce criminal activities within the park; you will patrol state parks and historic sites on bicycles or foot and in emergency vehicles.
- Protect and give first aid to the state park or historic sites visitors and workers.
- Perform search and rescue operations.
- Investigate and respond to accidents and crimes within the park boundaries.
- In case of criminal prosecution, seize, collect, and process evidence; maintain a high level of chain custody of file reports and charges.
- Prepare persecution cases for criminals; testify in court or by deposition and present final case depositions.
- Coordinate and take part in special events for law enforcement.
- Track injured, dangerous, or sick animals to avoid self-harm or harm to visitors.
- Help visitors to state parks or historic sites by giving directions and information and answering questions.
- Attend training and events.
- Plan and put in place daily work assignments.
- Take any other work assigned.
If you have been stuck on how to become a park ranger in Missouri, you are a step ahead.
With the above qualifications, you can become a park ranger in Missouri.
Look for open recruitment positions at the Missouri Department of Natural Resources website and apply.
5 Best State Parks in Missouri
Missouri is gorgeous and filled with natural wonders—no matter the time of the year.
In your next outdoor adventure, you can try the parks below.
1. Lake of the Ozarks State Park
You will find this park on the shores of Missouri’s largest lake.
The park has a great view overlooking Ozarks lake, allowing you to enjoy various recreational activities, like hiking, cycling, boat riding, swimming, camping, and many others.
2. Table Rock State Park
This park is located near the hottest tourist town in the United States.
You can enjoy water skiing, swimming, paddle boats, and fishing; or enjoy land-based activities like mountain biking trails, hiking, paved trails, and cycling, among others, if you don’t want water activities.
3. Battle of Carthage Historic Site
As the name suggests, the battle of Carthage historical site is a good choice if you love history.
The site has a quiet meadow and a spring, making the area suitable for the Union and Confederate troops during the war– a good place for refreshing.
4. Sam A. Baker State Park
The park is in St. Francios mountains, and it’s named after the former Missouri Governor.
This park is a good camping site, ideal for canoeing, hiking, and nature walking.
5. Cuivre River State Park
The park has all you need for outdoor adventure, with prairies, forests, sinkhole ponds, gorgeous lakes, picnic grounds, and camping sites.
Salary; Missouri Park Ranger Salary
How much will you make as a park ranger?
From salaries research, Missouri park rangers earn an average salary of $39,136, with salaries ranging between $32,350 to $47,354.
Your wage range depends on your city work, certification, education, skills, and experience.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Kansas City | $40,273 |
| Saint Louis | $40,434 |
| Springfield | $38,799 |
| Independence | $40,230 |
| Columbia | $39,985 |
| Saint Joseph | $39,918 |
| Lees Summit | $40,120 |
| Saint Charles | $40,215 |
| Saint Peters | $40,127 |
| Florissant | $40,368 |
Regional Salary in Missouri
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia, MO | 40 | $71,240 | $34.25 | $103,170 | $47,050 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | 50 | $59,620 | $28.66 | $87,150 | $37,110 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | 80 | $69,310 | $33.32 | $107,620 | $37,110 |
| Springfield, MO | 40 | $66,550 | $31.99 | $100,530 | $38,620 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do park rangers in Missouri earn?
On average, Missouri game rangers earn $39,136.
The salaries vary between $32,350 and $47,354 depending on experience, certification, and education.
What’s the difference between a park ranger recruit and a park ranger?
Park ranger recruits undertake basic law enforcement training; they are not armed and are not peace officers.
In contrast, park rangers are armed and qualified peace officers.
What’s the work of Missouri state park rangers?
Missouri state park rangers enforce state and park rules and regulations; using custodian arrests, warnings, and citations, among other duties.
Which park is most visited in Missouri?
In the year 2021, Roaring River State park was the most visited, with over a 1.9million tourist visits—for the second time in 2020.
How do I become a game ranger in Missouri?
To become a game ranger in Missouri, you must keep checking the Missouri Natural resources website in case they post a vacancy for recruitment.
To qualify, you must be 21 years old and above, be a US citizen, and own or qualify for a Missouri driving license.
You must also pass a medical drug screening test and pass a background check.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Wildlife Conservationist
Park Ranger by State