FAQ Ranger
What do National Park Rangers do?
Working conditions and specific deployment options vary from National Park to National Park. In addition to accompanying visitor groups and communicating nature to guests and school groups, the area of responsibility includes area surveillance, monitoring duties, control and maintenance of information boards, nature trails, signs and observation lodges, as well as lecturing activities and support for information stands.
Is a National Park ranger a full-time job?
The majority of domestic National Park rangers are part-time workers. In most cases, this involves freelance employment with flexible working hours. Only a few rangers are in fixed employment at National Park administrations all year round.
When will the next training course be held?
Courses are held independently of staffing requirements and are carried out by the individual National Park administrations. When the next course is being planned, we provide information on this website and through social media channels (www.facebook.com/NationalparksAustria or www.instagram.com/nationalparksaustria) with regard to application deadlines, dates and location. The cours is in German language.
How long does training last and how much does it cost to participate?
Training usually takes 1-2 years. Where possible, training days are held in blocks (at least 2-3 days) and may take place (dependent on the National Parks hosting them) on weekdays or at the weekend. Costs vary and are disclosed at the beginning of the application process.
What prior knowledge do I need to participate?
Prior knowledge is not necessary but is definitely an advantage. It’s particularly important that you have a love of nature and enjoy working with people. The minimum age for training is 18.
What is a Junior Ranger?
Various programmes for children and young people are summarised under the term “junior ranger”, which playfully communicate the duties and responsibilities of National Park rangers to young nature enthusiasts. Holiday and year-round leisure programmes are held in the Austrian National Parks.
The Danube Wetlands, Gesäuse, High Tauern and Thaya Valley National Parks currently provide Junior Ranger training courses.
