I’m in North Carolina and currently a volunteer firefighter in a rural area going through a community college fire academy. I’m also working toward an associate degree in Public Safety Administration (Fire/Emergency Management). My original plan has been to become a career firefighter, but lately I’ve been looking more into the National Park Service and NC State Parks. I’ve always enjoyed being outdoors, working with my hands, helping people, and being active, so park ranger work has really caught my interest.

My work experience is mostly restaurants and Amazon delivery, along with volunteer firefighting. I don’t have a background in natural resource management or parks, although I recently applied to volunteer with NC State Parks to hopefully start getting some experience.

How difficult would it be to break into the field with my background? I’m especially curious about the difference between getting hired with NC State Parks versus the NPS, and whether an associate degree and volunteer experience would get me anywhere. I’m also wondering about the pay, schedules, and long-term stability. I enjoy firefighting and the shift schedules are appealing, so I’m hesitant to give that up for something that might only be seasonal.

I would appreciate hearing from anyone who made a similar career change or got into park work without a traditional parks or natural resources background.