Back in 2011, during the 100th anniversary of the parks service in British Columbia, we wrote a whole bunch about the 100 Benches for 100 Parks initiative. In it, BC Parks opened up the opportunity for 100 community groups, businesses, individuals and families to come together and sponsor new benches in their favourite provincial parks. With help from 45 generous readers we raised $1,100 in donations then pitched in the remaining $400 from advertising revenue, to sponsor a Vancouver Is Awesome park bench that now sits in Golden Ears Provincial Park, at the boat launch on Alouette Lake. Installed on a durable concrete slab, our limited-edition centennial bench has the appearance of wood but is actually made from recycled plastic, and it's expected to be there for at least a decade.
While we were busy hyping up the bench initiative a series of park ranger videos flew below our radar. Also timed with the 100th anniversary, The Great Ranger Experience consists of 4 videos that take you to work with rangers in BC, showcasing our wonderful resource as well as what it's like to work managing it. Below is one they shot at Garibaldi in the winter.
Last week an interesting post showed up on my news feed on Facebook: BC Parks doing a call out looking for park rangers! It's something that many of us daydream about - dropping everything in the city and heading out into the wilderness as a job - but few actually pursue. I was surprised to learn that while a degree or technical diploma in Natural Resource Management is (sortof) a prerequisite there are a number of related degrees that could be applied to the job. If you're schooled in Biology, Geology or Geography you could likely transfer that to work as a ranger. Learn more here!
Below are a few of the comments that came from the FB post about the job, from rangers themselves...
"I was a Senior Ranger back in the early 2000's. I looked after the BC Parks in Clayoquot Sound, and it was an awesome job. I camped, I patrolled, I investigated and I worked in an incredible part of the province. I highly recommend working for BC Parks." - Jim Scott
"25 years at it and no regrets , great job and great people" - Rob Honeyman
"I love my job!" - Sarah Murrell
