New York forest rangers play a significant role in protecting and managing forests, parks and wildlife habitats. They ensure the safety of visitors and work to preserve natural resources, but what many may not realize is that forest rangers are also sworn police officers.

Becoming a forest ranger in New York involves much more than just a love for the outdoors. Rangers enforce environmental laws, handle search and rescue operations, manage wildfires and educate the public on conservation efforts.

What You Need To Know

  • Forest rangers are sworn police officers 

  • The path to becoming a forest ranger in New York involves passing several tests and exams

  • Forest ranger recruits receive training in various field courses like technical rope rescue, swift water rescue and emergency vehicle operations

The path to becoming a forest ranger starts with passing a civil service test. Following that, recruits must complete physical fitness tests, background checks, psychological evaluations and medical exams.

Once cleared, recruits undergo six months of training in the Adirondacks. After graduation, they are prepared to serve and protect New York’s forests.

“You start off with your basic police officer courses and a lot of the law. And at this point in the academy, our current class of recruits has been there since mid-May. Now they’re out in the field, doing technical rope rescue. Soon, they'll be doing swift water rescue and emergency vehicle operations," said Jane Raffaldi-Smith, a forest ranger with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. 

In addition to her duties as a ranger, Smith also serves as a counselor at the state's academy for forest rangers, supporting recruits as they progress through their training.

To be a ranger, having a love for nature is important, but candidates must also have a high school diploma to qualify. Those interested in pursuing this career can visit the NYSDEC website for more information.