Park Warden

Park wardens have the following primary responsibilities:

• research, monitor and manage heritage resources in national parks
• provide first aid and search and rescue services to the public and park staff
• enforce the Canada National Parks Act and regulations
• assist in the protection of the heritage resources of the park
• serve as public spokespersons regarding changes, threats and activities in parks.

To accomplish these objectives, they have the following duties and responsibilities:

• monitor and manage resources
• conduct research related to resource management
• co-ordinate forest fire suppression activities
• supervise and train park employees
• offer information and assistance to park visitors, residents and staff
• conduct search and rescue operations as needed
• respond to correspondence, complete reports and prepare budgets
• contribute to park management and operational plans
• supervise the construction or repair of facilities and maintenance of equipment
• conduct statistical surveys
• enforce specific laws and regulations.

Park wardens frequently patrol front and back country areas of the park by truck, boat or plane, or on foot, skis or horseback. They watch for potential hazards and assess the condition of the park, its wildlife and other natural resources.

Park wardens are trained in first aid and rescue techniques, and respond when people are lost, injured or endangered. They work in co-operation with police, provincial conservation officers, and other resource management and enforcement agencies.

Park wardens spend much of their time implementing resource management plans and conducting environmental assessments to ensure the continued health of park ecosystems. This involves research, monitoring wildlife, capturing animals and relocating them in rare instances when they pose a public safety hazard. In some national parks, park wardens may specialize in resource management, law enforcement or public safety.

Park wardens work both indoors and outdoors in all types of weather conditions and terrain. Some risk is involved in capturing and handling animals and enforcing regulations. Lifting up to 20 kilograms is routinely required; heavier lifting may be required in some circumstances.

The work may be seasonal or year round. To deal with emergencies, park wardens may be required to be on call during off-duty hours.

Park wardens need the following characteristics:

• a keen interest in all aspects of nature and a serious concern for the environment
• communication skills and self-confidence
• tact, diplomacy and the ability to deal effectively with difficult people and situations
• the ability to cope with heavy workloads
• good health and physical conditioning
• an aptitude for outdoor travel such as driving, hiking and riding
• the ability to take on a leadership role and remain calm in stressful situations.

They should enjoy:

• working outdoors in various geographic and weather conditions
• taking responsibility for projects, individually or as part of a team
• compiling information and gathering data and samples
• working with people.

Park wardens are employed by the federal government. On average, 15 to 20 new wardens are hired across Canada each year.

Many post-secondary students gain valuable experience by working in national parks during the summer. They may work as seasonal groundskeepers, equipment operators, maintenance workers, lifeguards, gate attendants or interpretive assistants. Student positions related to warden service include researcher, initial attack (fire) crew, non-native plant crew and patrol person.

Newly employed park wardens gradually take on more responsibility and may advance to more specialized positions in larger parks. Advancement to specialist positions may require a master's degree and considerable experience.

Park wardens are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2224: Conservation and Fishery Officers. In Alberta, 91% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Public Administration (PDF)
• Information, Culture and Recreation (PDF)

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Parks Canada website: www.pc.gc.ca

For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.