The vital careers within national parks
National parks aren't just places to visit—they’re national treasures that hold the majority of California's history. Yosemite and Sequoia have played vital roles in environmental conservation, showcasing the diverse natural beauty and biodiversity of California. These parks have conserved ancient ecosystems and indigenous history, providing insight into the cultural heritage of Native American tribes that have inhabited these lands for centuries. Additionally, they serve as a living museum, a place where the geological and ecological stories of the Earth's past can be told and where they continue to unfold for future generations. But what many don't realize about these national parks is the amount of work and dedication it takes to preserve these places. The roles of the National Park Service are coming to be more important than ever.
Every year, visits to national parks increase, with a reported 325 million visits as of 2023 according to the National Park Service. National parks provide opportunities for exploration, allowing visitors to experience the rich and extensive historical preservation they have to offer. Visitors can engage in activities such as hiking, camping and wildlife watching, immersing themselves in the natural beauty and historical significance of the parks. This influx of visitors highlights the importance of continued conservation efforts to maintain these treasured landscapes for future generations. Careers within national parks have a broad range, from park rangers to archeologists, museum curators and environmental scientists. Each role plays a unique and significant role in ensuring national parks continue to thrive in years beyond.
Andy Rowles ('25) is very passionate about pursuing a career in the National Park Service, with plans of becoming a park ranger. Rowles hopes to combine his love for the outdoors with his desire to educate others about nature conservation. Rowles is particularly interested in roles that allow him to work closely with visitors and nature, such as guiding tours or managing discovery centers.
“I believe a big part of being a park ranger is being able to connect with people and teach them about the importance of nature conservation," Rowles said. "It's not just about protecting the land, but helping people understand why it matters. National parks offer a unique opportunity to experience nature in its purest form… Seeing rangers interact with visitors and share knowledge made me realize that this is exactly where I want to be.”
Workers within the National Park Service play a crucial role in preserving the history of California, through education, research and preservation. Members of the National Park Service are able to work on land protection, a job that is now more important than ever as human activity, especially the burning of fossil fuels, continue to pose significant threats to these natural habitats. These human activities have led to climate change, which is causing rapid warming, sea-level rise and a disruption to ecosystems, all of which place tremendous threats to national parks and the environment as a whole. According to The Ecologist, national parks are warming at twice the rate of the national average. Between 1895-2010, the average annual temperature in national parks increased at twice the rate of the rest of the United States. Additionally, the effects of climate change, including wildfires, droughts and flooding continue to intensify across these protected areas, further endangering the many vulnerable ecosystems. The work of national parks ensures that the diverse ecosystems and cultural heritage of the parks remain preserved and protected for future generations. Benjamin Kay, the life science teacher at Samo, shares why he believes national park conservation is so influential.
“National parks stand to preserve nature and maintain vital ecosystem services: for example, capturing carbon dioxide to help combat global warming," Kay said. "But they’re also spaces where people can connect with nature and form relationships with it… when people fall in love with the environment, they’re more likely to protect it."