Becoming a BLM Ranger

[hunter2good]

Im hoping to become a BLM Ranger, and was wondering if anybody could give me some information... Im just gettin out of college with a AA in Natural Resources. Im defently interested in the outdoors and becoming part of an organization that functions well in the outdoors. One of my concerns is once I get past the application phase on USAjobs. Is there a test I have to take to become a ranger? And what kind of physical qualifications do I need to meet? This is my big concern, since i have 20/20 in my right eye, and since lasik surgery on my left, i have 20/30-20/50 depending on the day and the type of test. (my eye is still healing, and is flucuating vision still). But it wont ever get to 20/20 due to a pretty big astigmatizm.:(

I am more then willing to move to anywhere they want me to, knowing that I will like the profession I will be in, and that after a few years I can transfer if I choose to. Like I stated, my only real concern is an eye exam, and I have a feeling BLM Rangers require 20/20 in both. It sucks that most things I would want to do for a career, I can't because of my eye sight. Owell so be it...

Any information will be helpful!
Thanks

[DARE_SUPPORTER]

You should check out their website and try to contact a recruiter.

I went through the LMPT program at FLETC with a few BLM rangers, from my understanding its a tougher position to land, all 3 that was in my class that atleast 10+ yrs of LE experience. All of them came from other FED agencies.

Definately cool job none the less, good luck with your goals.

[DARE_SUPPORTER]

http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/more/law_enforcement.html

Here is the link to there LE page.

BLM Rangers

BLM Rangers are uniformed officers who provide a regular and recurring presence over vast areas of public lands. They are responsible for conducting high visibility patrols; conducting public contacts; enforcing federal laws and regulations; assisting local county or city police departments, other federal and state land management agencies, and BLM Special Agents investigating illegal activity on public lands; and generally providing for the safety of BLM employees and public land users.

BLM Rangers regularly patrol public lands by four-wheel drive vehicle, all-terrain vehicle, motorcycle, aircraft, snowmobile, jet ski, boat, horse, and even the oldest patrol method—on foot. The job of a Ranger varies considerably depending on location. In the southwestern desert areas, Rangers spend a great deal of time dealing with large numbers of recreational users and off-highway vehicle issues, as well as a variety of resource theft and vandalism incidents; Rangers along the southern border may encounter illegal aliens and smuggling while their counterparts in Alaska travel long distances by aircraft and snow machine to patrol remote areas of public lands; and, Rangers in urban areas may encounter crimes related to alcohol, hazardous materials and other dumping, wildland fire and arson, and many other trespass concerns.

BLM Rangers are stationed primarily in the eleven western states including Alaska, and work in a variety of grassland, forest, high mountain, arctic tundra, and desert environments. Rangers work on the fringes of some of the largest cities in the U.S., and we have a significant presence in Southern California, Arizona, and Las Vegas, Nevada.

[Fox402]

I don't remember offhand what the requirements are, but I believe its 20/100 uncorrected, and 20/20 corrected (which means you can use contacts or glasses to get it to 20/20). I'll find out for sure today. The AA is nice, but you're going to need law enforcement experience if you want a Ranger job. Or get on with BLM as a firefighter, rec ranger, or whatever to get a foot into the door, and then make the move over to LE.

http://olesem.doi.gov/jobs/fields/blmranger.html

[wildlife97]

I too want to go into natural resource law enforcement. I've talked with many BLM LE Rangers including the chief ranger. While it isn't impossible to go into the BLM as an entry level candidate it is VERY difficult. You definately need to continue to go to school to get your 4-year degree so you can qualify for the GS-5 level. Because right now with your 2-year degree you dont qualify, unless you have a lot of other work experience.

Most BLM LE Rangers are former Border Patrol, National Park Rangers, and some USFS Officers. Another way into the agency is through their internship program, or getting on as a civilian position and putting in your time.

BLM is definately the hardest Natural Resource LE gig to get. All new hires will be in the Southern California desert when hired. You might see openings in Oregon, Washington or Idaho however those will quickly get filled with transfers from inside the agency. Which then causes openings in So Cal. Most people just don't like working areas like El Centro or Needles.

[hunter2good]

I don't remember offhand what the requirements are, but I believe its 20/100 uncorrected, and 20/20 corrected (which means you can use contacts or glasses to get it to 20/20). I'll find out for sure today. The AA is nice, but you're going to need law enforcement experience if you want a Ranger job. Or get on with BLM as a firefighter, rec ranger, or whatever to get a foot into the door, and then make the move over to LE.

http://olesem.doi.gov/jobs/fields/blmranger.html

Now see... my left eye will only get to 20/30 at best! and thats after lasik. I was thinking that maybe I could pass it and slip by some how, and or, might try and find a contact that would actually magnify things. But I was told by my surgeon that contacts or glasses would not help me. Maybe Ill get lucky and find that they do help me.

I was told by a "friend" that my AA would work for a G-05, and some jobs that ive applied for on USAjobs, for the DOI, G-05 only required so many units towards NR classes... but while others they show they need a 4 year degree. I am willing to move, for a career that is something that I will love doing. Be it BLM, USFS, or F&G. I want to be outdoors and loving my job!

[GB0610]

I too want to go into natural resource law enforcement. I've talked with many BLM LE Rangers including the chief ranger. While it isn't impossible to go into the BLM as an entry level candidate it is VERY difficult. You definately need to continue to go to school to get your 4-year degree so you can qualify for the GS-5 level. Because right now with your 2-year degree you dont qualify, unless you have a lot of other work experience.

Most BLM LE Rangers are former Border Patrol, National Park Rangers, and some USFS Officers. Another way into the agency is through their internship program, or getting on as a civilian position and putting in your time.

BLM is definately the hardest Natural Resource LE gig to get. All new hires will be in the Southern California desert when hired. You might see openings in Oregon, Washington or Idaho however those will quickly get filled with transfers from inside the agency. Which then causes openings in So Cal. Most people just don't like working areas like El Centro or Needles.

Very accurate.

[TJMS81]

[QUOTE=hunter2good;1801414]I was told by a "friend" that my AA would work for a G-05, and some jobs that ive applied for on USAjobs, for the DOI, G-05 only required so many units towards NR classes... but while others they show they need a 4 year degree. [QUOTE]

To qualify for a GS-05 on education alone you need 4 years post high school education leading towards a degree. That's the standard set by OPM for General Schedule. I would suggest going on to get your Bachelors and volunteering with the local office while you do that. Get to know some of the people and prove you are worth hiring.

Good luck on your quest.

[hunter2good]

couldnt i also get in on a GS 05 with experience and an AA degree?

[GreenLine]

couldnt i also get in on a GS 05 with experience and an AA degree?

Anything is possible if you meet the minimum requirements, but jobs like these don't go to people who simply meet the minimums. You're going to be competeing against a lot of people, the majority of whom have a lot more than the minimum under their belts, so you need to check every box on the application that you can - and then some.

[TJMS81]

+1 to GreenLine.

You were asking if a AA would qualify you for a 5...by itself, it does not. Of course experience gets factored in, but BLM jobs are extremely competitive and the minimum standards won't get you looked at. It won't even make you competitive for an entry level in El Centro. Like I said, I suggest going for your BS and getting as much experience as you can. You can volunteer places, be a reserve deputy somewhere, etc...just get some experience to add to your book knowledge and your chances will get much better.

[DARE_SUPPORTER]

I have friends that got employed by BLM last year,

1- had 6+ years as a Border Patrol gent

1- had 12+ years as LE with specialized unit, and FED LE also

1- had 14 years a county detective and some yrs as FED.

very competitive as you probably have found out.

[GB0610]

If I may..........

I know of some BLM Rangers without any LE experience. They are the exception, not the norm. But they exist nonetheless. Each of them had their own special skill they brought to the table.

One was a firefighter for the Agency, another a dispatcher, another was a Non-LE Park Ranger/EMT. One was an intel Officer in the CG and is still a reservist. I know of another who was recreation planner for the Agency and I know of a dozen or so who were student interns and got in that way.

There are many Rangers/Agents who will be at retirement in the next 3 yrs. Now is the time to bolster your resume.

Everything single other Ranger/Agent I know came in with prior LE experience of some sort. This is over 50 folks, off the top of my head.

[TJMS81]

I came in as a park ranger with the Army Corps of Engineers. Some citation authority but definitely not the same type of enforcement. Like GB said, bolster your resume now...get First responder or EMT, get your red card for fire, do ride-alongs, volunteer, network...everything you can to get your name and a positive vibe associated with it out there. Good luck.

[hunter2good]

thanks everybody for the info! I have yet to obtain my AA, atleast i didnt apply for it. so it will be marked down as accomplishe but not obtained, til Aug. 09. I do have CPR/First aid cert. and i plan on attending a EMT class to even better my odds. I actually have an interview for a possible position for a seasonal BLM ranger in my area on Mon.!! IM EXCITED!:cool: Im keeping my fingers crossed. I would love to get a great career started!

[wildlife97]

I actually have an interview for a possible position for a seasonal BLM ranger in my area on Mon.!! IM EXCITED!:cool: Im keeping my fingers crossed. I would love to get a great career started!

I am guessing you are talking about a seasonal BLM Park Ranger position? Because BLM does NOT have seasonal law enforcement ranger positions like the NPS does...

[TJMS81]

If it's a BLM seasonal ranger position then it's not LE. good luck, it's definitely a path to getting your foot in the door.

[hunter2good]

I am guessing you are talking about a seasonal BLM Park Ranger position? Because BLM does NOT have seasonal law enforcement ranger positions like the NPS does...

If it's a BLM seasonal ranger position then it's not LE. good luck, it's definitely a path to getting your foot in the door.

yes it is! It would be a GREAT oppurtunity for me to get my feet in the door. The interview went well... but the only thing Im facing as of now is not being on the hiring list:( It shows that Ive applied for the GS-03,04 but not the 05 in which the supervisor requested. Even though my application shows that I have applied for the 05 it doesnt show it on the BLM papers, so I hopefully will be on the next list as of June 1st. And or if the supervisor can ask for a GS-04 list... Keeping my fingers crossed!!:)

[wildlife97]

yes it is! It would be a GREAT oppurtunity for me to get my feet in the door. The interview went well... but the only thing Im facing as of now is not being on the hiring list:( It shows that Ive applied for the GS-03,04 but not the 05 in which the supervisor requested. Even though my application shows that I have applied for the 05 it doesnt show it on the BLM papers, so I hopefully will be on the next list as of June 1st. And or if the supervisor can ask for a GS-04 list... Keeping my fingers crossed!!:)

Where is the location? Because the only temp LE gig BLM had for the summer was a student scep position in Colorado and they never hired anyone. All of the BLM Park Ranger gigs open right now are non-LE.

[GB0610]

Where is the location? Because the only temp LE gig BLM had for the summer was a student scep position in Colorado and they never hired anyone. All of the BLM Park Ranger gigs open right now are non-LE.
yes, thats what he is saying, non-LE.

There are folks hired out of the park ranger line of work for LE.

[hunter2good]

:( looks like it may not go through now...:( the supervisor requested a list that I wasnt on, and the agency shows I was on the next one down. So I talked to the supervisor and informed him about the situation. He said that he had to go off that list, and now there were vets in front of me. I informed him that he can request another list after the cutoff date and or request the next level down to have my name shown on the list. He said he would get back to me sometime this week and see what he can do... :( well see

[GreenLine]

I believe he can only request another cert list if there is no qualified individual on the current one - or if the current list expires (usually 90 days) without a selection being made. And it must not have been made for a good reason. Either way, if there's a qualified vet in front of you, you'd going to be facing an uphill battle, I'm afraid. But stay persistent. That's the only way to really get hired.

[hunter2good]

I believe he can only request another cert list if there is no qualified individual on the current one - or if the current list expires (usually 90 days) without a selection being made. And it must not have been made for a good reason. Either way, if there's a qualified vet in front of you, you'd going to be facing an uphill battle, I'm afraid. But stay persistent. That's the only way to really get hired.

well i found out the supervisor requested a GS-4 list also, so now its a waitin game to see who all is in front of me. Thats just it, there maybe vets infront of me, but how qualified for the position they are i dont no. Im keeping my fingers crossed though... i also found out the supervisor im keeping in contact with is leaving for a couple of weeks:( and may be passing on the list to another employee... I will not give up about this! i would love a job oppurtunity such as this!!

[TJMS81]

Congrats on making the referral list. Now, you need to make the interview list which is personal preference of the hiring official. Not trying to dash your dreams, just trying to keep everything in perspective for you. If this doesn't go through, keep plugging away. Took me 8 years to move over into LE although it only took 15 months of seasonal work to get my permanent status.

Good luck!

[southwest]

Hi i just saw the new announcement for Law enforcement Ranger on usajobs.com. I see they are currently hiring for GL05/07, I'm currently at fletc in the CBP academy. I'm seriously considering applying, can any BLM rangers chime in on your daily work day?

Also would anybody out there happen to know if the Yuma Office would be hiring any time soon. At my previous job I spent every day out near the Kofa Reserve I really enjoyed it. I had the chance to talk to a ranger, but I really didn't have time to ask her a lot of questions.

I know this career is hard to land; what would my chances be to get hired?
I had an EMT-B license, I let it lapse, an AA degree with some course in environmental science, and I'm almost done with CBP academy.
thanks for your help

[TJMS81]

Yuma Office has two trainees in LMPT right now. One graduates on Thursday and the other is in 907. They are full up right now but El Centro is always hiring. Try there and move to your desired location after putting some time in. Good luck.

[wildlife97]

Like GB said, bolster your resume now...get First responder or EMT, get your red card for fire, do ride-alongs, volunteer, network...everything you can to get your name and a positive vibe associated with it out there. Good luck.

Do ride alongs really help with federal agencies like the BLM? I know they can help with state & local agencies, but with how many applicants the BLM gets can a ride along/many ride alongs with BLM LE Rangers really be that significant in the end?

[TJMS81]

Any experience will not hurt your chances...no matter what the agency.

[wildlife97]

I came in as a park ranger with the Army Corps of Engineers. Some citation authority but definitely not the same type of enforcement. Like GB said, bolster your resume now...get First responder or EMT, get your red card for fire, do ride-alongs, volunteer, network...everything you can to get your name and a positive vibe associated with it out there. Good luck.

I have the opportunity to get a EMT-B certification as well as my Red Card for fire. I was just wondering if the fed natural resource agencies (USFS, BLM, USFWS) will really look hard at a candidate just because they have one of those certifications? I guess what I am asking is if it is worth the $ or not.

Also I've ridden with a couple BLM LE Rangers who have said to try and volunteer with BLM LE at big events such as Burning Man, and holiday weekends down in the So Cal desert. How would I go about doing this and do you know of anyone who got a BLM LE job because they volunteered at these events? Thanks

[DDixon1000]

[QUOTE=w
BLM is definately the hardest Natural Resource LE gig to get. All new hires will be in the Southern California desert when hired. You might see openings in Oregon, Washington or Idaho however those will quickly get filled with transfers from inside the agency. Which then causes openings in So Cal. Most people just don't like working areas like El Centro or Needles.[/QUOTE]

Not true had two friends hired last year each with under 5 years LEO experience at the local lever, no fed time, and they put in and received Arizona.