U.S. Forest Service Officer Duties

The United States Forest Service employs more than 30,000 people in a variety of jobs. Both park rangers and law enforcement officers provide protection, guidance to visitors, and natural resource law enforcement opportunities.

Investigation and Patrols

• Law enforcement officers and park ranger often patrol and protect national parks and forests.

  One of the primary duties of a US Forest Service law enforcement office is to patrol and investigate crimes against and in national parks. This role includes search and rescue missions when accidents happen.

Educational Outreach

• Park Ranger teach not just in classrooms, but also in the great outdoors.

  Both law enforcement offers as well as park rangers run and participate in educational outreach and learning opportunities within national parks as well as in schools and other civic institutions

Interpretive Services

• Providing the opportunity to experience nature is park of a Forest Service officer's duties.

  Part of a park ranger's duty is to help visitors at national parks interpret what they see, hear, and feel as a way to better connect with the outdoors. Interpretation of nature includes giving tours, answering questions from school children and providing additional context around park history.