Requirements for Entry Level Park Rangers
Requirements for Entry Level Park Rangers
When you read the National Park Service vacancy announcements for law enforcement park rangers (GS-05 and GS-07), the qualifications usually require successful completion of the Seasonal Law Enforcement Training Program (SLETP), which makes one eligible for a Level II law enforcement commission (for more information about commissions, check out the NPS Law Enforcement Policy).
(SLETP) was first developed in 1977 to prepare the seasonal park ranger to perform basic law enforcement functions in the National Park Service. The training program is only offered at the nine schools across the country. The core required program consists of 334 class hours. Each program varies.
The Level II commission enables the bearer to carry firearms, make arrests, investigate violations of the Code of Federal Regulations and assist in the execution of warrants.
They do not authorize seasonal rangers to investigate felonious crimes.
Some state and municipal law enforcement agencies also accept this training for commissioning purposes.
However, the National Park Service does NOT recognize state or municipal law enforcement training programs. SLETP is a requirement -- no way around it.
After graduating from SLETP, you must also pass a background investigation, drug testing and medical screening before you're com-missioned.
efore you invest the time and money to attend SLETP, carefully review the NPS medical standards for commissioned rangers.
And of course, there's the age requirements.
Educate yourself before you spend any money to get trained!!
