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To mark World Ranger Day, which is recognised worldwide annually on 31st July, the Tasmanian Government has spotlighted the important role played by Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service staff in managing the State’s 800 reserves including 19 National Parks.

Tasmanian Minister for Parks and Environment, Nick Duigan, said the Tasmanian Government joins with other Parks Services across the globe to mark World Ranger Day as a day to recognise the work of Park Rangers and a day to reflect on those Rangers who have lost their lives or have been injured in the line of duty.

Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) employs rangers in various roles at field centres and remote locations across the state including rangers in charge, Aboriginal rangers and discovery and wilderness rangers.

​They play an important role in managing Tasmania's reserve estate working across all areas of the state and as far south as Macquarie Island.

Minister Duigan noted “our Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service staff work across nearly three million hectares, which is close to 50% of Tasmania’s land area, an area that also includes the globally significant Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

“Our Rangers are pivotal in protecting and presenting the natural, cultural and heritage values of our significant reserve estate for locals and visitors alike.

“I’d like to thank all of our skilled and dedicated Parks staff who are out there every day, boots on the ground, looking after Tassie’s significant and extensive natural environment.”

The Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service has staff deployed right across the state, and at the moment even overseas, with staff providing much needed assistance in fighting Canadian wildfires.

For World Ranger Day 2024 Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service has shined the spotlight on two of their incredible frontline rangers - Kate Burton and Luke Gadd -sharing more than 45 years of combined experience between them.

Kate Burton has been ranger in charge at Cradle Mountain for the past decade, while an initial short-term stint at Strahan for Luke Gadd grew into a rewarding, long-term career.

​ Burton has been a ranger for over 20 years in SA, NT, WA and Tasmania, with 10 of those as Ranger In Charge at Cradle Mt with PWS.

She fell in love with Tasmania after a holiday to hike the Overland Track as a university student.

“This kick-started my life's dream to work in national parks and ultimately the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area," Burton says. “Just took a slight detour to get here!

“Its a real privilege to contribute to the protection of some of the world's most incredible places - not just for the here and now, but hopefully for future generations to enjoy.

“As rangers, we are also very fortunate to be able to live 'on-park' and experience truly memorable locations and wildlife, and to pass on cultural legacies that are part of the behind-the-scenes of park management. “

Burton says that the more challenging aspects of the job are finding the balance between managing visitors to enjoy and appreciate our parks while protecting the natural and cultural values that makes them so special.

“And snow!!!"

She says that one of the enjoyable aspects of being a ranger is that there is no typical day.

“Its such varied and diverse work, ranging from firefighting, rescuing an injured walker, undertaking maintenance works on a heritage hut, wombat monitoring, installing a new section of walking track, and reviewing policies."

When asked what personal skills or qualities make a good ranger, she says a sense of humour, initiative and drive, loving working outdoors, and appreciation for the environment, a team player and the will to give anything a go.

“Anyone thinking about becoming a ranger should just do it. It will be the best decision you will make."

She says that she has too many career highlights to count.

“Usually anything involving a helicopter or wildlife are my most treasured memories. It is also really rewarding as a manager to help other rangers progress through the ranks."

Luke Gadd started work as a ranger with the PWS in November 1998, based in Strahan on a six week contract.

“The agency has struggled to get rid of me ever since," says Gadd. “That makes over 25 years!"

Gadd grew up on a farm that bounded a National Park and many of his early memories involve being out in the environment. He had no idea about how become a ranger until he left school.

“I then struck it lucky by finding a university degree and post graduate studies focussed on land management, which inspired me, and thankfully qualified me, to seek a role with the PWS."

His favourite aspect of the role is summed up in one word: diversity.

“You never know what is going to come up on any given day. I don't think there is any such thing as a 'typical' day for a ranger, unless it's being stuck in the office doing admin or planning in between field work."

He says that the more challenging aspect of the job is maintaining a sustainable work/life balance.

“There have been many sacrifices made by my family while I have been absent for work over the years."

Gadd says a good ranger must have adaptability and a willingness to say yes to trying out new and diverse tasks, and be a jack of all trades, but master of none.

“Anyone considering a career as a ranger should say yes when an opportunity arises then think about the practicalities later. Suitable work motto would be 'what could possibly go wrong' and 'how hard can it be'..."

Gadd says it's really difficult to nominate one single standout experience or memory, there have been so many.

“Taking a lead role in the removal of feral cats on Tasman Island in 2010-11 leading to a bounce back in the birdlife is certainly one, spending time on Macquarie Island and participating in the removal of feral species there is another. Seldom in a career do we do something which has a significant long term environment benefit."​​

The Tasmanian Government has a track record of investing in Parks and Reserves, and that will continue under the 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future.

To find out more about working for the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service visit www.parks.tas.gov.au or to find a role www.jobs.tas.gov.au. 

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