Game Ranger
OFO No:
What is a Game Ranger?
In South Africa, FIELD GUIDE and GAME RANGER are sometimes the same job.
They do, however, have different job descriptions.
The Game Ranger
A Game Ranger is responsible for the management of the game reserve. They work with ecologists, game reserve and wildlife managers.
They manage animal populations and check for diseases. They are in charge of road maintenance, fencing, water, erosion control, alien plant control, etc etc.
The Field Guide
A Field Guide talks and works with guests. They are responsible for providing guided tours, in the parks or game reserves – on foot or in 4×4 vehicles.
On many reserves, the Field Guide assists the Game Ranger.
What does a Game Ranger do?
- they manage nature reserves in a sustainable manner
- they study, take notes and report on natural happenings in the park
- they collect samples and related information
- they make sure park rules are obeyed
- they control threats, for example poaching
- they promote and protect all natural resources eg water
- they educate the public
- they talk to local communities
Are you … ?
- passionate about nature?
- a person who loves animals?
- able to handle animals with care?
- a hiker? a walker? a climber?
- fit and healthy?
- a person who can live in remote places, away from the big city?
- organised and hard working?
- a person with good communication skills?
- peoples’-person: Can you manage a group of visitors?
- calm under pressure?
How do I become a Game Ranger?
Some privately owned game farms and colleges offer courses in Game Ranging.
Kruger National Park, in conjunction with Pathfinders, offers a course.
- TSHWANE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
- NELSON MANDELA METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY
Both offer a 3 year National Diploma in Game Ranch Management.
Minimum entry requirements:
National Senior Certificate meeting diploma entry
Contact the institutions directly to enquire about any additional entry requirements.
- ECO-TRAINING
Phone (031) 745 7777
For more information on Game Ranging, it would be useful to visit the link http://www.gameranger.org/
TRAINING:
- CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
- Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
- To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education.
- CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.
OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Nature Guide … or … Park Ranger
Is becoming a Game Ranger the right career choice for me?