How can the NPS be taken seriously if they aren't allowing free speech?

I am 26 and a bit stuck in life. I want to go back to school and I’m looking into different career paths. I keep coming back to the idea of working outdoors in conservation and environmentalism.

I keep getting park ranger when I google it, but I’m a bit apprehensive to get into a law enforcement field (I don’t think I’d be a right fit). Also I have a desk job now and realizing I hate it so would want to avoid roles that are more office jobs. I know there are other NPS jobs that are in the field, but idk what they would be called to do more research?

What types of jobs exist in this area of work?

I would be happy doing maintenance, sample collecting, speaking to school groups. Stuff like that. Which positions focus on that kind of work?

Also I’m sure it’s competitive right now (as is with most work) but is it like impossible bad?

I’m aware it’s a lot of seasonal work and a lot of relocation depending on what is needed where. I think I could be good at that. Like I mentioned I’m just trying to get an idea so I can see if it would be a goal to work towards.

Any insights are appreciated!

Our updated prototype is a completely free and open-source travel/mapping app for all platforms. It will have the following features:

• Fully offline map with all trails, roads, and amenities in the park, which updates with your current location. 
• At the entrance of the park, you tap your phone onto an NFC terminal (similar to Clipper Card Stations), which verifies the app and necessary maps/trails are downloaded. This functionality will help to count park visitors while keeping them safe. 
• Live Activities (live updates without login) that show the current location and the trail you are on. It will also include the direction to continue to stay on the trail.
• Automatically downloads Maps / Trails within a 30-mile radius when you enter the park.

 

https://preview.redd.it/dfwd8w8sxzwg1.png?width=709&format=png&auto=webp&s=049fed1561f48ca8b37af85628a98bcbc98582b4

• Critical Alert (similar to an Amber Alert) when you go off trail (can be disabled at any time)
• There will be a setting that you can enable that will contact saved contacts or authorities if you don’t leave the park at the time you expected or are stranded/isolated.

  

Please let us know if you have any thoughts, ideas, questions, or concerns with this prototype. We appreciate your feedback and are interested in your ideas. Thank you in advance! 

Hello, I’m a soon-to-be graduate with an amazing scientists in parks internship lined up. I was more excited than anything to accept the offer and it’s supposed to start late this summer. However, with all the recent news about budget cuts I’m worried that it’ll get canceled before I can even start. I’m in the background check stage now, and I’m wondering how well founded those fears are. Any other SIPs feeling this way?

Background

1. What is your role in the park?
2. How do visitors usually navigate trails here (maps, phones, signage, memory, ranger guidance)?
3. About how often do visitors get lost or disoriented each year?

Current Challenges

1. What does your park currently do to prevent people from getting lost?
2. What do you see as the main reasons visitors lose their way?
3. When someone is reported missing, what does the response typically look like?

Prototype Concept

We are exploring a simple handheld device that uses GPS to find a user’s location and point them toward the nearest trail using LED lights.

1. What is your initial reaction to this idea?
2. Would this kind of light-based direction be clear for visitors?
3. What concerns or limitations do you see with a device like this?

Use & Value

1. In what situations or environments might this be most or least useful?
2. Who do you think would benefit most from something like this?
3. From your perspective, how realistic would it be for a park service to test or adopt a tool like this?

Hello all! My husband and I are moving across the country (CA to AL) and we are moving a good bit of houseplants. Nothing outside and they are all naturally treated for pests. I know the basic rules about bringing them into parks such as not planting, leaving cuttings, bringing seeds/spores, etc. We have two separate cars, and will only have plants in one. We’re planning to camp as well so it may be an overnight thing.

My question is: can we even get into a national park with plants in the car? We’re specifically staying in Grand Canyon and Petroglyphs for the national park areas, possibly Hot Springs.We can leave the car with plants outside if necessary but we don’t want to. Please let me know your recommendations and tips!!