Job Title: Park Ranger, Assistant Park Manager

Organization: Maryland Park Service at Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park (HTUGRR)

Career Overview: The job of the park ranger varies by park, Crenshaw’s main goal as a park ranger is to provide the “Harriet Tubman Experience '' to those who visit the park. HTUGRR commemorates Tubman’s legacy as a leader and freedom-finder through an engaging, informative and emotive exhibit. The combination of the largely unchanged landscape and the historical site provides a way for visitors to relate and experience the Underground Railroad and Tubman’s life. Ranger Crenshaw relates Tubman’s story to visitors, adding layers of meaning based on the visitor’s questors. With years of experience, she can sense what a visitor aims to get out of the park and she greets them at the door. The job of a ranger extends beyond direct visitor interaction. Rangers must be a “Jack or Jill of all trades'' in order to provide a safe, clean, and user-friendly park.

A Day on The Job: During the busy summer months Ranger Crenshaw will facilitate the Junior Ranger program at her park, which engages youth with Tubman’s story and leads them through the fundamentals of stewardship and environmental education. Ranger Crenshaw also works with Park Quest, a program that engages families in outdoor activities and adventures, while exploring Maryland’s State Parks. She designs and plans these programs during the less busy, winter months. These programs are similar to scavenger hunts and keep people coming back for new experiences within the same park.

Skills Needed: Rangers need to be able to think on their feet, be able to work well with others.

Education: Bachelor's Degree is required to be a park ranger.

Experience and Training: A bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and years of experience in DNR.

Personal Career Path: Ranger Crenshaw originally pursued a career in environmental law before coming to Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources, where she started working for the Department of Boater Services.

Pay and Job Outlook: The role of the park ranger will never be replaced by automation because machines can’t reproduce humanity. Machines can't emote or think on their feet like a person can. So, the outlook is good. The pay is livable, depending on one’s chosen lifestyle. There are benefits beyond the salary, such as the agency/freedom given to employees, respect and flexible time off. Knowing that the important work is rewarding and fulfilling.

Favorite and Most Challenging Aspect of the Job: Ranger Crenshaw’s favorite parts of her job are the Junior Ranger and Park Quest Programs, as well as her supportive team. She greatly enjoys working with caring bosses and coworkers. She aims to balance her staff’s skills and interests, which is challenging. Other challenges of her job include having the fortitude to cope with the emotional demands of her work. HTUGRR deals with seriously important, difficult topics. Ranger Crenshaw’s greatest challenge is to handle situations with the gravity they deserve.

Advice for Young Professionals: Ranger Crenshaw advises to find your gift and use it, find a place that you love to work and to work with helpful and supportive people.