The Importance of Professional Development
Message From The Director
Park Rangers: Social, Curious, and Always Learning
If you’ve ever met a park ranger, you know they’re some of the most social and naturally curious people out there. That curiosity and genuine interest in people—and the world around them—is what makes them so good at their jobs. But here’s a little secret: it’s not just personality that makes a great ranger. It’s training and professional development.
Rangers are always looking for ways to improve themselves, enhance the visitor experience, and better protect the resources they steward. So, what does that training look like? The answer is as diverse as the rangers themselves. Interpretive Rangers often join professional organisations like the South Carolina Federation of Museums, Southeastern Museums Conference, and the National Association of Interpretation. They attend specialised training, earn certifications, and even present at conferences. Maintenance-focused rangers might train on heavy equipment, pursue chainsaw certifications, CDL licensing, and learn trades like electrical, plumbing, and carpentry. Engineering staff keep up with continuing education to maintain certifications, while others dive into leadership, project management, and nationally accredited programs.
Curious about how these trainings impact real careers? A few of our team members volunteered to share their stories, and trust us, they’re worth the read.
"Participating in external trainings such as the Associate Public Manager and the State Park Leadership School made a real difference in how I approach my role. These experiences helped me think more clearly under pressure and prioritise what matters most for both guests and staff. I’ve met incredible peers through these programs—people I continue to exchange ideas with—which has broadened my perspective and strengthened my communication. I now approach challenges with greater confidence and clarity, and I’m grateful for the support to pursue these opportunities."
--Jon Greider, Lakes Region Chief
"Continuing education is very important for my profession. Not only is it required to maintain my Professional Engineer’s license, but it can also provide opportunities to learn about the current environment of the construction industry, discover new methods and products, and provide additional knowledge that may be beneficial for future construction projects. Different classes are available, ranging from product demonstrations, lectures on changes in design and construction methods, and learning about updated building codes. Having to take these classes on a recurring basis and accumulate the required amount of Professional Development hours enables us to have access to the latest information and ensures that we are up to date on industry practices. In turn, this allows us to be better equipped to solve some of the many issues that develop within our agency."
—Johnathon Kent, Engineer
"Education, training, and professional development are essential to the success of both employees and the agency as a whole. Training and conferences not only foster the generation of new ideas but also provide invaluable networking opportunities that help build lasting professional relationships. These experiences allow staff to step away from their daily routines, reflect on current practices, celebrate what’s working well, and identify areas for improvement. Ultimately, they serve as a reset button that reinvigorates motivation and strengthens our collective ability to achieve the agency’s mission."
—Kirby Brady, Park Manager
"In 2023 and 2024, I had the privilege of attending America’s State Parks Leadership School in Wheeling, West Virginia. Being selected from among our agency’s outstanding staff was incredibly meaningful—it showed that my supervisors believed in my potential. The program covered a wide range of leadership topics, including conscious communication, accountability, business management, and principles of leadership. The classes were highly engaging, encouraging discussion and collaboration on challenges we face and the solutions we’ve applied. Some of my biggest takeaways from the experience included understanding that there is often more than one way to resolve problems or conflicts, gaining new perspectives on working with staff and coworkers, and learning the value of active listening. The course significantly contributed to my professional development as a supervisor, providing insight and a fresh perspective on how to lead and support my team. I believe any opportunity for training, classes, or mentorship is invaluable and worth pursuing."
—Matthew Malovic, Construction Manager
"Continuing education and professional development are integral to the world of interpretation. When we share the work we do and learn from others about the work they do we are able to grow our perspectives, deepen our understanding of difficult topics, and better connect visitors to the information they seek. The world of interpretation is constantly evolving and showing us new methods for things like how to increase accessibility or update terminology to most accurately explain things. When organisations invest in the professional development of their people, they are able to stay relevant and at the forefront of creating interesting programs, events, and exhibits that keep the public invested and interested in places like Redcliffe."
—Ashley Rust, Park Manager
Bringing It All Together
There’s a common thread running through every story and observation: professional development isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about opening doors. It gives Rangers the chance to hear fresh perspectives, challenge outdated ideas, and strengthen connections within the outdoor industry. It creates networking opportunities that pay off in shared experiences and innovative solutions.
Knowledge alone is powerful, but when combined with real-world application—testing theories, learning from others’ results, and engaging in dialogue with leaders in the field—it becomes transformative. That’s the true value of professional development.
So next time you chat with a Ranger, ask them what they’ve learned lately. The answer might surprise you—and inspire you too.
JER
