Park Manager Noah Letter

Noah Letter grew up in the mountains of Vermont and made his way to Wahalla, South Carolina. He continued south to graduate from the College of Charleston with a degree in Anthropology. Letter further advanced his schooling with Archaeological Field School from the University of York (UK). He started his work with the South Carolina State Park Service as a volunteer at Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site. It was during his tenure as a volunteer that Letter decided he wanted to be a park ranger. He went on to move up through the park service as a ranger at Goodale, Santee and Sesquicentennial state parks before becoming the manager of Lake Warren State Park. Most recently, Letter was promoted to become the manager of Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site, the place where his love of the park service began. 

We asked Letter what preparation he had to go through for his job and found his answer most insightful. He says: “I personally had college classes and practical hands-on experience.  Regardless of what career path one chooses, any volunteer work, internship and first-hand experience one can get would be helpful.  It will not only give actual experience, but also provide insight to a potential career.” His work as a volunteer at Colonial Dorchester has come full circle, as part of his role as manager at Colonial Dorchester includes overseeing the archaeologist, maintenance position and volunteers. The park is home to public archaeology programs that allow volunteers to help uncover its history.

Letter finds the appreciation visitors have of parks to be the most satisfying thing about his job. “We are so lucky to have the opportunity to play a role in the stewardship and interpretation of these resources,” he said. When asked if he would encourage others to become a park ranger Letter said: “Absolutely!  Becoming a park ranger was one of my best decisions.  It involves a lot of hard work but is very rewarding. Park Ranger is not, simply, a job title- it is a lifestyle!” Thank you, Ranger Noah, for all your work for the South Carolina State Park Service!