Ranger Daniel Bailey

In just a few short years,  Daniel Bailey has already made a significant impact in South Carolina’s state parks. Currently serving as Senior Park Ranger at Lake Greenwood State Park, Daniel brings a passion for both the outdoors and historical preservation to his work. Born and raised in Travelers Rest, SC, his journey to becoming a park ranger began with a love for the outdoors that started early in life.

“I knew I wanted to be in the outdoor field since high school,” Daniel recalls. However, his path to becoming a park ranger wasn’t entirely clear at first. It wasn’t until he completed an internship at Paris Mountain State Park that he realized his future career. “That’s when I fell in love with this career path. I grew up camping and enjoying the outdoors, but being a park ranger never crossed my mind until then.” He credits the incredible rangers and staff he worked with during his internship for deepening his love for the profession.

With a background in Environmental Biology from North Greenville University, Daniel officially began his career with South Carolina State Parks in 2021. Since then, he’s worked in several parks, starting as an assistant ranger at Paris Mountain and later taking on the role of Maintenance Supervisor for the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, which includes Jones Gap and Caesars Head state parks. He was promoted to his current position at Lake Greenwood in June 2024.

As Senior Park Ranger, Daniel oversees much of the park’s day-to-day operations, from managing staff schedules and payroll to working on large maintenance projects. "The best part of my job is the park visitors," he says. Daniel enjoys engaging with campers and visitors, often opting to walk through the campground instead of driving on the weekends. “Whether it’s a repeat customer or someone new, I always make sure to stop by and say hello. Public engagement and customer service are the keystones of our jobs, as that is what continues to bring folks back out to our parks.”

Daniel’s job also comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the hardest tasks he’s encountered is search and rescue operations. “Search and rescues require long hours and lots of critical planning to work with numerous outside agencies,” he explains. While the work can be difficult, Daniel finds it incredibly rewarding, knowing that these efforts help others in times of need.

When asked which park he’s enjoyed working at the most, Daniel is quick to mention Paris Mountain State Park. Having grown up visiting the park, it holds a special place in his heart. “The atmosphere and coworkers I worked alongside made it that much more special.”

As for the future, Daniel hopes to become an Ultimate Outsider, with Poinsett State Park high on his list of places to visit, particularly for its hiking trails and Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) history. His passion for the CCC’s work is evident. “I have spent many days strolling through the woods looking for old CCC structures, camps, artifacts, and evidence. I always enjoy sharing the knowledge I’ve learned with other park employees and visitors.”

When asked what advice he’d give to someone interested in becoming a park ranger, Daniel offers practical wisdom. “I would say to get involved with the parks as soon as you can, get a temporary position working in the summers or a part-time position. This experience is what will help drive your career.” Summing up his job, Daniel says, “No two days alike, always a new adventure.”

For those considering a career as a park ranger, Daniel’s experience and love for the parks are inspiring. “I would encourage anyone interested in the outdoors and looking for a non-traditional job to apply. We are truly living the dream.”

Thank you, Daniel, for your hard work and dedication to the state park service! Think you might be interested in a job with the South Carolina State Park Service? Click here to see our current, full-time job openings!