Ranger Mary Mulligan

Currently serving as a Park Ranger II at Myrtle Beach State Park, Mary Mulligan brings a unique blend of experience, enthusiasm, and adaptability to her role, making her a valued member of the park team and a prime example of what it means to serve both people and place.

Originally from Zionsville, Indiana, Mary grew up loving the outdoors, and by middle school, she knew she wanted to be a park ranger. Still, her career began along a different path. After earning a double major in Aviation Management and Unmanned Systems from Indiana State University with a minor in Oceanography, Mary spent five years in project management and safety for an aircraft manufacturer.

Although successful in the aviation industry, Mary knew something was missing. “I worked in a corporate job in Indianapolis right after graduation and knew it wasn’t for me,” she says. A move to South Carolina in 2024 gave her the fresh start she was looking for. “I decided that this was my chance to make anything of my career,” she said. When she saw an opening for a seasonal assistant ranger at Huntington Beach State Park, she took the leap.

That leap quickly became a launch. Mary was promoted to Off-Park Ranger at Myrtle Beach State Park, and just a few months later, she promoted to Park Ranger II. Though relatively new to the South Carolina Park Service, she has already embraced a broad range of responsibilities. As the park’s safety officer, Mary oversees monthly safety inspections, reviews accident and incident reports, and helps implement corrective actions when needed. She’s also involved in hiring and training new assistant rangers, a role that’s helped her grow her leadership and personnel management skills.

Her work doesn’t stop there. “We also do a lot of customer service at this park,” she explains. “Which can be good or bad, but always exciting.” She’s also enjoyed gaining hands-on experience in everything from plumbing and electrical to operating heavy equipment like chainsaws and backhoes.

Mary finds fulfillment in both the variety and purpose of her work. “In my previous position, I was in an office every day and didn’t feel like I was doing anything. I enjoy the work here. It’s so beautiful and I feel accomplished at the end of every day.” She’s especially passionate about the legacy of South Carolina’s Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)-built parks and the balance they offer between recreation and conservation. “I enjoy the concept of balancing the demands of an ever-growing population with the conservation and protection of our natural resources,” she says.

For Mary, Myrtle Beach State Park’s urban, high-traffic setting is part of the appeal. “We see people from all over the world! It’s the best job ever.” That diversity also brings a lot of memorable encounters. "It’s something new every single day. Everyone is so different but so similar," she says.

When asked to sum up her job in one phrase, Mary says: “Stewardship and service.” It reflects both her personal values and her day-to-day duties.

Mary is not an Ultimate Outsider just yet, but she is well on her way. “I have had the opportunity to visit a lot of parks over the last year for work and fun,” she says. “I have been to Oconee, Devil’s Fork, Edisto, Charles Towne Landing, Myrtle and Huntington (of course), Lansford Canal, Hickory Knob, Sesquicentennial, and Cheraw. My list is growing!”

When asked if she would recommend becoming a park ranger, Mary doesn’t hesitate. “I love being a park ranger at Myrtle Beach State Park,” she says. “Every park has its quirks, and you can find a niche and grow as a ranger. If you love the outdoors, enjoy doing a variety of tasks, and feel confident stepping up in challenging situations, this is the job for you.” Mary encourages those considering a career in parks to explore the diversity of offerings across the system and find the park that best fits their interests and skills.

Though her career began in aviation, Ranger Mary Mulligan has found her place in parks. “People are always telling me that if they could go back in time, they would do anything to be a park ranger or that this was always their dream job,” she reflects. “I feel like I am totally living my dream, too.”

 Thank you, Mary, 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!