Last Date to Apply for Forest Ranger and/or ECO Exam is Wednesday, October 5.
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| Forest Ranger Dominesey preparing a rescue litter for helping injured hikers |
Why I became a Forest Ranger — Megan Dominesey, Region 5 Adirondacks
“I have always enjoyed being outdoors and used to make my way up to the high peaks every weekend I could when I was in college. The moment I realized I wanted to be a NYS Forest Ranger came when I assisted on a rescue on Middle Saranac Lake in the spring of 2000. I learned during that rescue that not only did I have a passion for helping people during their worst moments, but I had the personality to handle that type of pressure as well.”
Why do you recommend a forest ranger career?
“Being a Forest Ranger tests all aspects of your character, mind and body. You are reminded every day that you are one of the few that are capable of all the aspects of this job as it presents different challenges every day.
I am so very grateful that I have a job that allows me to be in the Adirondacks, and be a part of the community in ways that allow me to connect with others on levels that would otherwise be unknown.”
What is the most rewarding part of the job?
“I always remember the people that I have helped, whether it’s the woman with a broken leg that I spent the night with in the woods (where we learned each other’s family history!) or the family members that I got to know during a search for their loved one..and everyone in between. We have impacted each other for life.”
