Summer Ranger Signs on at Traralgon

Wednesday 19 December, 2012

Parks Victoria’s new crew of summer rangers has headed out to twenty six parks around the state to help out during the busy summer season. This year a total 38 recruits of both new and returning volunteers are working on a wide range of projects for the next three months.

Tina Konstantinidis has just started her duties in the Latrobe Valley parks, which is an excellent opportunity for her to explore her interest in cool temperate rainforest ecology, alpine vegetation and the Baw Baw tree frog. Tina already has diplomas of Sustainability and Conservation & Land Management from Swinburne TAFE, and is now enrolled in Wildlife and Conservation Biology at Deakin University.

 “Having some extra help is a real bonus at this time of year,” says Latrobe Ranger in Charge Andy Gillham “It helps us keep the parks running smoothly despite the growing number of visitors and campers coming here. Summer Rangers also help us run special activities for families and children which really adds to the holiday experience; they help everyone get the most out of their stay here,” he said.

Tina says she’s excited by the prospect of working in the park over summer.  “I’m really going to enjoy working in some of the most spectacular parks in Australia, and helping to control some of the weeds and feral animals that affect them.”

Summer Rangers benefit from their summer stint with Parks Victoria by learning both practical and management skills through a wide range of projects. For those aspiring to become full time rangers it’s also great hands on experience. Summer rangers are recruited through a partnership with Latrobe, Monash, Deakin, Swinburne and RMIT.