Being a park ranger is more than helping Smokey the Bear prevent forest fires.
NOC Enid social science student Carson Combest will take a job as a summer ranger with the United States Army Corps of Engineers at Kaw Lake.
Combest, an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America, was introduced to the job through one of his instructors.
Combest’s supervisor and lead ranger of the Kaw Lake Project, Dakota Allison, will direct Combest in collecting data, operating equipment and communicating with the general public.
“Carson will have a variety of duties to assist the operation and maintenance of the Kaw Lake Project, but specifically his responsibility is to patrol the project land and waters to ensure regulation compliance, public safety, environmental protection, and to assist the visiting public,” Allison said.
The Kaw Lake Project is a pipeline project for flood control, water supply, water quality, recreation and fish and wildlife.
The pipeline project is expected to be completed within the next five to seven years, according to the City of Enid website. Currently, phase one of the pipeline project is underway.
Park rangers, who generally work for municipal parks departments, state park systems or for the nation park service may have job duties that encompass law enforcement or protective services.
“I hope to gain life skills and experience from a job that has always been on my list of dream jobs. This will allow me to use my training as an Eagle Scout and as a current EMT student to better help those using the lake and its areas,” Combest said.
Combest’s education at NOC Enid and his Scouts appointment has helped him prepare for the ranger assignment and future jobs.
“We hope all of our temporary employees take away an understanding of the Corps mission and the value we serve to the nation,” Allison said.
For more information about internships or service learning opportunities, call Dr. Rae Ann Kruse at 580.628.6341.
Next time you visit a state park or lake, know that a lot of behind the scenes work is put in to keeping those areas clean, safe and protected for you and your family.
And remember, only you can prevent forest fires.