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Rangers who are scheduled to lead an educational activity should avoid responding to emergency
calls unless they are in such close proximity they cannot ignore them or if rangers can provide
immediate, critical first-aid, law enforcement, or fire responses. It cannot be determined how long
certain incidents will last; therefore, rangers committed to an educational activity may be unable to
respond to an emergency up to an hour before their program begins.

Education/Interpretive Duties

Interpretation is about inspiration. It works by revealing the larger truths that encompass simple
facts. Therefore, rangers must project an image of professionalism, knowledge, and courtesy at all
times. They must always strive to provide citizens with timely, accurate information and
competent assistance. Rangers are expected to continually strive to increase and enhance visitor
and community awareness and appreciation of the OSMP system while conducting formal and
informal contact and outreach activities.

In an educational or interpretive capacity, rangers are typically responsible for:
• Understanding the OSMP Department’s history, natural statistics, and related park rules and
regulations, and for conveying this information to visitors;
• Giving visitors private and group tours;

• Designing and implementing park lectures for schools and other community or social
groups;
• Preparing exhibits and informational materials;
• Developing conservation programs;
• Leading nature tours;
• Studying wildlife behavior;
• Teaching outdoors skills to build confidence and safety awareness; and
• Monitoring air and water quality.

Interpretive Aids
It is the education and outreach staff’s responsibility to prepare all audio-visual equipment, wildlife
mounts, and other interpretive presentation aids. Education and outreach staff will coordinate with
rangers to identify tools and materials that can be used to enhance the educational interpretative
experience. Appropriate interpretative aides include audio-visual equipment, wildlife mounts,
signage, and kinetic or sensory materials that help visitors better understand their environment as
well as the topic and its context within the OSMP system.

It is important that factual and relevant information be provided as part of the interpretive
experience; however, interpretive materials must also be designed to stimulate visitors on many
levels. By including pictures as well as text and ensuring that technical language is avoided, the vast
majority of visitors should find interpretive materials interesting and understandable. Visitors

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