Our rangers play a vital role in managing Tasmania's reserve estate and conserving its natural, cultural and heritage values for all to enjoy.
This World Ranger Day (Thursday 31 July) we recognise the work they do across the state, from our world-renowned alpine regions to the Bass Strait Islands and as far south as Macquarie Island.
Dominique Couzens has 31 years of ranger experience. She started her career as a ranger in Queensland for six years before moving south to take up her job at Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service for the past 25 years.
Dominique is currently ranger in charge at the Scottsdale Field Centre and responsible for managing the North-East Coast and the Kent Group of islands. She previously spent two years managing Flinders Island.
“I love the diversity of landscapes within Tasmania, our natural and cultural heritage and sharing that with visitors," she said.
“One of the highlights of my job is working in a coastal environment as well as some incredible inland forest areas. It's a privilege to manage an archipelago of islands known as Kent Group national park that has incredible landscapes and history."
The work of a ranger is varied and includes a mix of office and field-based work. Dominique is responsible for managing projects and volunteers in the region, as well as responding to fires and undertaking a broad range of maintenance tasks.
She is a strong advocate for university studies and the sound background it provides in managing Australian landscapes. She also encourages aspiring rangers to join their local fire brigade and hone their skills as a volunteer firefighter.
So, what traits and characteristics are required to make a good ranger?
“Someone who is happy and loves their job," Dominique said.
“Someone who can multitask and be skilled across all aspects of a ranger's role - the ability to understand the balance between sharing our natural wonders and protecting and conserving our reserve estate and Tasmanian heritage values."
World Ranger Day is held each year to recognise the work of park rangers and to reflect on those rangers who have lost their lives or been injured in the line of duty.
Ranger Dominique Couzens holding a baby wombat