Whether responding to a bushfire, protecting our built and natural heritage, or wrangling a toilet brush, every day is a new challenge in the life of a park ranger.
Michael Febey, a Field Officer based at the West Coast Field Centre has more than a decade of experience under his belt.
Michael developed an appreciation for Tassie's wild places through his love of bushwalking, especially around high elevation locations.
“It wasn't always the career path I set out on, although I'm glad I found it," he said.
“The role was a good fit, as I developed an appreciation and fondness for spending time in the unique places we look after.
“This appreciation predominantly came from bushwalking in these places over the years.
“The natural progression came from wanting to work and play my part in looking after the areas in which I enjoy spending my time in, particularly the higher elevation areas of Tasmania."
So, what does an average day look like for a ranger?
“Given the area we look after on the West Coast, it could be spent out on Macquarie Harbour managing and protecting heritage sites or we could be maintaining public access so that others can appreciate the history of such sites," Michael said.
“Alternately, you may find us undertaking weed management, general track work or responding to emergency incidents such as bushfires and whale strandings.
“A big component of the job is the preparation and planning that happens behind-the-scenes. This can involve liaising with stakeholders, undertaking Reserve Activity Assessments (RAA's) and applying for Grants of Authority to undertake certain activities.
“At some point in a rangers' day to day duties, it will involve holding the end of a toilet scrubbing brush, which come in many different shapes and sizes depending on the job!"
PWS Field Officer Michael Febey tackling blazes on the fire ground
Like all jobs, being a ranger comes with its own set of challenges.
“Even between different rangers, the challenges are varied," Michael said.
“Those who've worked in remote areas will understand that resources required for a task aren't always on hand when you need them, so sometimes you have to adapt and come up with creative solutions.
“Communication challenges also come in different forms. This may be as simple as geographical constraints and not being able to contact someone via phone/radio or you may have difficulty trying to convey the importance of certain works/projects to others unfamiliar with the area."
Despite its challenges, Michael says being able to work in an area like this is incredibly special. With its varied landscapes and remoteness, ranging from unique and important reserves on mountaintops to rugged coastlines along the Southwest Conservation Area, there's simply no other place like it on Earth.
What traits or characteristics are required to be a good ranger?
"Being inventive and adaptive are two key characteristics that come to mind," Michael said.
“There's always an unknown just around the corner that can change the scope of a job or require a different approach to achieve the desired outcome.
“I would encourage someone to make the most of any opportunities that come their way.
“The ranger profession includes a great deal of diversity, meaning a rewarding career can be found in different places, undertaking many different duties, in some spectacular environments."