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Global Ranger Competencies

Open: 18.02.2022 - 04.03.2022

Dear Ranger!

Please help us define a list of competences needed by a professional ranger.
The Universal Ranger Support Alliance (URSA)* plans to produce a description that helps others, for example government officials and employers, as well as the general public, to understand the range and complexity of your jobs.

This is part of our work to establish ranger work as a globally recognised profession. The last review of ranger competences was more than 20 years ago, and ranger work has changed a lot since then
We have prepared a questionnaire that should take around 10 minutes to complete. Please follow this link and select the competences you consider important for rangers. You can also add competences that you think are missing from the list.

The questionnaire is available in several languages.
 
We will use your responses to propose a set of Universal Competences for Rangers, which will be circulated for further consultation before publication.
 
Many thanks!
 
*The Universal Ranger Support Alliance was launched in July 2020 as a collaborative initiative of eight conservation organisations, including the International Ranger Federation,  who have come together to support rangers globally. Visit www.ursa4rangers.org
This questionnaire is anonymous. However, we wish to assess how inclusive the process has been. Kindly complete the following questions:
1.In what country are you based for your work?(Required.)
2.In what region are you based for your work?(Required.)
3.What is your gender?(Required.)
4.What is your employment sector (choose one)?(Required.)
5.Do you consider yourself to be a ranger (or equivalent)?(Required.)
6.What is your job title?(Required.)
7.Do you identify as an Indigenous Person?(Required.)
8.Do you identify yourself as a member of a local community where you work?(Required.)
OPTIONAL
If you are interested in getting information about the Global Ranger Competences, please provide your name and email address.

9.Name
10.Email
What you have to do:
 
1. Please read each competence and decide if: 
A. All rangers everywhere need it 
B. Only some specialized rangers need it.
C. Only senior rangers/head rangers need it
D. No rangers need it.
 
2. At the end, please list any other competences that you think are important for rangers and assess them A, B or C.
A. THE RANGER'S WORK PLACE, ROLE AND JOB
11.Describe and identify the main natural values of the area (including those for which is was established and managed) and the threats they face.
Examples: Typical and important ecosystems, habitats, species  and natural features of the threats they face (e.g. invasive species, poaching, fire, pollution etc)(Required.)
12.Describe and identify the main human and cultural values of the area (including those for which is was established and managed) and the threats they face.
Examples: Main groups and communities residing in or near the area, using the area, and having rights in the area. Threats such as loss of livelihoods, loss of land and use rights, damage to local cultures and sacred sites). (Required.)
13.Describe the main strategies of the protected area and the ranger team to address the threats and manage the area.
Examples: According to the management plan of the area(Required.)
14.List and explain the specific duties, responsibilities and legal rights and obligations applying to rangers
Examples: Duties, laws and regulations, codes of conduct affecting the work of rangers.(Required.)
B. PLANNING, ADMINISTRATION AND DOCUMENTATION
15.Prepare strategies, plans, and operating procedures for ranger activities
Examples: According the responsibilities of the ranger team. For example overall protection and surveillance strategies, visitor management strategies, operational plans for patrols and other interventions, work plans, procedures for various activities /situations.(Required.)
16.Maintain written records of activities, expenditure, materials, equipment and supplies (written and/or electronic)
Examples: Documentation and filing. For example timesheets, log books, budgets, inventories, rosters, databases(Required.)
17.Prepare formal and official reports and documentation on ranger activities
Examples: Written and/or electronic reports for official use.(Required.)
18.Document patrols, incidents and practical field work activities (written and/or electronic)
Examples: Completing field note books, patrol report sheets , electronic data recorders, using official reporting protocols as required.(Required.)
C. MANAGING AND LEADING PEOPLE AND ACTIVITIES
19.Manage implementation of plans and work programmes for rangers
Examples: Organising work programmes and logistics. Planning personnel and resource needs. Report on progress.(Required.)
20.Supervise teams on field patrols and other assignments
Examples: Providing instructions and direction, ensuring completion of  tasks,  performance assessment(Required.)
21.Train, instruct and mentor rangers
Examples:  On-the-job instruction, feedback and support.(Required.)
22.Ensure welfare, safety and wellbeing of rangers and others in the workplace
Examples: Ensuring health, safety and welfare(Required.)
D. CONDUCTING PRACTICAL FIELD WORK
23.Work, navigate and travel safely and responsibly in the field/on the water
Examples: Navigation, GPS, health and safety, environmental care(Required.)
24.Complete practical tasks safely and correctly
Examples: Construction, landscaping, horticultural and silvicultural work, maintenance work.(Required.)
25.Conduct field observation and monitoring activities
Examples: Making and accurately recording observations according to requirements (e.g. of wildlife, visitors, threats, etc.)(Required.)
26.Correctly use and maintain equipment, facilities and materials provided for work
Examples: Proper use according to instructions, care and maintenance of uniforms and personal equipment, tools, instruments, technological aids, transportation, infrastructure etc.(Required.)
27.Respond correctly to accidents and emergencies
Examples: First aid.  Responses to fire, natural disasters, rescue and recovery, security threats(Required.)
E. CRIME PREVENTION, LAW ENFORCEMENT AND SECURITY
28.Conduct patrols and other ranger operations correctly
Examples: Patrols, inspections, monitoring and surveillance etc(Required.)
29.Identify signs of unauthorised activities and security threats in the field
Examples: Signs of illegal logging, poaching,  unauthorised access, unauthorised resource use; unexploded ordnance; extraction routes,  potential confrontations.(Required.)
30.Apply correct procedures for securing crime scenes and handling evidence of unauthorised activities.
Examples: Securing the crime scene, preserving evidence, reporting, taking photos.(Required.)
31.Apply correct procedures for interactions with suspects and perpetrators of illegal or unauthorised activities
Examples: Follow legal, ethical and safe procedures,
treat suspects correctly and legally(Required.)
32.Process formal actions in response to breaches of laws and regulations
Examples: Processing action in response to breaches of laws and regulations. Reports, statements, managing evidence, providing testimony etc.(Required.)
F. INTERACTING WITH OTHERS
33.Build and maintain good relations between ranger teams, communities and other stakeholder groups
Examples: Liaison, meetings, information sharing, joint planning, problem solving, community relations work etc.
(Required.)
34.Interact appropriately and respectfully with community members,  rights holders and other stakeholders
Examples: Appropriate respectful interaction with individuals and groups
Respect for cultures, values and valued places
(Required.)
35.Respond correctly and appropriately to interpersonal conflicts and disputes 
Examples: Avoid conflict, resolve arguments, prevent escalation of disputes within the ranger team, and with and between others groups and individuals
(Required.)
36.Respond correctly and appropriately to physical threats and attacks
Examples: To self and others. Within the limits of the rights, the law and approved operational procedures
(Required.)
G. VISITATION AND EDUCATION
37.Lead visitor activities
Examples: Providing basic information, guiding and supervising visitor activities
(Required.)
38.Operate visitor facilities and services
Examples: Gateways and control points, information points, other services provided to visitors
(Required.)
39.Lead educational and awareness activities
Examples: Making presentations, giving talks, hosting school and community visits.
(Required.)
H. PERSONAL CONDUCT AND ATTRIBUTES
40.Demonstrate good conduct and a good attitude at work
Examples: Acting professionally, ethically, responsibly, legally and safely.  Observing job requirements.
(Required.)
41.Communicate and work with others effectively, appropriately and respectfully
Examples: Demonstrating team work, collaboration, courteous communication, consideration  etc.
(Required.)
42.Demonstrate effective leadership, decision making and problem solving
Examples: Main elements of leadership such as: supporting and motivating others, communication and transparency, decisiveness, integirty
(Required.)
43.Maintain personal health, fitness and welfare
Examples: Awareness of and attention to needs for personal wellbeing at work
(Required.)
G. OTHER COMPETENCES
44.List any other competences considered important for rangers and assess them A, B or C.