What documents are required?
An inscription form, completely filled out. (Forms can be downloaded from the Internet page or picked up at the Volunteer Park Ranger Office in any of the following cities: Bogotá, Cali, Medellín, Bucaramanga, Popayán, Santa Marta. (See addresses below.)
Be advised:
You may not sign up through the Internet, and inscription is only valid if the form is presented personally and accompanied by the following documents:
• Photocopy of Colombian ID card
• Doctor’s certification of health
• Blood type
• Copy of membership card for health service utilized
• Certificate testifying to good standing with local police
• School record or employment standing
• Photocopy of diploma or professional ID card
• Two recent photographs, 3 x 4cm
• Certificates of vaccination for tetanus and yellow fever
• Certificate of a course in first aid of at least 6 hours
• For foreigners: photocopy of passport and visa
Note: Selection of Park Rangers will be made according to the guidelines set up for each area.
Our selection process
Presentation of the required documents must occur in the first five days of the months of February, May, August, and November in any of the cities and at the addresses which are listed below. No inscriptions may be received through the Internet.
1. Once the documents have been received, an interview will be set up and a psychological screening test will be applied.
2. The results of the interview and the screening test will be turned in and candidates will be scheduled for training.
3. Training is part of the selection process and consists of 12 modules which are taught over a five-day period. The interview and training can occur in any of the different cities mentioned if more than four candidates have applied.
4. Candidates judged acceptable to take part in the program and the areas for which they have been selected will be announced.
5. Each candidate will receive a guide to the area, its historical background, general aspects of the area, activities offered, travel, costs, equipment to take, and other specific instructions, and an opportunity for questions will be provided.
Documents will be received and the selection process will take place in our offices at the following sites:
• Bogotá: Area de Guardaparques Voluntarios, Carrera 10 No. 20-30, Piso 3, Tel. 3413690
• Medellín Calle 49 No. 79-29, Tels. 4220883, 2346566
• Cali: Avenida 3G No. 37N-70, Barrios Prados del Norte, Tels. 6543719, 6543720
• Santa Marta: Calle 17 No. 4-06, Tels. 230655, 230704
• Bucaramanga: Avenida Quebradaseca No. 30-44, Tels. 634918, 349423, 345251
Costs
Volunteers will have to pay round-trip transportation costs and meals. In some areas, the Park Ranger will have to take in groceries and cook meals.
Lodging will be at no cost, and there will be no entry fee at the park. Transportation services within the areas are free of charge (boat, van, motorcycle). NOTE: This applies only to vehicles that are the property of the protected area.
Protected areas in the Parks System have facilities to lodge Volunteer Park Rangers. These sites have the minimal comforts needed for your stay in the area while you provide your services.
Each protected area has different costs during the time of duty, so be sure to study the guide to the specific area before beginning your period of service.
When your tour of duty is completed
When you complete your period, you will need to present a report in order to receive a certificate recognizing your work. The report should include.
1. A log of the functions and activities you carried out, your personal contributions to the area, comments, suggestions, and recommendation. This report is an indispensable requirement to obtain certification as a Volunteer.
2. An evaluation completed by the Program Head of the assigned area.
3. A poll taken about the service.
4. A photograph of the Park Ranger in action.After completing your period and having turned in the documents listed above, the office will issue your certificate of service.
More information: guardaparques@parquesnacionales.gov.co
