Summer Ranger, Damien Moodie is pictured with visitors at Reeds Lookout in the Grampians National Park. Picture: JACINTA WILLIAMSON, PARKS VICTORIA
REGION - Parks Victoria's new crew of summer rangers is heading out to parks around the state including the Grampians National Park to help out during the peak visitor period.
The team of 38 rangers includes Daniel Van Horik and Damien Moodie who will be based at Grampians National Park.
Daniel Van Horik has just finished studying Conservation and Land Management and is about to begin a course in Wildlife Conservation at Deakin University.
He will be undertaking a number of tasks as a summer ranger including customer service roles, helping to maintain park facilities and giving people advice on high fire-risk days.
"I'm really enjoying being outside and in such a beautiful place," he said.
"It's a nice change from the classroom."
Damien Moodie has recently completed a Diploma of Conservation and Land Management at RMIT and will be starting a Bachelor of Environmental Science this year.
He will also be out checking on campers and visitors and helping to care for the park and its facilities.
"I'm enjoying being here and feel like it's a real privilege to come to Grampians National Park for three months, we're very lucky," he said.
Ranger in Charge Zoe Wilkinson said having extra help is a real bonus, especially at this time of year.
"It means that we can provide high quality services and experiences for locals and for the large number of visitors who come to enjoy the Grampians over summer," she said.
"Summer Rangers also benefit from their stint with Parks Victoria by learning practical and management skills through a wide range of projects.
"For those aspiring to become full-time rangers it's also great hands on and fun experience."