While pointing out that a good park ranger cannot be
made by regulations alone, Superintendent Elbert Cox, of Colonial
National Historical Park, has listed for the Yorktown staff some
suggestions designed to aid seasonal employees in the discharge of their
responsibilities. The hints are headed: If I Were a Temporary
Ranger---
I would always appear on duty in uniform.
I would keep my uniform as neat and clean as my own
person.
I would make a point of compliance with regulations
so that not even a visiting Serviceman could find fault with my uniform
-- collar ornaments carefully spaced, badge on pocket, not on flap,
trousers pressed or at least clean, clean tie, shoes shined, sleeves
down, not rolled.
I would go out of my way to be courteous to visitors
by answering all inquiries in a genial but straightforward manner, by
silence when, obviously, remarks by me are not desired, by volunteering
information to a visitor obviously in search of information but hesitant
in asking.
I would study on duty or on my own time to learn the
essential facts associated with sites, events and persons commemorated
in the park.
I would keep the greater part of this information "on
reserve", gauging the length of my remarks by the response of my
listener.
I would acquaint myself with the physical features of
the park-- roads, building, streams, boundaries -- so that I could point
them out on a map.
I would learn about the Department of the Interior,
the National Park Service, the other national parks, and the
establishment of the park here.
I would consider myself, when assigned to duty at a
particular station, host to all visitors and a representative of the
Service.
I would not greet a visitor or answer inquiries while
seated in a chair or reclining against a post; I would not greet a
visitor, answer inquiries, or direct traffic while smoking, chewing gum,
or with a toothpick in my mouth.
I would not converse with a visitor from behind
colored glasses except when the glare of the sun made them
necessary.
I would maintain so great an interest in my job that
I would not be driven to reading while on duty from true story pulp
magazines. I would learn all the regulations in effect at the park and
the extent of my responsibility in enforcing them.
I would determine what is required for a satisfactory
rating at the end of my summer's employment and do my best to make that
rating "excellent".
I would have the personal satisfaction of knowing
that I had done a good job, that I would be recommended for
reappointment next summer, and, if I ever had the good fortune to be
considered for a permanent position in the Service, that my record as a
temporary ranger would be the first material factor to recommend me for
such a position.
I would conduct myself on the job and off duty as if
I expected to do business and reside permanently in the community.
