Climbing Ranger
Lincoln Else
28, Yosemite National Park, CA

Job Description: As the only full-time climbing ranger in Yosemite, Else patrols the park's world-class climbing routes, leads rescues, and keeps peace between park brass and rock jocks.
Why This Work Rules: "Helping to save the life of someone who's gotten themselves stuck in the wilderness is rewarding," says Else. So is spending a few days a week climbing one of Yosemite's thousands of routes—because part of his job is to know what shape they're in. "I get paid by U.S. tax dollars to go climbing," he says. "It's a hell of a lot of fun."
Turning Point: An avid climber who spent weekends honing his skills in places like New York's Shawangunks while earning a philosophy degree from Yale, Else bolted for Yosemite upon graduating in 1999. What began as an internship eventually became a career—he landed a permanent position after a four-month volunteer stint in Yosemite's Wilderness Department, issuing permits and patrolling the backcountry. "My job is fun and exciting," he says, "but the real reason I stay is because I believe in the mission of the National Park Service."
The Balanced Life: Since the climbing season lasts only six months, Else spends half his time engaged in other part-time work. He's been a paralegal for a defense attorney in Palo Alto, California; a lobbyist for the Natural Resources Defense Council, in Washington, D.C.; and a documentary filmmaker.
Reality Check: Sometimes a search and rescue turns into a recovery—the park averages one or two climbing fatalities each year. Another issue is the notorious tension between park rangers and the climbing community. "We're constantly faced with the challenge of balancing preservation with enjoyment," says Else.
The Bottom Line: Park Service jobs won't make you rich: Else, for one, takes home $15,000 to $20,000 each May-through- October season. But the office space is priceless. Want in? Get outside—a lot. Take courses from Grand Teton National Park–based Exum (www.exumguides.com) or from the National Outdoor Leadership School (www.nols.edu). Check out the Student Conservation Association (www.thesca.org), the National Park Service (www.nps.gov/personnel), or www.usajobs.opm.gov, the job site for the federal government. If you love climbing, aim for work at Grand Teton, Yosemite, Denali, Mount Rainier, or Joshua Tree, where it's a major draw.