WHAT ARE YOUR DAILY MISSIONS ?

There are many, from receiving school groups to counting Isards, supervision of the most visited sites, evaluation of the damage done by Bears, scientific survey of certain species, informing the public. PARK WARDENS ARE BOTH PROTECTING AND PROMOTING THIS EXCEPTIONAL HERITAGE.

WHAT SORT OF CONTACTS DO YOU HAVE WITH THE PUBLIC ?

In the Summer we are on the terrain, as close as possible to the visitors. We have an important educational role. It is a matter of showing the public the richness of this exceptional area and of encouraging people to respect the regulations. Rather than reporting people we prefer to spend time explaining why dogs, flower picking, mountain bikes or camping are forbidden, and what effects these activities would have on wildlife, flora or the environment. Park wardens are also activity leaders, we organize theme outings (Isards, flora, animal tracks, etc.) and meeting points on the terrain, film shows, exhibitions...in the National Park Centres of each valley. We welcome school groups throughout the year and an educational handbook has been conceived by the National Park for teachers to use.

HOW HAS YOUR FUNCTION EVOLVED SINCE THE CREATION OF THE PARK IN 1967 ?

Thrirty years ago we had to open up and mark out paths, create car parks, create means of signposting, build refuges...

Then we took on the reintroduction of Marmots.
Over the past ten years or so our profession has evolved towards more technical and scientific skills.

We take part in European research programmes (bearded Vulture), in scientific commissions, in inter-park studies.
We launch systematic prospection campaigns of lakes and torrents for species like the Desman and the Otter and to draw up precise distribution maps. The same kind of work is under way for the flora.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF A PARK WARDEN ON A LOCAL SCALE ?

Thrity years ago a warden was almost considered as an intruder. Today he is an expert, a partner for the local councillors, shepherds, farmers and his role and his skills are recognized.

IS IT A VERY PHYSICAL JOB ?

You have to be a sportsman and be fit. Park wardens can walk in the mountains for hours on all kinds of terrain and whatever the season. They have to be able to do hard physical work in difficult conditions.

A park warden has an excellent knowledge of the terrain and of everything happening on it : natural resources, human activities...

WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO DO TO BECOME A NATIONAL PARK WARDEN ?

National Parks being public institutions, the recruitment is made through national competitive examinations. The first is that of National Park expert technician (category B), accessible to baccalaureate (A-level equivalent) holders and the second is for National Park technician (category C) (*) and is accessible to BEPC (GCSE equivalent) holders. A National Park expert technician is responsible for the application of the institution's policy in a specific sector and supervises a team of technicians. A National Park technician takes part in surveillance and environmental protection activities, educational missions, exploitation of the natural heritage, technical conservation operations and development of local economy in a determined sector.

(*) Tests, dates and enrolment : information from Direction Départementale de l'Equipement of the place of residence in France.