Portraits of Acadia: Jen Vanegas

Jen Vanegas, General Ranger, riding in the passenger seat of a park-owned ambulance.

NPS photo by Brady Richards

I’ve worked at Acadia National Park for Summer 2023 and 2024. Last year, I maintained the historic trail system as an Acadia Youth Conservation Corps Crew Lead, and now I work as a General Ranger.

General Rangers (also known as Emergency Services Rangers) help people in all forms and capacities. I make myself present to the park visitors. Usually, I'll hike on the trails or drive around the park to answer questions and provide orientation. Acadia visitors love to see rangers out in the park. I give hugs when requested, and I am featured in many family vacation photos. Sometimes, an emergency call will mobilize the entire Visitor and Resource Protection team to offer many hands and more resources.

Jen demonstrates the strength of a black ash basket during a cultural connections event by sitting on the handle.

NPS photo

Some daily situations may include (but are not limited to):
1. Did a visitor lock their keys in their car? I arrive with tools to unlock their car.
2. Is there a badly injured hiker on a trail? I join rangers and volunteers for a Search and Rescue to assess and carry out the patient using a specialized type of stretcher called a litter. Depending on the location, we may use a wheel, hu/manpower, or ropes for a belay or a technical rescue.
3. Are people wading in the public water supply? I educate them on the dangers of contaminating a public water source.
4. Was there a bike accident on the carriage roads? I work with my team to locate the patient and provide medical care. I transport stray bicycles and guide the local ambulance to the scene when needed.
5. Did someone mistakenly end up far from where they needed to be? I can pick them up and drive them to the bus stop or their vehicle.

Jen performing odd, unexpected, jobs around the park.

NPS photo by Brady Richards

6. Does the Invasive Plant Management Crew need an extra person to paddle a canoe? I join the crew for a day to remove the notorious glossy buckthorn!
7. Is there trash on a trail? I put on my gloves to perform an emergency clean-up operation.
8. Are people being creative with their parking? I manage traffic patterns to keep roads and parking lots clear for emergency vehicles.
9. Does a Junior Ranger want to be sworn in? There are badges in my backpack ready to go for the ceremony!
10. Are people hiking at Acadia? I hike on the trails to have conversations with hikers about safety in the park and the Leave No Trace principles.

I love working at Acadia. Every day, I work with amazing people who encourage and challenge me. Since my first summer with the park service in 2021, I've worked at different national parks across the country trying out parks like Goldilocks tries chairs. Through those experiences, I’ve learned that I’m neither a desert person nor a rugged mountain person — I’m an Acadia person! Acadia is the pink granite glacial striations, the fluffy mosses, the ocean blues, the birds, and people I care about. Here is where I belong.

– Jen Vanegas, General Ranger

Jen and another park ranger smiling while riding a boat to their next job.

NPS photo by Brady Richards

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