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Honestly, not having any academic background in environmental science or forestry may be a hindrance to you. It's not always essential for a ranger position, but a lot of ranger positions are very competitive and you're going to be up against people who do have that that kind of academic experience. I would at least consider returning to school to get an AS in forest technology or environmental science. If you're willing to finish any 100-level pre-reqs online or through night courses at a community college, you can probably get an AS in a single year of full-time schooling. Look for a school that specializes in hands-on experience in particular.

If you're willing to do interpretive-type ranger work (history in particular), and also willing to work in an urban environment, then it is probably easier to get into the field of working as a ranger without any background in environmental science or a related discipline.

I would also not limit yourself to ranger positions. There are a lot of other types of jobs that could potentially fulfill your desires. Forester, wildlife technician, outdoor guide, etc, are all jobs that match your description.

Keep in mind too that seasonal employment may sound romantic, but it's not easy. Sure, the off season might seem like time to pursue your personal interests, but the reality of it is often applying for jobs, applying for unemployment, eating ramen noodles, etc. Any plans for starting a family that you may have are going to have to be put on hold until you can land a permanent position, and that may not happen for a while. You say that you have no desire to have a family any time soon- but that can easily change in a short period of time (I've seen it happen to close friends).

Another important thing to remember is that most permanent ranger positions are law enforcement positions. This often means less time spent hiking and enjoying the outdoors, and more time spent driving around and dealing with drunk, obnoxious people. Some National Parks even have a jail onsite for dealing with people caught committing more serious offenses. These positions also require completion of a law enforcement academy to be eligible even to apply to. (If you want to read a good book about what it is like to work as a law enforcement ranger, I recommend Nature Noir, by Jordan Fisher Smith.)

A good way to get your foot in the door would be to apply for a seasonal position with the Student Conservation Association. Some SCA jobs involve a fair amount of ranger-like work (backcountry patrol, public interaction, etc.). It's also a good way to begin making contacts and building references. The pay for SCA positions is minimal, but you do get a sizeable chunk of change at the end of your internship to put towards your student loans. While many SCA interns are folks still in college or recently graduated from it, it's not unheard of for an older person to use the SCA as a way to segue into an environmental field.

As an older person getting into the field, I would say that potentially your best asset is your maturity. Most rangering work is fairly independent in nature, and applicants with a proven ability to work efficiently and safely with minimal oversight are always going to look attractive to those doing the hiring. So be sure to emphasize any experience you have that displays this in your resume/cover letter for any job applications.

I hope this helps! :-)

Paracord is good survival type thing and can be used for pretty much anything. The galaxy is the limit with this one, use your creativity and imagination and paracord can get it done.
https://www.skilledsurvival.com/paracord-uses-for-survival/

My shoulder light has a red light, white, and yellow, and I can adjust them all individually or have all of them blinking at the same time (like a cop light). It’s extremely useful for when you are dealing with people at night, no more holding a flashlight in your mouth while you write!
https://www.guardianangeldevices.com/m/law-enforcement-safety-light/

Our work has a gerber brand as well, I got a leatherman when I was 15 and still works amazing 10 years later. I carry that instead because the work multi-tool isn’t upkept very well and is super dull over the years.
I am not sure if they still make mine but it is similar to this one: https://www.swissknifeshop.com/shop/leatherman/multi-tools/leatherman-surge-multi-tool-black-4-pocket-nylon-sheath

I sharpen my SpyderCo knife (use it all the time!) and multi tool with this: Spyderco 204MF Triangle Sharpmaker https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000Q9C4AE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_whL1Cb8PQK0H8
It is pricey but will last a long time. Good quality in my opinion.

As far as money goes, really have to ask yourself how long you will use the item and how much use you will get out of it. Especially things like safety, I’ll buy a pair of Oakley’s over buying a lower-end brand. I personally like spending money on quality I know I’ll use a lot and having it last than to have something I’ll need to replace every few years. But there are cheaper options that work just as good.

We just have a standard toolbox, top swings open and there is a removable tray- so 2 levels of storage. Med bag is almost like a duffel bag but square. Brochures are in an organizer bag that straps onto a seat. Fee envelopes and other smaller paper items are in a small storage tub with clasps.

My personal stuff I carry a small Osprey bag that holds everything real well. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019TQPL4A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ExL1Cb2BVDB4S

I do want to note that many items were gifts, I am by no means rolling in money. I also don’t want you to feel like you need all this stuff. I really like being prepared and I go camping a lot as well so I get a lot of use from them, so for me it is worth it.

You could look into cheaper camping stoves, too. I don't really think the Jetboil is smaller and better than most, only more expensive.

I carry a Fenix PD35 flashlight on duty. Pricey, but they're awesome.

You can also look into a self-defense stab-o knife. It's just a small knife meant to grab quickly and stab something with, which hopefully he'd never have to use. They don't come issued but he won't have any problems adding it. This is the one I use, but there are several different kinds: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HMBW66H/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If he's going into an LE position, there's the book Cadet Blues about a guy's experience going through California Highway Patrol Academy.

Shoe/boot insoles help.

If he'll have his own truck, a car organizer also helps.

I also recommend a lot of Point beer.

I know its not the high tech gear you were probably look to hear but i just about always bring some baby wipes with me. Not that I poop in the woods often, but I find them really refreshing to be able to clean my face and hands when I've been out in the field awhile. Small zip ties seem to come in really handy quite often too. I love my mini sog keychain knife too, I find myself using it more often than my other knives.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004HJEU0Q/ref=mp_s_a_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1502214983&sr=8-10&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=sog+keychain+knife

1000 lumens is pretty easy to get these days. Check this one out
Helotex G4
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZGUCIPO?psc=1

I love having recorded contacts, and I don't feel that it makes my reports any more difficult (but often more precise). Just know that there's a good bit of policy regarding recording devices. My agency has both national policy and local policy. One of the stipulations is that I can only use agency issued devices for recording.

I would suggest searching Amazon for any of the "Timex Expedition" watches. Nearly all of those will go with your uniform.
I bought this one a couple years ago and it's still going strong. It does it's job, it's affordable, complies with the uniform, and is attractive. I've gotten many compliments on it. I think if mine ever stops working I'll spend the extra couple of bucks and get the chronograph version of it.

5.11 is fantastic if you have the money. Here is a cheaper brand where the pants in my opinion are just as nice. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0789DHZBM/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1527265765&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=cqr%2Btactical%2Bpants&th=1&psc=1

Unfortunately no. LG put out this phone that was supposed to be "the strongest phone ever". But...it broke all the time.

That's the main phone that comes to mind when I think of all the people calling in about how their "unbreakable" phone broke. And then LG said "Well, we did make it stronger, but if it broke, that sucks. The warranty is no different than any of our other phones."

My best recommendation is to get a very common phone (iPhone or galaxy mainly) so that you have lots of choices for phone cases.

As far as waterproof goes, a case like this:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00Z7RQ5QY/ref=zg_bs_9375358011_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=V5ZWTKYQC0QG62K72DNG

Will protect a lot better than the any phone by itself will. Of course, you're sacrificing a lot of other things. When your phone is bulkier, it doesn't look as good and can be harder to handle, so It's ultimately up to you.

Haven't actually read this (was supposed to years ago for a class) but this history/analysis of the BLM might help provide insight into the agency culture. Maybe your library has it?

https://smile.amazon.com/Nations-Largest-Landlord-Management-American-ebook/dp/B06WLM6RSF/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=bureau+of+land+management&qid=1561953858&s=books&sr=1-1

I use the same single pouch backpack I actually took to kindergarten. But I don't carry anything really important/valuable; gloves, hand sanitizer, tissues, water, army men for /r/greendawn, the usual.

> butybelt

Ka-Bar TDI Law Enforcement Serrated Edge Knife https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000IHBA0O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_y5EIzbPZ4R12Y

This baby's never let me down and is quite attractive if I do say so myself. Comes in different colors.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000G6R7B8/ref=pd_aw_sim_241_2?ie=UTF8&dpID=512bUikYccL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL100_SR100%2C100_&refRID=12FKKF1GV1SJM7E6TSFN

This might be of some use.
https://www.amazon.com/Ramblings-Lowcountry-Game-Warden-Memoir/dp/1570037280

I use these
Merrell Moab 2 Vent Mid... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073C34C3X?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

John Muir Laws' Field Guide to the Sierra Nevada <3<3<3<3<3