Citizen Spotlight: Michael Paul Marinkovich | Park Ranger at ​Chapman State Park
Published April. 15, 2026

Meet Michael Paul Marinkovich, a dedicated Park Ranger at Chapman State Park.

Ranger Mike and his family live in Warren County year-round. He chose to move back from Colorado to be closer to them and to embrace the natural beauty of the area.

For Ranger Mike, Warren County offers people an opportunity to “kind of decompress from the stresses of life” and “find their purpose within the local communities of the county”. He has successfully integrated his job with his passions. His work allows him to go hiking, collaborate with a wonderful group of people, and interact with the public from “all different walks of life”.

When people ask him what a park ranger does, Ranger Mike explains that the role encompasses many different things. A ranger can be “a really great listener” or “a shoulder to cry on”. The job can involve life-saving skills or leading nature hikes, discussing the woods, different types of trees, and the history of the area. For Ranger Mike, being a ranger means expanding on people’s already good time by “just there getting to share the time and space”, whether it’s through suggesting mountain biking trails, recommending local mountain pie, or simply enjoying the outdoors.

Ranger Mike feels “extremely fortunate” to have found his dream job in Warren County, recognizing that not everyone gets to say that. He encourages others to seek out their own opportunities, stating that “here in Warren County, you can find your dream job”.

Warren County: The place to become in touch with nature.