Andy Ryan (Class of 2008) Protecting our Island
Posted on September 18, 2025
In 2018, Andy Ryan (2008) gave up steady and certain work as a Hobart scaffolder – and half his pay – to take a four-month temp contract in Mount Field for Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service. He hasn’t looked back, going on to work in Southwest National Park, Bruny Island and Maria Island.
As a ranger, there’s no average day: there could be hut maintenance or wildfires, a stranded whale or an injured tourist. For two years Andy got to work every day by helicopter, so he could work on a remote track project in South West Tasmania.
Andy studied environmental management at the University of Queensland; it’s where he met his German wife Nathalie, introduced by her best friend who, years before, had boarded at Friends’ as an exchange student. For Andy, who addressed students during Friends’ Careers Expo in May, it’s important to have meaningful work. The Service protects the environment and Aboriginal heritage, prosecutes wood hookers (people who illegally remove wood from national parks), controls invasive species and builds tracks and campsites so the public can experience the wild and remote places of Tasmania. Firefighting is a huge part of the job for the former ranger and ranger-in-charge, now project manager, at the Service, protecting both endangered rainforests and urban areas. “I wanted a job I’d be proud of,” he says.
Andy’s proud of his home state too; after travelling the world he sees what’s unique and special about where he grew up camping, hiking, surfing and fishing. “I’ve been standing on Maria Island when a visitor will see killer whales in the Mercury Passage, or just kangaroos, and say it’s the most amazing experience of their life. I’m used to it, and I’m entrusted with overseeing the place and to make sure it’s looked after.”
