Profile: John-Anders (Andy ) McCracken – Edson/Carson District (Retired)

Andy started his career in Parks in 1972 in Dinosaur Provincial Park as a Maintenance Service Worker for the summer. Andy’s cool job was in charge of irrigation.

Andy completed his Renewable Resources Environmental science’s diploma from Lethbridge community college in 1973 and launched his officer career as a Park Ranger I in Cypress Hills Provincial Park. In the three years that Andy was in Cypress he was in charge of the campground operations in Elk water, and the East of highway 48 sites.

Andy was promoted to Park Ranger II in December 1975 and was in charge of all operations within Cross Lake Provincial Park till December 1979.

In December 1979 Andy was transferred to Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park where he was responsible for the management and operation of resource management, security, permit booth and maintenance functions.

Andy was promoted to Park Ranger III in charge of the operations of Young’s Point, Williamson, Saskatoon Island, Obrien and Homey Provincial Parks and the Provincial Parks Mounted Patrol/Parade Programs operations for 4 years from 1980 to 1984.

In December 1987 Andy was transferred to William A. Switzer Provincial Park as officer in charge. The winter magic program Andy started with the town is still running today.

Andy was promoted to Park Ranger IV in July 1990 and was in charge of all operations at Provincial Parks including Wabamun Lake, Hasse Lake, Pembina River, Thunder Lake, Calling Lake, Strathcona Science Park and nine recreation areas.

Andy was among the first in Alberta to be designated as a Conservation Officer. As a C.O. III Andy moved to the Edson area and was responsible for Resource Management Programs in the Area.

From May 2001 to Present Andy has been the District Team Leader C.O. III of the Edson /Carson District which includes Carson Pegasus and Sundance Provincial Park, Brazeau Canyon Wildland Park, Whitehorse Wildland Park and 16 recreation areas
and 2 natural Areas.

Andy is a current Health and Safety auditor and is a past instructor in the area of firearms, first aid, C.P.R. and Federal/Provincial Park Operations. Andy is also proud to be a past president of the Officers Association.

After 35 years of officer service Andy is proud to retire in 2008 and pass the reins of operation of the awesome Edson/Carson District to Conservation Officer Tom Sutherland. This will allow Andy to pursue his many interests and hobbies