Park Ranger

This is a continuous filing exam. Next filing cut-offs are at 5:00 pm on:

12/4/25, 1/8/26, 2/5/26, 3/5/26, 4/2/26, 5/7/26, 6/4/26, 7/9/26, 8/6/26, 9/3/26, 10/8/26, 11/5/26, 12/3/26

Under general supervision Park Rangers perform duties related to law enforcement, visitor services, interpretive programs, resource and wildlife protection, safety enforcement, pollution control, public relations, and fee collection for the County Regional Parks System.

• Principles and practices of law enforcement
• Philosophy of park patrol and visitor safety methods
• Laws and regulations applicable to park management and visitor safety such as those pertaining to arrest, search and seizure; environmental protection; fish and game; and motor vehicle usage
• Common procedures and methods associated with providing public security
• Proper operation of communication equipment such as two-way radios, pagers and cell phones
• Safety procedures related to using firearms, handcuffs and batons
• First aid and CPR
• Computer software applications such as word processing and e-mail

• Learn principles and practices of natural resources conservation, park operations and park visitor management
• Learn methods and materials used in preparing and interpreting historical and natural science displays and exhibits
• Lead the work of others
• Carry out programs in accordance with plans and specifications
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action
• Prepare clear, concise and complete reports
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Meet and deal with the public and others in a pleasant and effective manner
• Perform calmly and respond quickly and appropriately in stressful or emergency situations
• Speak, read, and write English at a level necessary for satisfactory job performance
• Maintain proficiency in defensive techniques and firearms
• Swim in swift waters to perform rescue and enforcement activities
• Report emergencies by telephone, two-way radio, or other communication device
• Provide first aid and CPR
• Use computer equipment to enter, maintain and extract information

Graduation from high school or satisfactory completion of an acceptable General Education Development (GED) test.

Important:
Under Gov. Code §1031(e), only U.S. accredited high school diplomas, GED tests, equivalency tests approved by the State Department of Education, or U.S. accredited college degrees are accepted. Diplomas or degrees from unaccredited or non-U.S. schools will not be accepted.

NOTE:

Applicants qualifying under pattern (1) must submit either (a) a copy of the P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate with the application; or (b) a copy of a certificate of completion from a P.O.S.T. Basic Academy with the application.

Applicants qualifying under pattern (2) must submit a copy of an official document showing current Academy enrollment. Satisfactory completion of the Academy will be required prior to appointment.

NOTE:

1. Incumbents hired into this class prior to June 1, 2007 are not required to possess a State of California Peace Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Basic Certificate or have satisfactorily completed a P.O.S.T. Basic Academy, or to successfully complete P.O.S.T. Basic Academy within 12 months of appointment. 2. If a period of three years has elapsed since employment as a full-time or qualifying reserve peace officer in California, successful completion of the California Basic Course Equivalency Examination administered by P.O.S.T will be required before employment.

The three year time period referred to above is computed from the last day of the last applicable paid law enforcement employment and the date of appointment in this class.

NOTE:

If the word experience is referenced in the minimum qualifications, it means full-time paid experience unless the minimum qualification states that volunteer experience is acceptable. Part-time paid experience may be accumulated and pro-rated to meet the total experience requirements.

Note:

If the minimum qualifications include an educational or certificate/license requirement, applicants must submit proof of requirements with the application. Failure to submit proof of requirements may result in disqualification from the examination. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. For guidelines on submitting acceptable proof of educational requirements, speak to someone in our office before the final filing or cut-off date listed in this notice.

Compliance with Government Code:
Incumbents appointed to this class shall meet the minimum standards set forth in California Government Code, Section 1031.

Possession of a valid first aid and CPR Certificate are required within twelve months of appointment to the class.

Failure to obtain or…