Park Ranger

Sacramento County; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking dedicated Park Rangers to ensure the safety and enjoyment of visitors in the County Regional Parks System. This role encompasses a variety of responsibilities, from law enforcement and public relations to resource protection and safety enforcement. Ideal candidates will possess strong communication skills, a commitment to public service, and a valid California driver license. Join a team that values community enrichment and diversity, and contribute to the protection of natural resources while engaging with the public in a meaningful way.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or GED is required.
• Possession of a P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform law enforcement and visitor service duties.
• Ensure safety and protection of park resources and wildlife.

Skills

Law enforcement principles

Visitor safety methods

Environmental protection laws

Public security procedures

Communication equipment operation

First aid and CPR

Computer software applications

Education

High school diploma or GED

P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate

Enrollment in P.O.S.T. Academy

Tools

Communication equipment

Job description

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

3/6/25, 4/3/25, 5/1/25, 6/5/25, 7/3/25, 8/7/25, 9/4/25, 10/2/25, 11/6/25, 12/4/25 (final)

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.

Knowledge of

• 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

Ability to

• 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

Minimum Qualifications

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

AND

Either: 1. Possession of a State of California Peace Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Basic Certificate, or satisfactory completion of a P.O.S.T. Basic Academy.

Or: 2. Current enrollment in a State of California P.O.S.T. Basic Academy.

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.

General Qualifications

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

Certification Requirements: Possession of a valid first aid and CPR Certificate are required within twelve months of appointment to the class. Failure to obtain or maintain the required certificates may be cause for termination from the class in accordance with Civil Service Commission Rules and applicable bargaining agreements.

Criminal History and Background Check: The County shall access criminal history information on candidates who have accepted a conditional offer of appointment for this class consistent with the provisions of Board of Supervisors Resolution No. 82-602, Personnel Policies and Procedures B-5, and applicable federal and state laws. The County shall not consider for employment any candidate who has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor that relates to or impacts the candidate's ability to perform the job duties of this class unless it is determined that mitigating circumstances exist. For purposes of accessing criminal history information, the candidate will be fingerprinted. A subsequent arrest notification may be obtained.

The County may also conduct a background check on the candidate prior to appointment to a position within this class. The background check may include personal and professional reference checks, credit history checks where authorized by Labor Code section 1024.5, Social Security Number verification, professional license/registration verification, military service information, and driving history. Information obtained in the course of this background check will be considered by the appointing authority in the selection process.

License Requirements: Possession of a valid California driver license, Class C or higher, is required prior to appointment to this class. Failure to maintain a valid license may constitute cause for personnel action. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a physical disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Physical Requirements: Positions in this class require the incumbents to:

• Be able to meet medical standards as prescribed by P.O.S.T. and detailed in the P.O.S.T. Medical Screening Manual
• Possess sufficient physical ability to perform the full scope and functions of the job, including the ability to climb barriers, jump obstacles, and perform strenuous physical activities and control resisting subjects with a minimum of force necessary to effect an arrest.
• Walk and run on uneven terrain
• Swim in swift water conditions

Individuals who do not meet these requirements due to disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Working Conditions: Positions in this class require the incumbents to:

• Work various shifts to provide 24-7 coverage, including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Work outside in all types of climatic conditions including inclement or very hot weather
• Work around dust, dirt, noise, and odors
• Work alone for extended periods of time
• Work in areas of low illumination
• Wear and maintain a designated Park Ranger uniform; including department issued safety equipment such as a duty/gun belt, ballistic vest, respirator, etc.

Probationary Period

The probationary period for this classification is twelve (12) months.

APPLICATION

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. All applicants must complete and submit an online County of Sacramento employment application by 5:00 PM on the posted cut-off date.

Click here to apply.

County of Sacramento
Department of Personnel Services
Employment Services Division
700 H Street, Room 4667
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone [phone]; 7-1-1 California Relay Service

Email: [e-mail]

Inter-Office Mail Code: 09-4667
www.SacCountyJobs.net

• Employment applications and all documentation requested in this announcement must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date.
• Employment Services is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by an applicant's computer or web browser.
• Your application should highlight all relevant education, training, and experience, and clearly indicate how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position as of the cut-off date.
• Application information must be current, concise, and related to the requirements in this job announcement. You may only apply for this recruitment once. Duplicate and incomplete applications will be disqualified.
• A resume may be included with your application; however, it will not substitute for the information requested on the application.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE

Applicants are required to provide a full and complete response to each supplemental question. The Supplemental Questionnaire is located in the tab marked "Supplemental Questions". Please be descriptive in your response.

Note: Responses of "See Resume" or "See Application", or copy and paste of work experience are not qualifying responses and will not be considered.

• Supplemental Questionnaires must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date.
• The supplemental questions are designed to elicit specific information regarding a candidate's experience, education, and training.
• Please provide place of employment, pertinent dates, and concise, descriptive, and detailed information for each question.
• If a job included responsibilities applicable to several questions, separate the different functions of the job to answer all the questions completely.
• If you have no experience, write "no experience" for the appropriate question.

FORMULA RATE EXAMINATION (Weighted 100%)

All candidates meeting the minimum qualifications by the cut-off date will have their Supplemental Questionnaire scored in the Formula Rate Examination.

This examination will evaluate the relevance, level, recency, progression, and quality of candidate's education, training, and experience.

All candidates competing in the testing process will receive written notice of their examination results by email. Notices can also be accessed in their governmentjobs.com inbox.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Sacramento County is about enriching communities to thrive. We strive to create inclusive workplaces that reflect the communities we serve. We value and celebrate the unique perspectives, backgrounds, abilities, and diverse dimensions of our employees and residents. Through transparency, courage, innovation, and trust we are committed to advance equity and transformational change.

We are a proud equal opportunity employer. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability for any phase of the hiring process, please contact our Disability Compliance Office at [e-mail] or 916-874-7642, CA Relay 711.