Park Ranger I

City of Laguna Beach; Laguna Beach (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Laguna Beach Police Department invites applications for a Park Ranger I to engage with residents, business owners, and visitors across City streets, parks, beaches, and trails while wearing the City uniform. This role serves the Neighborhood Enhancement Team and helps enforce ordinances and promote quality of life through public engagement and problem solving.

Ideal candidates bring strong communication skills, ethical integrity, and physical fitness for varied terrain.

Qualifications

• Combination of education and experience demonstrating ability to perform duties.
• Education and experience described as qualifying in the advertisement.

Responsibilities

• Advise the public on city, county, and state ordinances related to littering, smoking in public, and possessing alcoholic beverages.
• Engage with residents, business owners, and visitors to address quality of life issues through community engagement, problem-solving and enforcement actions.
• May report to Police Sergeant, Police Corporal, or Senior Park Ranger and take on special duty assignments as required.

Skills

Decision making

Conflict resolution

Policy knowledge

Integrity and ethics

Physical fitness

Safety awareness

Stress management

Oral communication

Customer focus

Education

High school diploma or GED

Criminal justice degree desirable

Job description

The City of Laguna Beach Police Department is seeking enthusiastic and an energetic candidate to join our team as a Park Ranger I. This dynamic position involves engaging with City residents, business owners, and visitors on City streets, parks, beaches, and trails while wearing the approved City uniform. As a key member of the Neighborhood Enhancement Team (N.E.T.), the Park Ranger I plays a crucial role in advising the public on City, County, and State ordinances related to littering, smoking in public, possessing alcoholic beverages, and other disturbance-related violations. This position is recognized as a peace officer and is pivotal in implementing neighborhood enhancement goals, and addressing quality of life issues through community engagement, problem-solving, and enforcement actions. The Park Ranger I may report directly to a Police Sergeant, Police Corporal, or Senior Park Ranger and will take on special duty assignments as required.

Schedule: Employees in this position must be available to work weekdays and weekends as necessary. Full-Time Park Rangers generally work a minimum of 80 hours per two-week pay period.

What you’ll be great at:

• Strong decision-making and conflict-resolution skills
• Knowledge of legal and regulatory policies with high integrity and ethics
• Physical fitness for walking on rough terrain in various climates
• Safety awareness for self and others
• Stress management abilities
• Excellent oral communication and presentation skills
• Customer-focused approach

QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of education and experience demonstrating the ability to effectively and successfully perform the duties of the position is considered qualifying. A typical combination is as follows:

Age

• Must be at least 20 years of age.

Education

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field is considered desirable.

Experience

• Less than one year (minimal) of experience of on-the-job training involving public contact work or the enforcement of public safety rules and policies.

License/Certificate Requirements

• Due to the performance of some field duties, which may require the operation of a personal or City vehicle, a valid California Driver’s license and an acceptable driving record are required.

Desired Qualification(s)

• Applicants who have successfully graduated from a California Basic Course Police Academy or Modular Level I, II or III are considered highly desirable.
• Possession of PC 832 certification is also desirable. Candidates must successfully obtain PC 832 certification, through training provided by the Department, within six months of appointment.

This recruitment will establish an eligibility list that may be used to fill future vacancies in the same or lower classifications.

THE DEPARTMENT

The Laguna Beach Police Department is dedicated to safeguarding the community through a commitment to professionalism, public trust, and exceptional service. The department provides a full range of law enforcement and public safety functions, including patrol operations, investigations, emergency response, community engagement initiatives and the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter. With a strong emphasis on partnership, transparency, and proactive policing, the department works closely with residents, businesses, and local organizations to maintain a safe and welcoming environment. Through innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement, the Laguna Beach Police Department strives to enhance the quality of life for all who live, work, and visit the city.

THE ORGANIZATION

Laguna Beach is a vibrant coastal community known for its stunning beaches, thriving arts scene, and strong commitment to environmental stewardship. With its unique blend of natural beauty, small-town charm, and world-class cultural attractions, the City offers residents an exceptional quality of life. Laguna Beach values innovation, community engagement, and high-quality public service, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career. City staff enjoy working in a dynamic, collaborative environment where creativity and public service go hand in hand. Joining the City of Laguna Beach means contributing to a community that is dedicated to preserving its character while embracing opportunities for growth and improvement.