Park Ranger I/II - Parks

County of Riverside; California; On-site; USD 42,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in park management is seeking dedicated Park Rangers to join their team in the scenic Idyllwild Regional Park. This exciting role involves ensuring visitor safety, maintaining park operations, and providing exceptional customer service. Ideal candidates will possess strong communication and problem-solving skills, with a background in parks or open-space reserves. The position offers foundational experience with opportunities for advancement, making it perfect for those passionate about nature and community service. Join a team dedicated to enhancing lives through parks and programs while enjoying the beauty of California's mountains.

Benefits

Uniforms Provided

Qualifications

• Two years of public interaction involving conflict resolution and customer service.
• Experience in park or campground setting is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist with visitor services, patrols, maintenance, and enforcement of park rules.
• Provide emergency assistance and adhere to fire prevention standards.

Skills

Customer Service

Communication

Conflict Resolution

Problem Solving

Basic Maintenance Knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Relevant Field

College Coursework in Relevant Fields

Tools

Microsoft Office

Microsoft Teams

Point of Sale (POS)

ArcGIS

Job description

The County of Riverside seeks candidates to fill positions throughout Riverside County. A list of eligible candidates will be established to fill current and future vacancies.

The Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District is seeking a Park Ranger I/II – Parks, based out of Idyllwild Regional Park, supporting operations at surrounding mountain parks.

The Park Ranger is responsible for duties related to daily park operations, safety, and maintenance. Under close supervision, the Ranger assists with visitor services, patrols, maintenance, and enforcement of park rules and ordinances. Responsibilities include providing customer service, fee collection, campground registration, resolving visitor issues, responding to emergencies, resource protection, minor construction, and grounds maintenance. The role provides foundational experience in park operations, with potential for advancement.

Candidates should have excellent customer service, communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills. Supervisory experience is a plus. Experience in a park or campground setting and familiarity with tools and software like Microsoft Office, Teams, POS, ArcGIS are desirable. The role involves cash handling, report writing, enforcing rules, and patrolling on foot and by vehicle. Basic maintenance knowledge is beneficial.

The ideal candidate will have a background in open-space reserves, forestry, or parks.

Idyllwild is located in the San Jacinto Mountains at approximately 5,300 feet elevation, about 50 miles west of Riverside and 30 miles west of Palm Springs. The area experiences severe weather, including snow.

Uniforms are provided.

Work locations include:

• Idyllwild Regional Park
• Hurley Creek Park
• McCall Memorial Equestrian Campground

Work Schedule:

5/40 schedule: Mon-Tue 9:30 am-5:30 pm, Fri-Sat 2:00 pm-10:30 pm, Sun 10:00 am-6:30 pm; days off Wed-Thu. Flexibility required for days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays. Schedule may change.

Level at discretion, based on experience and performance. Ranger I may progress to Ranger II after meeting qualifications.

About the District: The Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District is nationally accredited, dedicated to enhancing lives through parks and programs, managing scenic, recreational, and historic areas for public enjoyment.

Responsibilities for both levels include:

Explaining policies, rules, and laws; managing visitor registration, fee collection, permits, and camping assignments.

Participating in custodial duties, maintenance, minor construction, and repairs.

Handling public inquiries and complaints.

Providing emergency assistance and adhering to fire prevention standards.

Patrolling and ensuring compliance with regulations; maintaining signs and access controls.

Participating in habitat restoration and prescribed burns.

Monitoring court work programs and maintaining records.

Park Ranger II additional duties:

Training staff, explaining policies, reviewing project plans, requisitioning supplies, reporting on performance and attendance.

PARK RANGER I - Salary: $42,853.57 - $58,313.96 annually

Experience: Two years of public interaction involving conflict resolution and customer service/support. College coursework in relevant fields may substitute for experience at a rate of 30 semester or 45 quarter units per year of experience.

Other Requirements: Within 12 months, must obtain First Aid, CPR/AED, Basic Water Rescue certificates, and complete PC 832.

PARK RANGER II - Salary: $46,315.43 - $63,085.54 annually

Options:

• Option I: Bachelor’s degree in relevant field.
• Option II: Three years’ experience in park operations or maintenance (college coursework may substitute).
• Option III: One year as a Park Ranger I.

Certificates in First Aid, CPR/AED required; Basic Water Rescue within a year. Must upload certificates if applying for Level II.

Additional requirements: Valid California Driver’s License, ability to patrol in various weather conditions, and pass a general abilities assessment. DOT safety-sensitive positions require drug testing and DMV record submission.

Knowledge of natural resource conservation, park management, law enforcement principles; ability to enforce laws, train staff, maintain records, and communicate effectively.

This recruitment is open to all applicants. For questions, contact Silvia Trammell at [e-mail].