Park Ranger Recruit

County of Sacramento; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Sacramento County is seeking a Park Ranger Recruit to begin a state-mandated training path in a continuous filing exam. The program includes a POST-approved Basic Academy and supervision while developing core law enforcement and park operations skills.

Successful candidates will learn policies, procedures, and report writing, with emphasis on safety, observation, and interviews. It requires a valid CA driver license and completion of background checks.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• PELLETB test with passing score required prior to appointment.
• Valid California Driver License, Class C or higher.
• Successful completion of P.O.S.T. Basic Academy within 12 months.
• Background checks and fingerprinting as part of the process.

Skills

Policy interpretation

Legal codes

Observation skills

Interviewing

English proficiency

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

This is a continuous filing exam. Next filing cut-offs are at 5:00 pm on: 6/22/26, 7/20/26, 8/17/26, 9/21/26, 10/19/26, 11/16/26, 12/14/26

Under close supervision, the Park Ranger Recruit participates in a basic law enforcement training program including a State of California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) approved Basic Academy.

Ability to

• Read and understand departmental policies, rules, instructions, laws and ordinances and general literature pertaining to the County park system and law enforcement activities
• Analyze and interpret legal codes and ordinances
• Adopt quick, effective and reasonable courses of action, giving due regard to surrounding hazards and circumstances of each situation
• Develop keen powers of observation
• Obtain information through interview and interrogation
• Understand and follow written and oral direction
• Keep accurate records and prepare clear, concise and understandable reports
• Make arithmetical computations rapidly and accurately
• Learn the use and care of small firearms
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments
• Read, write, and speak English at a level necessary for satisfactory job performance

Minimum Qualifications

Either: 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: Completion of the P.O.S.T. Entry Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) test with a passing score is required prior to appointment to this class

General Qualifications

• Compliance with Government Code: Incumbents appointed to this class shall meet the minimum standards set forth in California Government Code, Section 1031.
• Criminal History and Background Checks: 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 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 shall 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. In obtaining such information, the County will comply with applicable consent and disclosure practices in the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the California Investigative Consumer Reporting Agencies Act. The background check may include a Computerized Voice Stress Analyzer (CVSA) examination, and shall include psychological and physical examinations conducted according to P.O.S.T. specifications. Pursuant to CA Government Code, Section 1029, the conviction of a felony is grounds for disqualification from an appointment except if the individual has been granted a full and unconditional pardon for the felony.
• License Requirement: A valid California Driver License, Class C or higher, is required prior to appointment to this class. Failure to obtain or maintain the appropriate California Driver License may constitute cause for personnel action in accordance with Civil Service Rules or applicable bargaining agreement. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• Certification Requirement: Successful completion of the P.O.S.T. Basic Academy is required within 12 months of appointment.
• 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
  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.

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

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For information regarding County jobs: www.saccountyjobs.net

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. For more information, visit: Reasonable Accommodation Requests - Job Applicant Instructions