STATE PARK SUPERINTENDENT III

State of California; United States; On-site; USD 103,966 - 145,995; Full time

Job summary

The State of California invites applications for the Chief Ranger role in the Department of Parks & Recreation. The position provides district‑wide leadership to protect visitors, staff and resources, and oversees public safety, law enforcement, and ranger operations across diverse park environments.

Directly reporting to the District Superintendent II, this role requires POST certification, a California Peace Officer status, and a commitment to readiness, training and interagency collaboration

Qualifications

• Must be a California State Peace Officer with POST Basic Certificate.
• Possess a valid Class C driver's license.
• Complete required educational courses as specified in the Class Specification.
• Undergo drug screening, background check, medical and psychological clearance prior to employment.
• POST certificate required prior to hire.

Responsibilities

• Provide district-wide oversight, coordination, policy implementation, and professional leadership to protect visitors, staff, facilities, and resources.
• Serve as the district-level leader for public safety, law enforcement, emergency services, and ranger operations.
• Liaise with allied law enforcement, fire, emergency management, and local partners; ensure readiness across the district.

Education

POST Basic Certificate

California State Peace Officer

Valid Class C driver's license

Job description

Job Title

Chief Ranger

Department

Department of Parks & Recreation

Position Classification

STATE PARK SUPERINTENDENT III

Salary (Monthly)

$9,316.00 - $13,082.00 per Month. New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Job Description and Duties

Operating under the direction of the District Superintendent II, the Chief Ranger provides district‑wide oversight, coordination, policy implementation, and professional leadership to ensure effective protection of park visitors, employees, facilities, and cultural and natural resources. The Chief Ranger serves as the district‑level leader for all public safety, law enforcement, emergency services, and ranger operations throughout the Sonoma–Mendocino Coast District.

The position oversees a complex public safety program across diverse environments, including rugged coastline, surf zones, marine protected areas, redwood forests, remote backcountry areas, campgrounds, historic properties, and high‐use day parks. The Chief Ranger ensures POST compliance, consistency in law enforcement practices, aquatic safety program standards, emergency preparedness, training, and operational readiness across the district. This position serves as the primary liaison with allied law enforcement, fire, emergency management agencies, and local governmental partners.

Working Conditions

Primarily office‑based at the district level, but requires frequent travel to remote parks, beaches, forested terrain, and ranger stations. Physical ability to hike, operate rescue equipment, patrol by vehicle, vessel, or foot, and perform emergency response under a variety of environmental conditions is necessary. The Chief Ranger is required to wear the State Park Peace Officer uniform and safety equipment and may work extended hours during emergencies.

Minimum Requirements

• Peace Officer Position: Must meet minimum qualifications established by the Department of Human Resources and be a current or eligible California State Peace Officer with a POST–Basic Certificate.
• Valid Class C driver’s license.
• Completion of required educational courses as specified in the Class Specification.
• Drug screening, background investigation, medical clearance, and psychological evaluation clearance before employment.
• POST certificate license prior to hire.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability, exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug‑free workplace. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.