Park Ranger I/II - Parks
County of RiversideABOUT THE POSITION
- 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, who will be based at Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park in La Quinta to support operations at the park.The Park Ranger is responsible for a variety of duties related to the daily operations, safety, and maintenance of County parks. Working under close supervision, the Park Ranger assists with visitor services, routine patrols, maintenance tasks, and enforcement of park rules and County ordinances. Park Rangers play a vital role in providing excellent customer service, supporting fee collection and campground registration, and resolving visitor issues. Additional responsibilities include responding to emergencies, participating in resource protection, and engaging in minor construction and grounds maintenance. This role is designed to provide a strong foundation in park operations, with the goal of developing into a more independent and experienced ranger over time.
Competitive candidates will possess excellent customer service, communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills. Supervisory or leadership experience is a strong plus. Experience working in a campground or park setting is desirable, as is familiarity with tools and platforms such as Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, Point of Sale systems, ArcGIS, and other relevant software. The position also requires comfort with cash handling, report writing, enforcing site rules and ordinances, and conducting both vehicle and foot patrols. General knowledge of basic maintenance and groundskeeping is also beneficial.
The ideal candidate will have a background in open-space reserves, forestry, or parks.La Quinta is located in the Coachella Valley, about 25 miles southeast of Palm Springs and roughly 75 miles east of Riverside. La Quinta experiences a hot desert climate and is subject to extreme summer heat, with temperatures often exceeding 110°F (43°C).
** Uniforms are provided. **Work Schedule: This position follows a 9/80 schedule: Wednesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Saturday–Sunday from 2:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Days off are Monday and Tuesday The position requires flexibility in work hours, including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. The schedule is subject to change based on departmental needs.The level at which the position will be filled is at the Department's discretion and contingent on the candidate's experience and qualifications. Park Ranger I - Parks are expected to progress to the Park Ranger II - Parks upon meeting the minimum qualifications for the higher level and satisfactory job performance.Meet the Team!
The Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District is a nationally accredited agency who strives to be the regional leader in improving lives through people, parks, places, and programs. Their mission is to acquire, protect, develop, manage, and interpret for the inspiration, use, and enjoyment of all people, a well-balanced system of areas of outstanding scenic, recreational, and historic importance. EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Both Levels
• Explain park policies, rules, regulations, and County ordinances; oversee the registration of park visitors, the collection of fees, the issuance of camping permits, and the assignment of the general public to various camping areas within the parks.• Participate in custodial duties and the maintenance and cleanup of park structures and grounds; work with park maintenance personnel on minor construction, maintenance, repair, and improvement of park structures, facilities, and grounds.• Answer public inquiries and complaints concerning park operations and maintenance.• Provide assistance in emergency situations; maintain fire prevention standards and practices as established by the State Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention and the United States Forest Service.• Patrol open-space, wildlife habitat reserves, and conservation land to communicate and ensure compliance with park regulations, laws, and ordinances; work with maintenance personnel to maintain signs and access controls.• Plan and participate in habitat creation and restoration; assist in the planning of prescribed burns with County, state, and federal fire agencies.• Monitor and participate in court referral/ work release programs.• Maintain records and prepare reports.
Park Ranger II - Parks (in addition to the duties above)• Train assigned staff in the safe and effective promotion, protection, and utilization of park resources at assigned parks and open-space and wildlife preserves.• Interpret and explain park policies, rules, regulations, and County ordinances.• Assist in reviewing plans and specifications for park site projects and recommend modifications.•Requisition equipment and supplies; inform supervisor on progress of work and on observed performance and attendance of subordinates.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
PARK RANGER I
$21.43 - $29.16 Hourly
$44,567.72 - $60,646.52 AnnuallyExperience: Two years of interacting with the public that included conflict resolution and customer service or customer support. (College coursework from an accredited college or university in public administration, park or recreation management, forestry, botany, environmental science, or a closely related field to the assignment may substitute for the required experience on the basis of 30 semester or 45 quarter units equaling one year of full-time experience.)Other Requirements: Within 12 months of employment, incumbents must possess valid certificates in First Aid, CPR/AED, Basic Water Rescue issued by the American Red Cross or YMCA, and have successfully completed PC 832.
PARK RANGER II
$23.16 - $31.54 Hourly
$48,168.05 - $65,608.96 Annually
OPTION IEducation: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in public administration, park or recreation management, forestry, botany, environmental science, or a closely related field to the assignment.
OPTION IIExperience: Three years of working in the operations, maintenance, development, or protection of a park, forest, or public recreational or historical area. (College coursework from an accredited college or university in public administration, park or recreation management, forestry, botany, environmental science, or a closely related field may substitute for up to three years of the required experience on the basis of 30 semester or 45 quarter units equaling one year of full-time experience.)
OPTION IIIExperience: One year as a Park Ranger I with the Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District.Other Requirements: Incumbents must possess valid certificates in First Aid and CPR/AED. Within the first six months of employment, incumbents must successfully complete P.C. 832. Within one year of employment, incumbents must possess a valid certificate in Basic Water Rescue issued by the American Red Cross or YMCA.
If you are applying for the Level II, you must upload your valid certificates in First Aid and CPR/AED with your application.ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL LEVELS:
License: Possession of a valid California Driver's License is needed at the time of application since the role will be patrolling in a county vehicle the park.
Assessment: Candidates will be required to take a general abilities assessment prior to being considered for any Park Ranger I/II position.Environmental & Physical Requirements: The Park Ranger I/II – Parks will be exposed to inclement weather, including extreme heat, cold, and wet conditions, for extended periods. Additionally, they will encounter both living and dead wild and domestic animals, as well as noxious plants such as rattlesnakes, bees/wasps, mountain lions, dogs, poison oak, and stinging nettle. The position requires the ability to patrol parks and perform maintenance under these conditions. The incumbent must also be able to lift and carry items weighing up to 60 pounds, such as pool chemical buckets, cases of water, tools, and maintenance supplies.
For those positions designated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) as safety-sensitive, applicants are required to complete a DOT mandated alcohol and drug-screening. (A positive test or refusal to test during the past two years will disqualify an applicant from consideration for County employment). Reference checks from former DOT regulated employers are also required. Applicants must submit a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) driving record prior to hire. Employees in safety-sensitive positions are subject to DOT alcohol/drug testing in the following situations: random, reasonable suspicion/cause, return-to-duty, and post-accident.
Employees in safety-sensitive positions are subject to DOT alcohol/drug testing in the following situations: random, reasonable suspicion/cause, return-to-duty, and post-accident.Knowledge of: Principles and practices of natural resources conservation, park management, and general law enforcement; principles and practices of first aid and safety.Ability to: Read, interpret, and enforce appropriate laws and regulations in accordance with County policy; train subordinates in park and open-space procedures; maintain records and prepare clear, complete, and concise reports; speak and write effectively; establish and maintain cooperative relationships with the public and other employees.SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
- This recruitment is open to all applicants.For specific questions regarding this position, contact the Silvia Trammell at strammell@rivco.org.
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APPLICATION INFORMATION
Veteran's Preference
The County has a Veterans Preference Policy applicable to new hires. To qualify, upload a copy of your (or your spouse's) Member-4 Form DD-214 indicating dates of service, and a copy of your spouse's letter of disability (if applicable) with your application. For privacy reasons, it is recommended that you remove your social security information from the document(s). A Human Resources Representative will review the materials and determine if you qualify for veterans' preference. The Veterans Preference Policy, C-3 is available here: https://rivcocob.org/board-policiesReasonable Accommodations
The County of Riverside is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter for the position noted above. For additional information and/or to obtain the appropriate form for requesting a reasonable accommodation, please visit the Disability Access Office web page located at: https://rc-hr.com/disabilityProof of Education
If using education to qualify or when requested by the recruiter, upload a copy of any license(s), official/unofficial transcript(s), degrees, and/or related employment documents to your NeoGov account at the time of application and before the closing date. Official or unofficial transcripts will be accepted.If your education was completed outside of the United States, you will need to provide a copy of your Foreign Education Equivalency evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE).
Work Authorization Requirement
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. The County of Riverside does not participate in visa sponsorship programs, including H1-B visas, and will not provide sponsorship for any employment-based visas.Equal Opportunity Employer
The County of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the County of Riverside to provide equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, or any other non-job-related factors.Pre-Employment
All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment requirements including a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from County employment). A pre-employment physical examination and background check may be required.Probationary Period
As an Approved Local Merit System, all County of Riverside employees, except those serving "At Will," are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, County Resolution, or Salary Ordinance. Temporary and Per Diem employees serve at the pleasure of the agency/department head.General Information
Current County of Riverside and/or current employees of the hiring department may receive priority consideration. Qualified candidates may be considered for future County vacancies.Job postings may close without notice based on application volume. Submit your complete application by the recruitment close date; no late applications are accepted. Ensure all relevant experience/education is reflected on your application/resume, as a failure to demonstrate position requirements may disqualify applicants. A description of job duties directly copied from the job classification or job posting will not be considered.
Please read and follow any special application instructions on this posting. Click the 'Apply' link located on this page to submit your application. For additional instructions on the application process, examinations, Veteran's preference, pre-employment accommodation or other employment questions, please refer to our web site, www.rc-hr.com.
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