Park Ranger I/II - Parks (Finance)
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 dedicated and enthusiastic Park Ranger I/II to support multiple park locations in the Idyllwild and La Quinta areas.
This is a fantastic opportunity for individuals who are passionate about regional parks and thrive in a dynamic, outdoor work environment. The successful candidate will enjoy the unique chance to float seasonally between two beautiful and distinct locations: the scenic mountains of Idyllwild during the summer season (May 1 - October 31) and the vibrant desert setting at Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park in La Quinta during the winter (November 1 - April 30).
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. The Park Ranger may also oversee work release program participants. 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.
The ideal candidate will be highly motivated and skilled in customer service, communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving. 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.
A background in open-space reserves, forestry, or parks—or experience in the military or law enforcement—is highly desirable.
Uniforms are provided.
Work locations include the following areas:
Idyllwild Regional Park
Hurkey Creek Park
Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park
Work Schedule:
This position offers a flexible 9/80 schedule with Mondays and Tuesdays off, working 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM on weekdays and 2:00 PM - 10:30 PM on weekends. Holiday shifts are required.
The level at which the position will be filled is at the Department's discretion and contingent on the candidate's experience and qualifications. Incumbents are expected to progress to the Park Ranger II level upon meeting the minimum qualifications for the higher level and satisfactory job performance.
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.PARK RANGER I - PARKS
• 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 park areas to promote an orderly and congenial atmosphere among park visitors, and to resolve problems; issue warnings and citations under appropriate laws or ordinances for non-compliance of park regulations, and if needed, utilize law enforcement agencies to achieve compliance; may make appearances in court.
• 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
• 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; oversee the registration of park visitors, collection of fees, issuance of camping permits, and assignment of the general public to various camping areas within the parks.
• Assist in reviewing plans and specifications for park site projects and recommend modifications.
• Answer public inquiries and complaints concerning park and open-space operations and maintenance; provide assistance in emergency situations; maintain fire prevention standards and practices as established by the State Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the United States Forest Service.
• Patrol park areas to promote an orderly and congenial atmosphere among park visitors, and to resolve problems; issue warnings and citations under appropriate laws or ordinances for non-compliance of park regulations, and if needed, utilize law enforcement agencies to achieve compliance; may make appearances in court.
• Maintain records and prepare reports; requisition equipment and supplies; inform supervisor on progress of work and on observed performance and attendance of subordinates.
• 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 program.
• Participate in custodial duties and the maintenance and cleanup of park structures and grounds.PARK RANGER I - PARKS ( $42,853.57 - $58,313.96 Annually)
Experience: 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 - PARKS ( $46,315.43 - $63,085.54 Annually)
OPTION I
Education: 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 II
Experience: 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 III
Experience: 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/Certificate: Possession of a valid California Driver's License.
Assessment: Candidates will be required to take a general abilities assessment prior to being considered for any Park Ranger II position.
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. 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.
Essential Physical Abilities:
Lift and carry 50 lbs, walk along uneven terrain, standing for extended periods, driving and getting in and out of golf cart and/or truck. Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions - heat, cold, wind, rain, snow, interaction with animals both domestic and occasionally wild.
Physical Exposures:
Extreme heat and cold/snow.This recruitment is open to all applicants.
For questions regarding this recruitmentContact Vanessa Diaz Beaird at VDBEAIRD@rivco.org with any questions regarding this recruitment.
(Include details on your resume/application)
