PARK RANGER I

 (Training Level Classification) 

SALARY INFORMATION 

In addition to performance-based merit increases, this position is scheduled to receive a salary range increase on the following date:  

Effective June 27, 2025 – 4.0% increase

Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.  

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
This recruitment will establish an open eligible list. This eligible list will be used to fill current and future Park Ranger I positions within OC Community Resources/OC Parks. This eligible list may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower-level classifications throughout the County of Orange.

 DEADLINE TO APPLY

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately, as the deadline to apply will be on

Friday, May 30, 2025 at 11:59 PM (PT).

THE OPPORTUNITY 
Orange County (OC) Parks Park Rangers have the unique opportunity to protect and preserve nearly 60,000 acres of parks, open spaces, historic parks, and beaches in Orange County. OC Parks is tasked with maintaining these beautiful places for future generations to enjoy, and Park Rangers are vital to this effort. This fulfilling and worthwhile career offers the opportunity for educating the public, protecting the land, preserving natural spaces, and providing clean and safe recreational opportunities to millions of visitors each year. 

The Park Ranger I class is the trainee-level classification in the Park Ranger Series. There is no permanent status at the Park Ranger I level. Incumbents are expected to demonstrate progressive proficiency by performing work with increasing independence in order to advance to the Park Ranger II level after a one-year appointment. The incumbent will be required to successfully complete the OC Parks Park Ranger Academy and field training program. The current Park Ranger II salary range is $29.51 to $39.77 per hour.
 
OC Parks Park Rangers work in a wide range and variety of environments from urban regional parks and beaches to remote wilderness areas. Many locations involve significant time outdoors in remote, rugged areas, while others manage busy urban regional parks. In addition, Park Rangers will be required to plan and conduct vehicle and foot patrols (i.e., determining patrol route and length, driving and/or walking through parks and recreation facilities).  Determine and use appropriate action in the events of accidents, emergencies, and undesirable or illegal activity (e.g., violation of Orange County Codified Ordinances, unauthorized entry, vandalism or other property damage, and theft).

OC Parks' mission is to, "preserve and enhance OC Parks' natural and cultural resources for recreation, education and exploration.” OC Parks is responsible for the stewardship of nearly 60,000 acres of parkland, comprising 10% of Orange County's 948 square miles. The award-winning regional park system provides opportunities for recreation, exercise, education, and respite for Orange County's 3.19 million residents, and serves over 16.4 million visitors annually through activities and programs that are as diverse as the parks themselves. The OC Parks system includes: 15 regional urban parks with amenities such as fishing lakes, golf courses, an archery range, and the OC Zoo; seven wilderness parks with camping and equestrian facilities and nature centers; seven historic sites including the original County seat; two miles of beaches and coastal facilities including three recreational boating harbors; approximately 25,000 acres of protected open space with critical native habitat and nature trails; nearly 300 miles of regional bikeways and more than 500 miles of regional riding and hiking trails.

For more information on OC Parks, click on the link.

For more information on OC Community Resources, click on the link. 

For more information on the County of Orange, click on the link. 

OC Parks provides service to various locations seven days per week, 365 days per year. Candidates must be prepared to work weekends, evenings, nights and holidays. Due to the needs of the department, schedules are subject to change, and candidates must be prepared to work shifts as assigned. Candidates will be required to work overtime during their park ranger academy training, and in the event of an emergency, disaster, or during periods of unexpected staffing shortages.

Candidates will be required to successfully complete a mandatory six-month in-house Park Ranger Academy which includes subsequent field training.   This mandatory training is required for a candidate to become an OC Parks Park Ranger, and therefore vacation requests will not be granted through the duration of the Academy or field training. Candidates will be required to work overtime during the Academy and while field training. During Academy and field training, discretionary leave is not allowed.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/pGOW6y_W910?&wmode=opaque&rel=0 

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & CORE COMPETENCIES
The ideal candidate will have demonstrated knowledge of and/or extensive experience in the following core competencies.

Park Expertise

• Knowledge of principles and techniques of operations and maintenance for urban, wilderness, natural, harbor, and beach facilities
• Possess an understanding of emergency vehicle operation, first responder/emergency medical/CPR, and principles of fire suppression
• Proficient with Microsoft Office programs (Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.)
• Demonstrate basic accounting mathematical calculations for work-related functions

Customer Service

• Ability to effectively handle customers' questions and concerns 
• Communicate effectively with the customer, handle service problems politely, and be available for customers
• Effectively follow procedures to solve customer problems, maintaining a pleasant and professional image

Leadership | Supervision

• Assigning, scheduling, and prioritizing work 
• Adapting to changing assignments and priorities and managing those changes with affected parties 
• Anticipating problems, mitigating risks, and procuring necessary resources 
• Supervising staff and volunteers 

Community Outreach | Public Speaking

• Serving as a personable and well-informed ambassador representing OC Parks
• Planning, preparing, and presenting historical, interpretive, recreational, and training programs
• Engaging and providing educational opportunities for all park visitors 

Oral & Written Communication

• Communicating effectively to coordinate activities/programs with other agencies, parks, and staff members
• Utilizing skills in presenting information, analysis, ideas, and positions in a clear, succinct, accurate manner that is appropriate for the audience
• Engaging and communicating with people of all diverse backgrounds in recreational and educational environments

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Please click here for the full Park Ranger I classification specification.

License Required

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License or higher is required before the date of appointment.

Special Requirements

• Special California Statutory Requirements for Employment as a Peace Officer/Park Ranger, including all medical and psychological protocols outlined by the State of California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.
• Must be a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship.
• Be at least 21 years of age.
• Must not have been convicted of a felony or equivalent offense.

Be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition that might adversely affect the exercise of peace officer powers, as determined by a licensed examining authority in accordance with the California Government Code. Candidates must have sufficient hearing and meet vision requirements, including best-corrected visual acuity of 20/20 in each eye. Normal color vision, as determined by the Ishihara or other color vision test, is required to accurately identify colors when completing reports, conducting investigations, and recording vehicle colors for parking citations. Candidates with moderate to severe color blindness may test with reasonable accommodations and qualify if results indicate very mild to mild color blindness.