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California State Parks Ranger Jobs in California

Guide I

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$4.2K - $5.2K/mo

Capital District Department Information The mission of California State Parks is to provide for the health, inspiration, and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state ...

Park Ranger

Fairfield, CA · On-site

$88K - $107K/yr

With 24 parks, numerous bike trails and two championship golf courses, Fairfield is a great family ... Possession of a valid Class C California driver's license is required and must be maintained ...

Park Ranger II (Open)

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$88K - $110K/yr

Description The County of San Mateo Parks Department is seeking an experienced Park Ranger II to ... Possession of a class C California driver license or equivalent at the time of hire. Acquire within ...

Showing results 21-40

California State Parks Ranger information

See California salary details

$11

$20

$39

How much do california state parks ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for california state parks ranger in California is $20.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $21.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a California State Parks Ranger?

California State Parks Rangers are state-employed law enforcement officers responsible for protecting the natural and cultural resources within California's state parks. They enforce laws, ensure visitor safety, provide emergency assistance, and educate the public about park rules and conservation. Rangers also conduct patrols, respond to incidents, and assist with park maintenance and operations. Their work helps preserve the beauty and integrity of California's state parks for current and future generations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a California State Parks Ranger?

To thrive as a California State Parks Ranger, you need a solid background in law enforcement, natural resource management, and public safety, typically supported by a bachelor's degree and completion of the State Park Ranger Academy. Rangers utilize law enforcement tools, radio communication systems, and specialized equipment for emergency response and park maintenance. Strong interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to public service help rangers effectively engage with visitors and handle challenging situations. These skills are essential for protecting natural resources, ensuring visitor safety, and fostering positive experiences in California’s state parks.

What types of collaboration can a California State Parks Ranger expect with other agencies or departments?

California State Parks Rangers frequently collaborate with various agencies such as local law enforcement, fire departments, and wildlife services, especially during emergencies or large public events. They also work closely with maintenance staff, interpretive specialists, and park management to ensure visitor safety and protect natural resources. This teamwork is essential for coordinating search and rescue operations, wildfire response, and educational programs. Effective communication and a collaborative attitude are highly valued in this role.

What is the difference between California State Parks Ranger vs California State Park Peace Officer?

AspectCalifornia State Parks RangerCalifornia State Park Peace Officer
Required CredentialsCalifornia State Parks Ranger certification, basic law enforcement trainingPeace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification, law enforcement academy
Work EnvironmentNatural parks, recreational areas, visitor centersLaw enforcement settings within parks, enforcing laws and regulations
Employer & Industry UsageCalifornia State Parks Department, conservation agenciesCalifornia State Parks Department, law enforcement agencies
Common Search & ComparisonVisitor assistance, park maintenance, conservationLaw enforcement, crime prevention, emergency response

California State Parks Rangers focus on visitor services, conservation, and park maintenance, while California State Park Peace Officers have law enforcement authority, enforce laws, and handle emergencies. Both roles are vital to park safety and preservation but differ in training, authority, and responsibilities.

How difficult is it to get a California State Parks Ranger job?

Becoming a California State Parks Ranger typically requires meeting minimum qualifications such as a high school diploma or equivalent, passing written and physical fitness tests, and completing a background check. The selection process is competitive, with candidates often needing relevant experience, certifications, or training in law enforcement, emergency response, or conservation. Preparation and meeting all requirements can improve chances of success in obtaining the position.

How do I become a California State Parks Ranger?

To become a California State Parks Ranger, applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant experience in law enforcement, natural resource management, or public safety, and must pass written exams, physical fitness tests, and background checks. Some positions require specialized certifications such as CPR or first aid, and candidates often need to complete training at the California State Parks Peace Officer Academy.

How much do California State Parks Rangers make?

California State Parks Rangers typically earn an annual salary ranging from $40,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and rank. Entry-level rangers often start at the lower end of this range, with opportunities for advancement and increased pay with additional certifications and years of service.
Infographic showing various California State Parks Ranger job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 57% Full Time, 39% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,414 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Guide I

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$4.2K - $5.2K/mo

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead engaging walking tours of the California State Capitol and interpret topics related to California's history, government, art, architecture, and natural features.

  • Assist visitors at information, school registration, and tour desks by providing directions, museum information, answering questions, and scheduling tours.

  • Conduct research, prepare interpretive materials, participate in training, and support security and special event monitoring at museum sites.


Job description

GUIDE I, HISTORICAL MONUMENT - CAPITAL DISTRICT / INTERPRETATION AND EDUCATION / CALIFORNIA STATE CAPITOL MUSEUM
The reporting location for this position is California State Capitol Museum in Sacramento, CA. This position will work under the direction of the Guide II Supervisor, Historical Monument.
The California State Capitol Museum is seeking an enthusiastic, service - oriented Guide I to join our interpretive team. This position plays a key role in helping visitors explore California's history, government, and cultural heritage through high - quality tours, educational services, and public engagement. The Guide I is responsible for leading engaging walking tours of the California State Capitol and providing interpretation on a wide range of topics, including California State Government, the legislative process, Capitol history, art, architecture, and the natural features of Capitol Park. The position also includes interpreting exhibits and historic rooms within the Capitol Museum as well as the Leland Stanford Mansion. Guide I staff assist visitors at the Information Desk, School Registration Desk, and tour desk by offering directions, literature, museum information, answering questions, checking in school groups, scheduling public tours, answering phones, and maintaining tour statistics. Additional duties include preparing tours, conducting research, completing interpretive assignments, participating in training and improvement teams, and producing written materials related to interpretive presentations. Guide I also provides security support by roving assigned floors, responding to room alarms, backing up fellow Guides, and monitoring special events at both museum sites when needed.
Occasional travel may be required. Possession of a valid driver's license is required when operating a state owned or leased vehicle.
This position is designated as not telework eligible.
The selected candidate is required to submit to a background investigation process utilizing Live Scan fingerprinting prior to appointment.
State housing is not available. For further information regarding this position, please contact Erin Renfree at 916-508-4312 or e-mail Erin.Renfree@parks.ca.gov OR Jason Rankins at 916-730-2106 or e-mail Jason.Rankins@parks.ca.gov
This recruitment may be used to fill identical vacancies which may occur within 180 days of the Final Filing Date of this job posting.
Effective July 1, 2025, the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025). PLP 2025 directs that each employee receives a temporary reduction in pay in exchange for PLP 2025 leave credits. The percentage of the temporary salary reduction and the number of PLP 2025 leave credits are determined by the position's assigned bargaining unit. The salary range(s) included in this job advertisement do not reflect the temporary salary reduction. For additional information regarding PLP 2025, please click here .
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
Neat personal appearance; tact; poise; willingness to work on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays on an assigned shift; ability to sit, stand, and walk for long periods of time.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
  • GUIDE I, HISTORICAL MONUMENT
Additional Documents
  • Job Application Package Checklist
  • Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-529457
Position #(s):
549-671-2794-011
Working Title:
Guide I
Classification:
GUIDE I, HISTORICAL MONUMENT $4,215.00 - $5,274.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
Multiple
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Facility:
Capital District
Department Information
The mission of California State Parks is to provide for the health, inspiration, and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state's extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.
All employees are responsible for contributing to an inclusive, safe, and secure work environment that values diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, and is free from discrimination.
Department Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov
Special Requirements
  • The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
  • The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.

Candidates that believe they meet the Minimum qualifications based on a pattern of education from the classification description (specifications) must provide a copy of your degree/transcripts and/or license along with your application (STD. 678) to be considered for this position. If selected for the position transcripts will be required prior to appointment.
DO NOT include any confidential information to your application or supporting documents (i.e., Social Security Number, birthdate, marital status, medical information, examination results, method of eligibility, etc.)
SROA/SURPLUS Applicants: You must check the SROA/Surplus as your claimed method of eligibility and attach your SROA/Surplus letter as an additional document.
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 9/8/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Parks & Recreation
Administrative Services Division
Attn: Classification and Hiring
715 P Street
Sacramento , CA 95814
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Parks & Recreation
Administrative Services Division
Classification and Hiring
715 P Street
Sacramento , CA 95814
Monday through Friday except weekends and state holidays.
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
  • Strong public-speaking and interpretive abilities, with the skill to clearly explain historical, governmental, architectural, and cultural topics to diverse audiences.
  • Ability to learn and accurately present information about California State Government, the State Capitol building, Capitol Park, and the Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park.
  • Excellent customer service skills, including assisting visitors, answering questions, providing directions, and supporting school group registration.
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct research, prepare written assignments, and develop interpretive presentation outlines.
  • Reliability and professionalism, including neat personal appearance, tact, poise, and the ability to work in a fast - paced, public-facing environment.
  • Willingness and ability to work weekends, holidays, and varied shifts as needed.
  • Ability to stand, sit, and walk for extended periods while performing tours or visitor services.
  • Capacity to work collaboratively, participate in staff meetings, trainings, and improvement teams, and contribute to a positive, inclusive work environment.
  • Flexibility to work at multiple museum sites, including the State Capitol Museum and the Leland Stanford Mansion SHP.

Benefits Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Erin Renfree
(916) 508-4312
erin.renfree@parks.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Sharon Comas - EEO Office
(916) 653-9990
sharon.comas@parks.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Additional Instructions
If submitting your completed Application Package by mail or hand delivery, you must include the Position # 549-671-2794-011 and the Job Control # JC-529457 in the "Examination or Job Title for which you are applying" section on the STD. 678.
Note: If you are applying for multiple positions, you must complete a STD. 678 for each position separately. Incomplete applications or applications received with multiple positions listed on one application will not be considered.
Employment History on the STD 678 must be complete and include dates, accurate hours per week, total time worked, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Failure to submit a completed STD 678 may result in you being screened out. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview.
Eligibility Information
  • List Eligibility - Successfully complete the civil service exam for GUIDE I. Click her e for more information on how to apply for the exam. NOTE: Please refer to the exam bulletin for the frequency of administration of this exam.
  • Transfer Eligibility - Must have current employment with the State of California in the same classification or in a classification that is comparable. If in a different classification, you must meet the minimum qualifications (see Minimum Qualifications section and associated links above).
  • Reinstatement Eligibility - Previously obtained permanent employment with the State of California in the same classification or in a classification that is comparable. If in a different classification, you must meet the minimum qualifications (see Minimum Qualifications section and associated links above).

  • In some special circumstances, candidates who meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position, but who do not have one of the types of eligibility listed above, may be hired.
    Equal Opportunity Employer
    The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), 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 (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
    It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. 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.