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California State Parks Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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California State Parks information

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$28.5K

$64K

$95K

How much do california state parks jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for california state parks in the United States is $63,994.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $75,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between California State Parks vs California State Park Rangers?

AspectCalifornia State ParksCalifornia State Park Rangers
RoleManage and maintain state parks, oversee operations, and develop programsEnforce park rules, assist visitors, conduct rescues, and ensure safety
CredentialsTypically requires a California State Parks employment application, possibly a degree in parks management or related fieldRequires California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification, law enforcement training, and park-specific knowledge
Work EnvironmentOffice settings, park grounds, visitor centersFieldwork in parks, enforcement activities, emergency response
EmployerCalifornia State Parks DepartmentCalifornia State Parks Department, law enforcement agencies

California State Parks focus on managing and maintaining parks, while California State Park Rangers are law enforcement officers ensuring safety and enforcing rules within those parks. Both roles are essential for park operations but differ in responsibilities and required credentials.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a California State Park Ranger, and why are they important?

To thrive as a California State Park Ranger, you need knowledge of natural and cultural resource management, law enforcement, and emergency response, typically supported by a relevant degree and POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) certification. Familiarity with GIS mapping tools, radio communication systems, and first aid equipment is often necessary. Outstanding interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and public speaking make rangers effective in both visitor engagement and conflict resolution. These competencies are essential for protecting park resources, ensuring public safety, and providing a positive visitor experience.

What are some common challenges faced by California State Parks employees, and how can new hires prepare for them?

California State Parks employees often work in diverse environments, from coastal beaches to mountainous forests, which can present physical and logistical challenges such as variable weather, remote locations, and high visitor volumes during peak seasons. New hires should be prepared for outdoor work, sometimes under strenuous conditions, and may need to respond quickly to emergencies or changing park needs. Building strong communication skills and adaptability is essential, as collaboration with other rangers, administrative staff, and the public is a key part of the role. Familiarity with park regulations, resource management, and visitor services will also help new employees succeed.

What are California State Parks?

California State Parks are a system of public parks, historic sites, beaches, and recreation areas managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation. The system includes over 280 units across the state, offering opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, swimming, and exploring natural and cultural resources. These parks help preserve California’s diverse landscapes and history while providing spaces for education and recreation. They are open to the public and often require a day-use or camping fee. The state parks system is one of the largest and most diverse in the United States.
What cities are hiring for California State Parks jobs? Cities with the most California State Parks job openings:
What states have the most California State Parks jobs? States with the most job openings for California State Parks jobs include:

SENIOR PARK AIDE (SEASONAL)

Department of Parks & Recreation

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$20.90 - $25.15/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

SENIOR PARK AIDE (SEASONAL) - CAPITAL DISTRICT
"Priority consideration will be given to any person receiving State public assistance under the CalWORKs program. Applicants who receive State public assistance need to identify their status as a CalWORKs recipient in the comments area on the application. Applicants must submit a verification of their CalWORKs eligibility status, which may include the most recent Notice of Action showing TANF eligibility or a copy of your last aid check stub. If verification is not submitted with the application, the application will not be processed. (Applicants may obtain verification from the CalWORKs program)."
The reporting location for this position will be in Old Sacramento, California State Railroad Museum, 125 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. This position will work under the direction of the Guide II Historic Monument (Sup).
The position leads Park Aides in register operations, is responsible for the collection and accounting of park fees, MVR and Parks statistics, providing visitor information, and assisting with interpretive activities within the California State Railroad Museum and Old Sacramento State Historic Park. Key components of Visitor Services include training and the daily operation of the Museum. Employee hours are 9am to 5:30pm. This position requires working evening events, holidays and weekends.
This position may work up to 1500 hours within 12 consecutive months. 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 Kim Whitfield at (916) 323-9280 or Kim.Whitfield@parks.ca.gov .
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
May work in an office or warehouse (museum facility) setting or out of doors in unpredictable climates. Ability to bend, stoop, lift, sit, and stand for long periods of time and walk distances on uneven surfaces. Lift up to 25 lbs.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
  • SENIOR PARK AIDE (SEASONAL)
Additional Documents
  • Job Application Package Checklist
  • Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-517994
Position #(s):
549-677-1035-901
Working Title:
SENIOR PARK AIDE (SEASONAL)
Classification:
SENIOR PARK AIDE (SEASONAL) $20.90 - $25.15
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:
Non-Tenured, Intermittent
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.

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.)
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: 8/19/2026
Who May Apply
This is a non-testing Classification, therefore, anyone meeting the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification may apply for this position. Individuals in specific programs, such as the Welfare to Work Program, are encouraged to apply and will be given priority according to the applicable Laws and Rules. Please note on your application your current participation in these programs. 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
Capital District
Attn: Personnel
101 J 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
Capital District
Personnel
101 J Street
Sacramento , CA 95814
Monday-Friday, excluding 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.
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:
Kim Whitfield
(916) 323-9280
Kim.Whitfield@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 # 549-677-0986-901 and the Job Control # JC-517994 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.
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.