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Junior Ranger Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

YOUTH AID

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$18.26/hr

... Ranger), the Youth Aide will assist the Junior Lifeguard Program Instructor during the operating hours of the Junior Lifeguard Program. The Youth Aid will work with lifeguard staff and other park ...

Junior Ranger information

See California salary details

$7

$26

$46

How much do junior ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for junior ranger in California is $26.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $32.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Junior Ranger?

Junior Rangers often assist with tasks such as guiding visitors, maintaining trails, monitoring wildlife, and educating the public about park rules and conservation. They may also conduct basic field research, help organize events, and support senior rangers in patrolling assigned areas. The role usually involves a combination of outdoor work and interacting with people, making it dynamic and hands-on. This experience provides valuable exposure to park operations and environmental stewardship, setting the stage for potential career advancement in park services or environmental science.

What is a Junior Ranger job?

A Junior Ranger is typically a seasonal or entry-level position with national or state parks, where individuals assist park staff with education, conservation, and visitor services. Responsibilities may include leading educational programs, helping with wildlife and habitat preservation, and providing information to park visitors. The role is designed to foster an appreciation for nature and develop skills in environmental stewardship. Junior Rangers often work outdoors and engage with the public to promote responsible park use. This position is a great opportunity for those interested in careers in conservation, education, or park management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Junior Ranger position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Junior Ranger, you typically need a basic knowledge of environmental science, a passion for nature conservation, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with GPS devices, basic first aid certification, and field reporting tools is commonly expected. Excellent communication, teamwork, and observational skills help Junior Rangers excel in public engagement and collaborating with park staff. These abilities are essential for ensuring the safety, education, and enjoyment of park visitors while contributing to conservation efforts.

What are the most commonly searched types of Ranger jobs in California? The most popular types of Ranger jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Junior Ranger jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Junior Ranger jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Junior Ranger jobs? Cities in California with the most Junior Ranger job openings:

$18.26/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

YOUTH AID - BAY AREA DISTRICT / S.F. BAY SECTOR
"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)."
Under close supervision of the State Park Peace Officer Supervisor (Ranger), the Youth Aide will assist the Junior Lifeguard Program Instructor during the operating hours of the Junior Lifeguard Program. The Youth Aid will work with lifeguard staff and other park staff to develop job skills, proper work habits, and leadership qualities through gaining work experience. This position is suitable for individuals who are under 18 years old who want to pursue a Lifeguard I position at Angel Island State Park in the future.
Works with and assists staff in the facilitation of daily operation of the Junior Lifeguard Program under the direct supervision of Junior Lifeguard instructors. Assists with welcoming Junior Lifeguards and assisting with boarding and disembarking from ferry vessels. Courteously greet the program participants and parents. Assists with Junior Lifeguard registration using Reserve California. Assist program instructors with transporting Junior Lifeguards around the island, facilitating activities, and equipment cleanup and storage. Assist program instructors in aquatic safety interpretation, while developing leadership qualities and self-esteem through team building and empowerment. Report hazards to lifeguard staff to keep Junior Lifeguards safe. Maintains boundaries for Junior Lifeguard activities by being available to assist stragglers as they complete water activities.
Maintains first aid inventory and delivers first aid supplies to lifeguards. Trains in physical fitness, first aid, and rescue techniques. Assists lifeguards with deck-handing, such as vessel housekeeping and inventory. Communicates courteously with other staff and the public and stays alert and oriented to potential hazards. Assists Dock Aides with greeting park visitors, checking in campers, and ensuring safe loading and unloading of passenger ferries.
Through work experience and training, develops skills in leadership, coaching, training, education, and directing of Junior Lifeguard Program participants by being part of a high- performance, team-based work group. Serves as a role model for the participants in the Junior Lifeguard Program.
Assists with Junior Lifeguard Program instructional set up and cleans instructional equipment at end-of-day. Performs daily inspection and maintenance of aquatic facilities, inspects dock station and first aid supply room for cleanliness, organization, professional appearance, and proper stocking of supplies and equipment. Empties trashcans at workstations as needed at the beginning and end of each shift, sweeps floors and dusts counter spaces of any workstations at the beginning and end of each shift. Develops familiarity and skills in maintenance of facilities, equipment and cleanup of the program area.
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 State Park Peace Officer Supervisor I Kevin Selna at (949) 426-0508, or email Kevin.Selna@parks.ca.gov .
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
The Youth Aid works outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, including inclement weather and may be required to assist aboard a vessel on rough seas. Work environment may have moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, cold water and rocky beaches.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
  • YOUTH AID
Additional Documents
  • Job Application Package Checklist
  • Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-516083
Position #(s):
549-656-9991-901
Working Title:
YOUTH AID
Classification:
YOUTH AID $18.26 - $18.26
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:
Marin County
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
Non-Tenured, Intermittent
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.

This individual must be willing to work all necessary weekdays during the Junior Lifeguard Program operating hours. Conform to departmental uniform requirements.
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: 7/22/2026
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
Bay Area Petaluma Office
Attn: Regina Beltran
845 Casa Grande Road
Petaluma , CA 94954
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Parks & Recreation
Bay Area Petaluma Office
Regina Beltran
845 Casa Grande Road
Petaluma , CA 94954
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:
Kevin Selna
(949) 426-0508
Kevin.Selna@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 # 549-656-9991-901 and the Job Control # JC-516083 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.