Local Park Ranger Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $53,118.00 - $80,028.00 Annually
Location : City of San Luis Obispo, CA
Job Type: Regular Full Time
Department: Ranger Service
Opening Date: 05/28/2026
Closing Date: 6/15/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
JOB DESCRIPTION
The City of San Luis Obispo has an exciting opportunity as a Ranger Service Worker for those passionate about protecting the safety and functionality of our City's open spaces and preserving our natural resources.
This classification is a "Skills Based Pay" (SBP) advancement series. Skills Based Pay is a pay/classification system which establishes employee pay and position within a broad pay scale based on the employee's demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities as compared to a defined criterion for each position. This is a different pay/classification model than the traditional time-in-grade system.
If you are selected for interviews, they will take place in person on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, so please hold that date.
ABOUT THE POSITION:
The Ranger Service Worker is a critical member of our Parks and Recreation team, responsible for maintaining the safety, functionality, and natural beauty of our open spaces. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in law enforcement, heavy equipment operation, maintenance, and trail building. This position requires a blend of technical skills, interpersonal skills with diverse groups, and a commitment to preserving natural resources while ensuring public safety and enjoyment.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:
The ideal candidate for this position will have personal and professional integrity, be able to prioritize workplace priorities, possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, approach their work with enthusiasm, and demonstrate a strong commitment to customer service. They will be able to work independently for extended periods in remote locations, have varying hours and weekend schedules, and work outdoors in any weather condition. They should have knowledge in the identification and general habitat of native flora and fauna found in local open space lands in the City of San Luis Obispo. It is also necessary to have a high level of situational awareness, as well as the ability work with a variety of community members while enforcing regulations and effectively maintaining good public relations. The candidate must also be able to use sound independent judgement within established procedural guidelines; and safely use hand tools, power tools and heavy motorized equipment in a variety of locations.
JOB SUMMARY:
This classification is a "Skills Based Pay" (SBP) advancement series which performs a variety of semi-skilled, skilled, and highly specialized functions in the upkeep, maintenance, and patrol of open spaces and other City creek areas; operates and maintains specialized equipment related to assignment; and encourages the safe and effective promotion, protection, and utilization of open space resources and preserves. Positions in this classification may work independently or as part of a crew with other Ranger Service or City staff.
Positions in this classification are responsible for the successful completion of a wide variety of work projects, from routine to complex technical, maintenance, patrol, and educational duties. Depending on the level and assignment, positions in this classification may have primary responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of designated open spaces and/or other City managed recreational properties; the operation of specialized equipment in the maintenance of City open space areas and multiuse trails; and the preparation and presentation of a variety of environmental education programs.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:
Each employee in this Skills Based Pay classification has the opportunity to advance within the classification to the highest step. Individual employees pursue career development through work, training, and certifications to gain leadership skills and become highly skilled in Ranger Service functions. The class starts at an entry level, and as knowledge, experience, and skills increase, promotion to the next higher step may be reasonably expected. Such advancement is based on attainment and ongoing use of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities, as defined through the skills-based pay criteria matrix.
SUPERVISION
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
Employees in this classification receive supervision within the framework of standard policies and procedures, and in accordance with the level of independence identified in the skills-based pay criteria matrix. Employees in this classification exercise independent judgment in the selection of work means, methods, and procedures.
Employees in the upper levels of this classification will monitor and direct the work of others in a lead or oversight capacity as needed to complete specific projects and daily assignments.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks that may be found in positions of this class.)

• Patrols open space areas ensuring compliance with the City Open Space Ordinances, the safety of users, the control of vandalism, and preservation of the natural environment.
• Operates a variety of automotive and specialized equipment, including trucks, tractors, dozers, and mowers; may operate and maintain a tractor and dump trailer with ability to drive off-road and tow a trailer.
• Operates power and hand tools such as blowers, mowers, weed whackers, hedgers, pole saws, chain saws, and skill saws.
• Prepares and applies pesticides and herbicides to open space areas.
• Performs a variety of general maintenance and repair work, including carpentry, painting, welding, and basic plumbing and electrical.
• Provides scheduled maintenance of assigned equipment, including removal, repair, and replacement of various parts and components, tune-ups, oil changes, blade sharpening, etc.
• Issues citations and warnings under appropriate ordinances for non-compliance of open space regulations and if needed, utilizes law enforcement agencies to achieve compliance.
• Patrols and performs maintenance on City creeks and coordinates regularly with the San Luis Obispo Police Department on prevention of illegal camping and/or habitation in creeks and open space.
• Activates a body-worn camera during posting and interactions of illegal encampments, encampment clean up, and disposal and/or storage of personal and abandoned property for documentation and record keeping purposes.
• Prepares and presents a variety of environmental education programs such as displays at community events, nature walks, and school programs, including seasonal day camps.
• Inspects assigned areas for vandalism and hazardous conditions; makes necessary repairs.
• Maintains records related to duties performed (Daily Activity Report) and equipment used.
• Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of:

• Proper open space and trail maintenance, and trail design methods, procedures, techniques, and terminology.
• Methods, materials, and practices utilized in general maintenance work.
• Open space and general maintenance materials, tools, and equipment and their safe use and maintenance, including personal protective equipment.
• Plant and animal, non-native and native, identification.
• Pesticides and herbicides and their safe and proper use and application.

Ability to:

• Safely and effectively perform semi-skilled and skilled open space maintenance and trail work.
• Perform general maintenance and construction work.
• Safely and effectively operate automotive and specialized equipment utilized in open space maintenance and general construction work.
• Learn and effectively apply procedures and methods used in the repair and maintenance of assigned specialized equipment.
• Learn and apply industry standards associated with proper maintenance of natural surface trails.
• Learn and identify local native and non-native plant and animal species.
• Maintain routine records in regard to the Transient Engagement Process.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform required duties.
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties and with the public.
• Work with diverse populations and maintain an inclusive environment.
• Work adjusted hours and weekends.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
High school diploma or G.E.D.;
and
One year of experience in landscaping, construction, trail building and maintenance, law enforcement and/or park maintenance;
or
An equivalent combination of education and experience.
Demonstrated interest in advancement in a challenging and diverse work environment will be evaluated through the interview process.
Additional education and experience in maintenance and construction, and other knowledge, skills and abilities beyond the minimum may allow for placement above the entry level.
Attainment of the top step is dependent upon obtaining and maintaining requirements outlined in the skills-based pay criteria matrix.
POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF:

• A valid California Class C driver's license and a satisfactory driving record are required for employees hired on or before June 30, 2017; a California class A driver's license is highly desirable.
• A valid California Class A driver's license or ability to obtain within one year of hire for employees hired after July 1, 2017.
• Certification of California Penal Code 832 course or ability to obtain within one year of hire.
• Current First Aid and CPR/AED certifications within 30 days of hire.

THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE A FINAL OFFER IS MADE:

• Pre-employment Physical
• Pre-employment DOT Drug Screening
• Live Scan Fingerprinting (DOJ & FBI)

Equal Opportunity & Language Access Notice
The City of San Luis Obispo values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are committed to fostering a community where all individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and inclusion, and where everyone can thrive. Our job posting site is compatible with tools such as Google Translate, which applicants may use to view postings in their preferred language. Please note that all application materials and responses must be submitted in English, as English is the working language of the City.
La Ciudad de San Luis Obispo valora la diversidad, la equidad, la inclusión y el sentido de pertenencia. Estamos comprometidos a fomentar una comunidad donde todas las personas sean tratadas con dignidad, respeto e inclusión, y donde todos puedan prosperar. Nuestro sitio de publicación de empleos es compatible con herramientas como Google Translate, que los solicitantes pueden usar para ver las publicaciones en su idioma preferido. Tenga en cuenta que todos los materiales de la solicitud y las respuestas deben enviarse en inglés, ya que el inglés es el idioma de trabajo de la Ciudad.
For questions or assistance, please contact recruitment@slocity.org. Si tiene preguntas o necesita asistencia, por favor comuníquese con recruitment@slocity.org.
For a detailed spreadsheet of employee benefits by bargaining group, please view our
Retirement: California Public Employee's Retirement System (PERS). The City participates only in the medicare portion of Social Security.
Health: the City has a cafeteria plan for health, dental and vision insurance and contributes towards medical insurance. Employees may choose from several health insurance options. There are also two dental plans to choose from. See the Benefits Summary link to determine the contribution amount.
Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance: group term life and AD&D insurance is provided for all regular employees. The amount of coverage varies depending on the classification. Employees may purchase additional life and AD&D insurance for themselves and their dependents.
Vacation: employees receive 12 days per year increasing to 20 days after 20 years.
Holidays: employees receive 12-13 days per year depending on the classification.
Sick Leave: employees receive 12 days per year.
Administrative Leave: is a benefit available to management employees. The number of administrative leave hours varies depending on the classification.
Flexible Work Schedule: is available to many positions within the City organization.
Long Term Disability Insurance: is available for regular employees. The amount of benefit and contribution by employee varies by classification.
Deferred Compensation: is available for employees to set aside a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis to supplement retirement.
Wellness Program: offered to help employees gain knowledge, skills and motivation to improve the quality of their lives and well-being.
Employee Assistance Program: a counseling and consultation service designed to help employees and eligible family members with a wide range of personal issues.
Flexible Benefits Program: available to help employees save taxes on: (1) Pre-tax health insurance premium deductions, (2) Unreimbursed/ uncovered medical expenses, and (3) Dependent care expenses.
Tuition Reimbursement: up to $1500 annually for job-related educational costs is available to employees who have passed probation.
Trip Reduction Incentive Program (TRIP)...