Park Ranger Protection Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $53,775.24 - $79,545.12 Annually
Location : City of Escondido, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 03774
Department: Public Works
Division: Operations - Park Maintenance
Opening Date: 06/22/2026
Closing Date: 7/6/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Summary
Park Ranger I: $4,481 - 6,005 Monthly
Park Ranger II: $4,946 - $6,628 Monthly
If you want to join a hardworking team that shares a commitment to provide top-quality municipal services in a prime North County location, consider a career with the City of Escondido. We have an opening for the position of Park Ranger I/II in our Public Works Department/Parks Division. For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's website.
Under general supervision, supervises park usage and performs a variety of professional, technical, and maintenance duties in the day-to-day operation of City parks and lakes including public relations, visitor services, enforcement of park rules and municipal code, natural resource interpretation and protection, and buildings and ground maintenance. Supervision is received from the Lakes and Open Space Supervisor; supervision is exercised over Ranger Specialists, Park Attendants and volunteers.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Park Ranger I: This is the entry level class in the Park Ranger series. Positions at this level are not expected to function with the same amount of program knowledge or skill level as positions allocated to the Park Ranger II level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. Incumbents at this level are expected to learn the full range of responsibilities and perform duties with an increasing level of independence. Advancement to the "II" level is based on demonstrated proficiency in performing the assigned functions and is at the discretion of higher level supervisory or management staff.
Park Ranger II: This is the full journey level class in the Park Ranger series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Park Ranger I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, applying well knowledge, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Work is normally reviewed only on completion and for overall results. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Park Ranger II level are normally filled by advancement from the Park Ranger I level.
Park Ranger I incumbents are typically eligible to progress to the II level after 12 months of successful performance and completion of the Progression/Advancement Requirements. As employees progress into the Park Ranger II classification, they are expected to work more independently and at a higher level.
Key Responsibilities
The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
Patrols City parks and lakes facilities.
Enforces City ordinances and park rules and regulations.
Opens and closes lakes and parks facilities.
Collects and deposits fees; issues citations for misdemeanors and infractions and contacts police when needed.
Prepares and makes oral presentations to park visitors and community groups off site as required.
Acts as a public information source, answers questions asked by the public.
Prepares written reports of incidents and accidents.
Prepares daily logs and activity reports.
Maintains visitor use and park activity records, prepares reports, and creates forms.
Coordinates projects and performs general maintenance, cleaning, repair and improvement on all open spaces and camping facilities and equipment, including boat docks, boats, fishing piers, trails, picnic and camping sites, restrooms and irrigation equipment. Operates a variety of tools, equipment, and vehicles.
Assists with planning and designating assignments for Ranger Specialists, Park Attendants and volunteers.
Coordinates, trains, and evaluates the work of Ranger Specialists, Park Attendants and volunteers.
Provides first aid and emergency medical response.
Assists in the coordination of search and rescue operations.
Attends miscellaneous agency meetings.
May assist in staffing concession stand, as needed due to staff shortages.
Performs related duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Natural resource management and conservation principles.
Principles of public relations and visitor management.
Principles, practices, methods, theories, and trends in volunteerism and volunteer management.
Park maintenance and operations;
First Aid, CPR and other emergency procedures.
City ordinances and rules relating to parks and recreation.
English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.
Principles of public speaking.
Standard office practices and procedures, including the use of standard office equipment, basic recordkeeping, arithmetic, computer applications and basic computer software.
Safe working practices.
Principles and practices of customer service with the public, vendors, contractors and City staff.
Ability to:
Establish and maintain effective working relationships and contribute to a cooperative team effort.
Work independently while supervising facilities, user groups and other staff.
Complete work within an expected time frame.
Work outdoors in all weather conditions.
Analyze situations and determine a course of action.
Effectively communicate with the public and coworkers both orally and in writing.
Use a variety of hand tools, power tools, and equipment for the maintenance and repair of park and lake equipment and facilities.
Operate assigned vehicles and equipment including water and tanker trucks, observing legal and defensive driving practices.
Effectively implement policies, rules and laws.
Successfully complete required training and obtain required certifications and licenses.
Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Read, write and understand English to follow safety precautions and procedures.
Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
Minimum Requirements
Park Ranger I/II
Education/Training:
A high school diploma or equivalent. A Bachelor's Degree in parks and recreation management, natural resource management is highly desirable and may substitute for the experience requirement below.
Experience:
Two years of related experience in parks and recreation management or natural resource management that demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Park Ranger II
Experience:
Successful completion of the Progression/Advancement Requirements and 12 months of experience as a Park Ranger I with the City of Escondido.
Progression/Advancement Requirements:
Meet all qualifications, requirements and certifications for progression.
Complete and master all items in the Lakes Training Manual at the "Trainer Level".
Attend and complete Microsoft training for Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint training at Escondido University (must be completed within one year after progression to Level II or show proficiency in each area);
Demonstrate competence in using City of Escondido computer hardware and software applications.
Complete five part-time employee evaluations and assist in the performance conference with the employee.
Complete departmental training class in "Enforcement";
Complete departmental training class in "Interpretation";
Complete departmental training class in "Trail Construction and Maintenance";
Instruct one departmental training class.
Develop and present two interpretive programs, including one audio/visual program.
Present four safety programs to the Lakes Division staff.
Complete one "special assignment" rotation in the Lakes Division.
Select an area and take a lead role in developing a program for all employees, including planning, organizing and coordinating to completion.
Perform satisfactory participation as a member of a department team project.
*NOTE: Periodic revisions may be made to the advancement criteria as deemed necessary by the department.
License, Certificate or Other Requirements:
Incumbents must possess a valid Class "C" California driver's license at the time of application.
Within the first 12 months of employment, must have satisfactory completion of P.C. 832 training, and successful completion of advanced CPR/First-Aid Certification as provided by the Escondido Fire Department and Pesticide Handler Training.
Incumbents must be willing to work mandatory overtime when required; may be required to work nights, weekends and holidays.
Supplemental Information
NOTE: For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's web site. The City of Escondido is committed to a drug and alcohol free workplace. All applicants will be subject to fingerprint investigation before a conditional offer of employment is extended. A pre-employment medical examination will be conducted following a conditional offer of employment for all positions. Safety sensitive positions will include a pre-employment drug screen. Positions subject to the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations will be subject to DOT pre-employment drug testing and random drug and alcohol testing.
SELECTION PROCEDURE
Applications will be screened and the most qualified candidates will be invited to appear for testing. All positions require the ability to read, write and speak English. Types of tests may include written and/or oral examination, physical agility, practical exam or other appropriate job-related selection process. When testing is completed, candidates will be ranked on an eligibility list in the order of their test score. Selection for appointments is made from names certified on the eligibility list.
All appointments are subject to the successful completion of background investigation including LIVESCAN fingerprinting, and will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States. Qualification by a medical examination will be required at the time of appointment. After appointment, classified employees must satisfactorily complete a probationary period to be eligible for regular status. In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, all new employees must produce proof of eligibility to work in the United States within the first three days of their employment. The City of Escondido participates in E-Verify®.
The Loyalty Oath will be administered to all new employees on their first day of hire. New employees hired into positions that require a driver's license must provide proof of a valid California Driver's License of the appropriate class level on their first day of employment.
Additional information regarding the essential functions and physical, environmental and communication demands of the position may be obtained from the Human Resources Department. If you require reasonable accommodation in the testing process, such as an alternate means of testing, you must contact the Human Resources Department by the final filing date to complete a Request for Reasonable Accommodation form. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.
Note: Pursuant to California Civil Code section 1786.53, the City of Escondido shall provide to all job candidates a copy of any records of arrest, indictment, conviction, civil judicial action, tax lien or outstanding judgment which was obtained in the course of conducting an evaluation for employment, assignment, and/or promotion. A copy of this information, if received by the City, will be given to candidates within seven days of the City's receipt.
VETERANS' PREFERENCE
Eligible individuals are those who meet the following criteria:

• Served in the U.S. armed forces
• Received an honorable discharge
• Did not retire from military service
• Seeking employment with the City of Escondido for the first time.

Guard and Reserve active duty for training purposes does not qualify for veterans' preference. Proof of eligibility (copy of DD-214) must be submitted at time of application, or later if the promulgation of the eligibility list will not be delayed. Veterans' preference credit will only be applied to eligible applicants who attained a passing grade (total score exclusive of credit) on the final open examination.
ABOUT OUR CITY
The is a prominent agricultural, commercial hub and residential center of North San Diego County. Located a short 30-minute drive from the beach, the mountains or downtown San Diego, Escondido residents enjoy the pleasure of a rural lifestyle with all the benefits of suburban living. Escondido is a diverse, vibrant community with many amenities. The city offers attractive homes in a wide range of prices, two lakes, several parks, a sports center, golf courses