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Park Ranger Protection Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Island Hospitality Management

Ranger

Paso Robles, CA · On-site

$20/hr

As a Ranger, you will assist with all site set-ups for arriving and departing guests. They are ... Identity Theft Protection Insurance Commuter benefits including transit & parking * Pet Insurance

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IHM Outdoors

Ranger

Paso Robles, CA

$20/hr

Description As a Ranger, you will assist with all site set-ups for arriving and departing guests ... Identity Theft Protection Insurance Commuter benefits including transit & parking * Pet Insurance

LEGOLAND Parks

LEGOLAND CA Day Park Ranger-PT

Carlsbad, CA

$18.50 - $22.75/hr

Patrols Park, Hotel, Sea Life Aquarium and all employee areas * Writes detailed and accurate ... Will work alongside Profit Protection team to investigate and document instances of theft, ticket ...

LEGOLAND Parks

LEGOLAND CA Overnight Park Ranger

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $22.75/hr

Operates Park Dispatch Center (utilizing CAD operating system) * Surveillance of Resort utilizing ... Will work alongside Profit Protection team to investigate and document instances of theft, ticket ...

Servexo

PART-TIME SECURITY GUARD

Carson, CA · On-site

$16.75 - $20.50/hr

Company Description SERVEXO PROTECTIVE SERVICE is seeking a talented individual committed to ... park ranger, firefighter, or Police student worker (with the City of Los Angeles), or (Military ...

Servexo

PART-TIME SECURITY GUARD

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $21/hr

Company Description SERVEXO PROTECTIVE SERVICE is seeking a talented individual committed to ... park ranger, firefighter, or Police student worker (with the City of Los Angeles), or (Military ...

Servexo

PART-TIME SECURITY GUARD

Carson, CA · On-site

$16.75 - $20.50/hr

Company Description SERVEXO PROTECTIVE SERVICE is seeking a talented individual committed to ... park ranger, firefighter, or Police student worker (with the City of Los Angeles), or (Military ...

Servexo

PART-TIME SECURITY GUARD

Los Angeles, CA

$17.25 - $21/hr

Company Description SERVEXO PROTECTIVE SERVICE is seeking a talented individual committed to ... park ranger, firefighter, or Police student worker (with the City of Los Angeles), or (Military ...

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All JobsPark Ranger Protection JobsPark Ranger Protection Jobs in California

Park Ranger Protection information

How hard is it to get a job as a park ranger?

Getting a job as a park ranger typically requires relevant education or experience in natural resources, environmental science, or law enforcement, along with passing background checks and physical fitness tests. Competition can be high due to limited openings, and candidates often need to demonstrate strong outdoor skills and knowledge of conservation practices.

What are some common challenges Park Ranger Protection officers face when balancing public safety and natural resource preservation?

Park Ranger Protection officers often encounter the challenge of simultaneously safeguarding visitors and preserving natural resources. This may involve enforcing regulations, responding to emergencies, and educating the public about responsible park usage. Balancing these tasks requires strong communication skills and the ability to make quick, informed decisions, especially during peak visitation periods or in remote areas. Additionally, rangers must regularly collaborate with law enforcement, firefighters, and environmental specialists to effectively manage risks and ensure both people and the environment remain safe.

What is the highest paid park ranger?

The highest paid park rangers are typically those in senior or supervisory roles, such as park superintendents or chief rangers, with salaries reaching over $100,000 annually. Factors influencing pay include experience, location, and the size of the park or agency, with federal park rangers generally earning higher salaries than state or local counterparts.

What does a protection park ranger do?

A protection park ranger is responsible for safeguarding natural resources, enforcing park regulations, and ensuring visitor safety within protected areas. They often conduct patrols, provide educational programs, and may require certifications in first aid or law enforcement. Their work environment is typically outdoors, requiring physical fitness and knowledge of conservation practices.

What is the difference between Park Ranger Protection vs Park Ranger Law Enforcement?

AspectPark Ranger ProtectionPark Ranger Law Enforcement
CredentialsBasic park ranger certifications, CPR, first aidAdditional law enforcement certifications, police training
Work EnvironmentPublic parks, nature reserves, visitor centersWildlife areas, enforcing laws, patrolling
Employer & IndustryNational parks, state parks, conservation agenciesLaw enforcement agencies within parks, federal agencies

Park Ranger Protection focuses on visitor assistance, conservation, and education, while Park Ranger Law Enforcement involves enforcing laws, issuing citations, and ensuring safety. Both roles require park-related certifications, but law enforcement rangers have additional police training. The main difference lies in law enforcement authority and responsibilities within the park environment.

Do NPS rangers carry guns?

National Park Service (NPS) rangers who have law enforcement responsibilities are authorized to carry firearms and are trained as federal law enforcement officers. Not all rangers carry guns, as some focus on visitor services and conservation, but those with law enforcement duties are equipped accordingly and must complete specialized training and certification.

What are Park Ranger Protection officers?

Park Ranger Protection officers are specialized park rangers responsible for protecting natural resources, visitors, and property within parks and other public lands. Their duties include law enforcement, emergency response, patrolling park areas, and ensuring the safety and security of both visitors and wildlife. They may also investigate crimes, enforce park regulations, and provide educational information to the public. This role requires a strong knowledge of conservation, law enforcement procedures, and effective communication skills.

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

To thrive as a Park Ranger Protection, you need a strong knowledge of law enforcement, environmental science, and park regulations, typically supported by a degree in natural resources or criminal justice and relevant certifications. Familiarity with GIS mapping tools, radio communication systems, and first aid/CPR certifications is often required. Excellent observation skills, strong communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills. These competencies help ensure the safety of park visitors, effective protection of natural resources, and proper enforcement of park laws.
What are popular job titles related to Park Ranger Protection jobs in California? For Park Ranger Protection jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Park Ranger Protection jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Park Ranger Protection jobs in California are:
Park Ranger Protection jobs near you
Infographic showing various Park Ranger Protection job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 74% In-person, and 26% Remote job distribution.

Supervisory Park Ranger (Protection) - Law Enforcement Specialist

Contact Us - National Parks of New York Harbor (U.S. National Park Service)

San Francisco, CA

$114K/yr

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

This position is located in Golden Gate National Recreation Area, in the Division of Visitor and Resource Protection.
For more information about the position or the park, please contact Alexander_Van_Vechten@nps.gov.Qualifications:Requirements Continued...
  • You will be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid driver's license is required. You will be required to submit a Motor Vehicle Operator's License and Driving Record. You must also submit (within a State sealed envelope or submitted directly by the State authorities), and at your own expense, all certified driving records from all States that disclose all valid driver's licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you.
  • You may be required to complete training and operate a four-wheel drive vehicle.
  • You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
  • You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work.
  • You may be required to travel overnight away from home. You must obtain a government charge card for travel purposes.
  • Applicants must be at least 21 years old.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated.
This probation period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will consider:
  • your performance and conduct;
  • the needs and interests of the agency;
  • whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated.
Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Qualifications:
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-07/04/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.
Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. For current Federal employees, if hours worked per week are not included on your resume, you must submit a non-award SF-50 for each federal position listed as part of your application to be used to validate your work schedule and determine the amount of qualifying experience that you will be granted. An award SF-50 will not be acceptable documentation for which to consider your amount of qualifying experience. For all other applicants who are not current federal employees, your resume must state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience. Failure to adequately provide information needed to determine number of hours worked in each position may result in that time not being credited when evaluating qualifying experience.
For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the full and/or part-time hours requirement as the service dates will be reflected.
Selective Factors: Applicants must meet ALL of the following to qualify:
  • Must currently possess or previously held (within the past three years) a Type I National Park Service (NPS) Law Enforcement Commission, or equivalent, by Entry on Duty. More information can be found in the 'Education' section of this job announcement.
  • This is a covered secondary law enforcement position under the special retirement provisions of 5 U. S. C. 8336(c) (CSRS) and 8412(d) (FERS). In addition to the qualifying experience and/or education described above, applicants for this position must possess experience gained by substantial service in a primary law enforcement position or equivalent.
  • Applicants must be at least 21 years of age;
- AND -
Applicants must possess at least one of the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement:
  • EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform the duties of this position.
  • Specialized experience may have been in technical, administrative, or scientific work, fish and wildlife management, recreation management, law enforcement, or other park-related work. Examples of specialized experience may include directing and supervising a law enforcement and resources protection program; interpreting regulations and policy directives related to law enforcement and natural resource protection that includes evaluating law enforcement program activities based on funding to determine objectives, amount and location of work, as well as the type of resources needed for the program; reviewing law enforcement case reports to ensure compliance with policy, mutual aid agreements, cooperative agreements and memoranda of understanding; investigating criminal activity; and conducting investigations of applicable federal or state laws. You must include hours per week worked.

Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:There is no substitute of education for experience at the grade level of this announcement.
Law Enforcement Commission: This position requires applicants to possess or be able to possess a valid Type I National Park Service (NPS) Law Enforcement Commission (or equivalent), which requires completing training from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC).
Employment Type: OTHER

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