Address
Form of work
SalaryUnder general supervision, serves as a sworn Peace Officer under California Penal Code; performs a wide
variety of patrol and related duties involving the enforcement of District land use regulations and applicable
laws and preserve visitor education and awareness to ensure safe and efficient access for the public and
staff and the protection of the natural resources; responds to requests and inquiries from the public and
provides visitor information; performs a variety of basic tasks in the maintenance, restoration, and repair of
District lands and facilities; and performs related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from a Supervising Ranger. Exercises no direct supervision over staff. May
provide technical and functional direction to assigned Seasonal staff and/or volunteers.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the journey-level class in the ranger series that performs the full range of duties required to ensure
that the District’s properties and facilities are maintained in a safe and effective working condition and
provide the highest level of safety for public use. Responsibilities include patrolling assigned areas in a
timely manner, enforcement of District regulations and State and local laws, preserve visitor education and
awareness, and interpretation as well as performing a variety of maintenance tasks of assigned properties
and facilities. 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 department. This class
is distinguished from the Supervising Ranger in that the latter is the full supervisory-level class and has
responsibility for organizing, assigning, supervising, and reviewing the work of all staff involved in open
space patrol and enforcement activities.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different
positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential
functions of the job.
Patrols an assigned area by 4x4 vehicle, motorcycle, UTV, bicycle, or foot to ensure safe and proper
use of District lands and facilities, monitors boundaries for encroachments, observes situations, reports
and investigates suspicious criminal activity or hazardous conditions, and deters crime and damage to
natural resources caused by people by maintaining a highly visible presence.
Provides public relations and interpretive services, including providing information, directions, and
assistance to the public in a variety of situations; taking reports and assisting the public with complaints
or unusual situations; explaining District and preserve history, programs, and projects; and making
presentations and providing tours of lands and facilities as requested.
Enforces District regulations and pertinent local, State, and Federal regulations as approved; issues
verbal warnings and/or citations as necessary; makes arrests in accordance with District policy; secures
crime scenes and evidence; interviews suspects, victims, and witnesses; collects and preserves
evidence; performs investigations and/or cooperates with other law enforcement agencies providing
investigative and case development support; prepares court cases and testifies in court as required.
Ranger
Performs a variety of maintenance, restoration, and repair activities of District properties and related
facilities to ensure safe and efficient access for the public and staff.
Performs basic trail and road maintenance duties, including trail brushing, clearing downed trees,
clearing culverts, drainage clearing, erosion control, and tread restoration; maintains and installs fences,
stiles, and signs.
Performs resource management tasks, including identifying and removing non-native invasive plants,
pest control, identifying habitat concerns, and participating in data collection projects as assigned;
provides information to resource management staff as needed.
Performs general custodial duties as needed.
Responds to emergency medical incidents, search and rescue, and other emergency calls; notifies
appropriate medical, law enforcement, and/or fire response agencies; assumes incident command;
assesses and secures accident scenes; provides traffic and crowd control; provides first responder
emergency medical attention.
Responds to wildland and other fires and performs fire suppression duties; participates in fire control
and safety projects including identifying and removing potential fire hazards and participating in
controlled burns; drives brush patrol and operates specialized firefighting equipment and tools.
Provides mutual aid to other law enforcement agencies as dispatched and in accordance with District
policy.
Communicates utilizing multi-frequency radio; obtains and transmits information in the field to other
staff, dispatchers, and agencies.
Operates and maintains a variety of maintenance tools, and equipment such as, power saws, drills, brush
cutters, mowers, all-terrain vehicles.
Utilize a variety of public safety and enforcement related vehicles, tools, and equipment such as,
emergency patrol vehicles, expandable batons, Oleoresin Capsicum spray (pepper spray), and
handcuffs,
Inspects assigned areas for future work projects; completes and submits work orders.
Observes safe work methods and makes appropriate use of related safety equipment as required.
Provides needed information and training on how to perform certain work tasks to new employees.
Oversees volunteers, seasonal workers, and/or other groups on assigned projects; inspects work to
ensure quality control, proper use of equipment, and safety of participants.
Maintains accurate logs, reports, and records of work performed and materials and equipment used.
Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions; reviews publications and materials
to become and remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in assigned work areas.
Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Principles, practices, and procedures of park law enforcement, emergency medical response, fire
suppression and prevention, interpretation, and search and rescue.
Basic maintenance principles, practices, tools, and equipment for maintaining and repairing open
spaces, parks, and related facilities.
Basic principles and practices of resource management, including weed management and habitat
restoration.
Basic methods and techniques of First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
The operation and minor maintenance of a variety of hand and power tools and light equipment.
Operating a motor vehicle in a safe manner under patrol and emergency conditions.
Occupational hazards and safety equipment and practices related to the work, including the safe and
proper use of pepper spray or other chemical agents, handcuffs, batons, and other impact weapons
according to peace officer safety standards.
Ranger
Local flora, fauna, cultural, and geological resources and methods and techniques of wild land resource
protection and restoration.
Applicable local, State, and Federal laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to
assigned area of responsibility.
Modern office practices, methods, computer equipment, and basic computer applications.
Principles and procedures of record keeping and reporting.
English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.
Techniques for effectively engaging with individuals of various ages, various socio-economic and
ethnic groups, and effectively representing the District in contacts with the public.
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to public and District staff, in person and
over the telephone.
Ability to:
Interpret, apply, explain, and enforce complex District, local, State, and Federal codes and regulations.
Perform a variety of maintenance, and repair work with accuracy, speed, and minimal supervision.
Perform various emergency medical aid, fire suppression, search and rescue, and other emergency
response and prevention activities.
Handle medical emergencies and injuries in a calm and effective manner, including providing first aid
and CPR.
Develop and present informal and formal on-site and off-site educational and interpretative programs
to members of the public. Topics may include natural and cultural history, public safety, environmental
sciences, and land preservation.
Safely and effectively use and operate emergency rescue equipment, patrol vehicles, hand tools,
mechanical equipment, power tools, and light equipment required for the work; perform routine
equipment maintenance.
Read, interpret, and apply technical information from maps, manuals, and specifications.
Learn District lands and boundaries.
Prepare clear, accurate and grammatically correct reports, records, and other written materials.
Maintain accurate logs, records, and written reports of work performed.
Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and software.
Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone or radio, and in writing.
Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal
guidelines.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in
the course of work.
Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities
is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Equivalent to an Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university and one (1) year of experience
working in visitor/customer service or an equivalent position that includes interacting with the public.
Education and/or experience in law enforcement, resource management, natural sciences, park
management, wildland firefighting, or a related field is highly desirable.
Ranger
Licenses and Certifications:
Possession of a valid Class C California Driver’s License.
Possession of a District approved Law Enforcement Training certification.
Possession of a valid California Penal Code 832 certificate, for appointment as a peace officer
Must successfully complete the District’s Field Training Program.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) certificate or
equivalent.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Professional Rescuer Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
certification.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, the level of certification in the Incident Command System courses
as specified under the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a District approved Fire Suppression Training certification.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess, demonstrate and maintain the physical fitness and mobility to meet District fitness standards,
and to work in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to respond to emergency situations to provide
emergency medical services, perform fire suppression, and to gain control of a situation for self-defense or
in defense of others, to perform medium to heavy physical work, to work around machines, to climb and
descend ladders, to operate varied emergency rescue equipment, hand and power tools, and to operate a
motor vehicle and visit various District sites on and off road; vision to assess emergency situations,
including medical and fire incidents, and to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and
speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. The job involves fieldwork requiring
frequent walking in operational areas on steep and rugged terrain off established trails to respond to
emergencies and to access lost or injured persons and to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is
needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-
mentioned tools and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to
perform work and inspect work sites. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull
materials and objects weighing up to 100 pounds, or heavier weights, with the use of proper equipment.
ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement
weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous
physical substances and fumes, smoke, and poison oak. Employees may be exposed to blood and body
fluids when rendering First Aid and CPR. May involve exposure to wild, and/or dangerous animals.
Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and
enforcing Federal, State, local, and District laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Must be willing to work weekends, nights, holidays, or extended shifts or be called back in emergency
situations and work with exposure to difficult circumstances, including exposure to dangerous situations
and violent individuals. Must wear prescribed District uniform and adhere to strict safety procedures and
work habits. Depending on the exposure, employee is required to wear head, hearing, eye, foot, face, hand,
and full protection equipment, as required by applicable regulations and District policy, including but not
limited to ability to use a respirator in the performance of work in accordance with CAL OSHA respirator
regulations.
EFFECTIVE: December 2011
REVISED: November 2023
FLSA: Non-Exempt
