Park Ranger I/II

County of Riverside•Jurupa, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The County of Riverside seeks candidates to fill positions throughout Riverside County. A list of eligible candidates will be established to fill current and future vacancies. The County of Riverside's Regional Park and Open-Space District has an opportunity for a Park Ranger I/II position based in the Santa Ana River Bottom (SARB) located in Jurupa Valley. The Park Ranger I/II will patrol the Santa Ana River Bottom on foot or in a truck while enforcing policies, state and county laws, and ordinances. The role encompasses off-highway vehicle patrolling, habitat restoration, invasive species removal, fence repairs, and clearing encampment debris, with a dedicated emphasis on community engagement, particularly with the unhoused. Additionally, the Park Ranger I/II will work to identify the needs of unsheltered individuals and connect them with appropriate resources, fostering a supportive environment that encourages positive outcomes. Additional duties may be assigned as needed. The department seeks candidates who possess: Background in open-space reserves, forestry, or parks. Park operations experience in a Park Ranger, Park Attendant or Park Maintenance or similar position. Ability to evaluate environments for potential hazards, including contraband presence. Diffusing potentially difficult situations and providing support to law enforcement and fire officials where necessary. Experience interacting with a wide range of individuals, including the unsheltered and unhoused, in potentially difficult situations. Bridging and facilitating connections to resources and services for unhoused individuals. Interacting with OHV "off-highway vehicle patrols” users and the public to provide information and gather feedback about the area. Familiarity with Microsoft Office and GIS applications. Work Schedule: 5 /40 Monday through Friday from 7:00 am- 3:30 pm with weekends off. ( Shifts may rotate based on departmental needs, and employees will also be required to work evenings and holidays). Incumbents are expected to progress to the Park Ranger II level upon meeting the minimum qualifications for the higher level and satisfactory job performance. The level at which the position will be filled is at the Department's discretion and contingent on the candidate's experience and qualifications. Incumbents are expected to progress to the Park Ranger II level upon meeting the minimum qualifications for the higher level and satisfactory job performance.

Requirements

Two years of interacting with the public that included conflict resolution and customer service or customer support.
Possess valid certificates in First Aid, CPR/AED, Basic Water Rescue issued by the American Red Cross or YMCA, and have successfully completed PC 832 (for Park Ranger I).
Possess valid certificates in First Aid and CPR/AED (for Park Ranger II).
Successfully complete P.C. 832 within the first six months of employment (for Park Ranger II).
Possess a valid certificate in Basic Water Rescue issued by the American Red Cross or YMCA within one year of employment (for Park Ranger II).
Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License.
Candidates will be required to take a general abilities assessment.
Extended periods of sitting and/or standing, with frequent walking and hiking on uneven terrain.
Prolonged kneeling and bending, as well as lifting and carrying heavy concrete bags, fencing materials such as wire, and various tools, and the regular use of equipment.
Exposure to inclement weather, including extreme heat, cold, and wet conditions.
Exposure to live and dead wild and domestic animals, as well as noxious plants, including rattlesnakes, bees/wasps, mountain lions, dogs, poison oak, and stinging nettle.
Knowledge of principles and practices of natural resources conservation, park management, and general law enforcement; principles and practices of first aid and safety.
Ability to read, interpret, and enforce appropriate laws and regulations in accordance with County policy; train subordinates in park and open-space procedures; maintain records and prepare clear, concise reports; speak and write effectively; establish and maintain cooperative relationships with the public and other employees.

Nice To Haves

College coursework from an accredited college or university in public administration, park or recreation management, forestry, botany, environmental science, or a closely related field to the assignment may substitute for the required experience on the basis of 30 semester or 45 quarter units equaling one year of full-time experience (for Park Ranger I).
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in public administration, park or recreation management, forestry, botany, environmental science, or a closely related field to the assignment (Option I for Park Ranger II).
College coursework from an accredited college or university in public administration, park or recreation management, forestry, botany, environmental science, or a closely related field may substitute for up to three years of the required experience on the basis of 30 semester or 45 quarter units equaling one year of full-time experience (Option II for Park Ranger II).
One year as a Park Ranger I with the Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District (Option III for Park Ranger II).
Background in open-space reserves, forestry, or parks.
Park operations experience in a Park Ranger, Park Attendant or Park Maintenance or similar position.
Ability to evaluate environments for potential hazards, including contraband presence.
Diffusing potentially difficult situations and providing support to law enforcement and fire officials where necessary.
Experience interacting with a wide range of individuals, including the unsheltered and unhoused, in potentially difficult situations.
Bridging and facilitating connections to resources and services for unhoused individuals.
Interacting with OHV "off-highway vehicle patrols” users and the public to provide information and gather feedback about the area.
Familiarity with Microsoft Office and GIS applications.

Responsibilities

Explain and enforce park policies, rules, regulations, and County ordinances; oversee the registration of park visitors, the collection of fees.
Participate in custodial duties and the maintenance and cleanup of park structures and grounds; work with park maintenance personnel on minor construction, maintenance, repair, and improvement of park structures, facilities, and grounds.
Answer public inquiries and complaints concerning park operations and maintenance.
Provide assistance in emergency situations; maintain fire prevention standards and practices as established by the State Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention and the United States Forest Service.
Patrol open-space, wildlife habitat reserves, and conservation land to communicate and ensure compliance with park regulations, laws, and ordinances; work with maintenance personnel to maintain signs and access controls.
Plan and participate in habitat creation and restoration; assist in the planning of prescribed burns with County, state, and federal fire agencies.
Monitor and participate in court referral/ work release programs.
Maintain records and prepare reports.
Train assigned staff in the safe and effective promotion, protection, and utilization of park resources at assigned parks and open-space and wildlife preserves.
Interpret, explain and enforce park policies, rules, regulations, and County ordinances.
Assist in reviewing plans and specifications for park site projects and recommend modifications.
Requisition equipment and supplies; inform supervisor on progress of work and on observed performance and attendance of subordinates.