Park Ranger I

County Of Santa Clara • Santa Clara, CA

292d • $74,896 - $90,584

About The Position

Under close supervision, learns the principles and techniques of assisting and protecting the public in the use of County park and recreation facilities and participates in the improvement, maintenance and protection of an assigned area. This is the trainee-level classification in the Park Ranger series. Incumbents receive on-the-job and classroom training in law enforcement-related duties, protection of life and property, development of interpretive programs, and improvement and preservation of natural resources. Upon hire, incumbents will be required to attend a mandatory Park Ranger Training Academy. Santa Clara County offers unique and competitive perks, including a comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for career growth.

Requirements

• Possession of a two (2) year degree from an accredited college.
• Possession of a valid California Drivers license prior to appointment.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain an American Red Cross Emergency Response card or equivalent before completion of the probationary period.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain a CPR for the professional rescuer card before completion of the probationary period.
• Possession of current California Penal Code Section 832 Powers of Arrest certificate.
• Must not have been convicted of a felony or equivalent offense as outlined in California Government Code Section 1029.
• Must be at least 18 years of age as outlined in California Government Code Section 1030.
• Must be free from physical, emotional or mental condition that might adversely affect exercise of peace officer powers.
• Must pass a background investigation conducted in compliance with the California Government Code Section 1031.
• The ability to swim one hundred (100) yards within five (5) minutes (verification) from a certified swim instructor issued within the last twelve (12) months.
• Must successfully demonstrate and maintain physical fitness in order to perform the full scope and functions of the job.

Nice To Haves

• Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assists in law enforcement and public safety duties in a trainee capacity.
• Patrols County parks by car, bike, boat, on foot, on horse, or motorcycle to prevent and discover the commission of crime.
• Preserves law and order within an assigned park or recreational area.
• Learns how to conduct initial criminal investigation by interviewing witnesses, protecting crime scenes, and gathering/preserving evidence.
• Issues warnings and citations under appropriate laws or ordinances.
• Greets park visitors, provides information, directs them to specific areas and provides aid in emergencies.
• Rescues and provides aid to stranded and/or injured park visitors.
• Checks for hazards or potential hazards to provide for the safety of the public and fellow employees.
• Plans, prepares, markets and presents public interpretive programs, including natural and historical features of park areas, to a variety of audiences.
• Plans and participates in group tours and special programs.
• May collect and account for fees.
• Assists in the design and production of various interpretive media.
• May assist in developing publication materials.
• Conducts searches and analysis of various forms of information to determine the status of park biological information.
• Maintains records and prepares reports.
• May supervise wards of the court and volunteers in special maintenance or resource management projects.
• Assists in general field survey work of natural resources, which may involve fisheries, wildlife, botanical, and/or wetland resources.
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required.
• Performs related work as required.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunities for career growth.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Utilities
• Education Level: Associate degree