Park Ranger

Current: $65,904 - $88,332 annually. Effective January 2026: $67,236 - $90,096 annually. Effective April 2026: $68,568 - $91,896 annually.

There are currently two (2) full-time vacancies.

Under minimal supervision, perform a variety of complex non-sworn support duties in the Police Department; patrols land, monitors city facilities and community parks and other designated areas in order to promote and maintain order and security; to enforce state, local laws and municipal codes within parks; and to perform related duties as required.

An incumbent in this class proactively patrols, monitors and oversees community parks, facilities and other designated areas to promote safe and enjoyable visitations by the public and to maintain order and security. Incumbents must exercise considerable judgment, tact and responsiveness in distinguishing between circumstances in which counseling and warning will serve to maintain order and those in which the powers of ejection, detention or arrest must be applied.

Incumbents are assigned shift responsibility and may include weekends, evenings and holidays. Work may be on an on-call basis. An incumbent works under the supervision of a Police Sergeant and work is reviewed through conferences and results obtained.

For more information about the Costa Mesa Police Department, see the department's official site.

Please review a list of automatic background disqualifiers for this position before submitting an application. Applications must be completed and submitted online. This recruitment will remain open until filled and may close without prior notice. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, therefore prompt application is encouraged.

First application review date:
Tuesday, August 26, 2025.

Candidates are requested to provide specific information regarding their education and experience as it relates to the position by completing all fields of the application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete. Do not include text or attached resumes, as they will not be accepted or reviewed in the application process. Based upon the information presented on the application, a limited number of candidates who possess qualifications most pertinent to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process.

The selection process may include, but is not limited to: application review and evaluation, written examination or exercise, physical examination, practical exercise and interview evaluation. Please notify the Human Resources Division 72 hours in advance of the test date if you have a disability which requires accommodation for the testing process. The eligibility list will be in effect for one year, unless exhausted sooner.

The eligibility list established from this recruitment may be utilized to fill lower-level vacancies which occur during the life of the list.

It is recommended you use a personal email address on your application instead of a work email address. Notifications during this recruitment will be sent by email only (regardless of the notification preference selected during the on-line application process). Notifications will be sent to the email address that is listed on your on-line application.

All employment offers made by the City are contingent upon establishing proof of a prospective candidate's legal authorization to work in the United States and successfully passing all components of the pre-employment process which may include, but is not limited to: comprehensive background check, criminal history check (livescan fingerprint check), polygraph examination, post-offer psychological evaluation and post-offer medical evaluation (may include drug screen).

Note:

The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provisions contained within may be modified or revoked without notice.

These functions may not be present in all positions in this class. When a position is to be filled, the essential functions will be noted in the announcement of position availability. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind work assignments as needed.

• Conducts proactive patrols of city parks, recreation facilities and designated areas on foot, bicycle and/or by city vehicle to protect property against vandalism, illegal entry, theft, fire and other dangers; observes activity and determines if correction or intervention is required.
• Operates portable communication devices such as a mobile personal computer and a two-way radio while conducting patrols to communicate with dispatchers and other police personnel.
• Performs enforcement of municipal codes regarding the use of parks, recreation facilities and designated areas to maintain order for the protection and safety of visitors, patrons and employees.
• Maintains order and enforces park rules and other laws by taking actions ranging from mediating, counseling, warning, issuing…