Park Ranger

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‑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.

In order to qualify for the Park Ranger position, applicants MUST possess a current California Penal Code Section 832 (PC 832) Powers of Arrest certificate at the time of application. Obtaining this certification requires completion of a 40‑hour PC832 Power of Arrest course. Courses are held at various locations in California. To find available courses please .

Please note, these courses fill up quickly so it is recommended to sign up as soon as possible.

A letter from a certified swim instructor issued within the last 12 months, verifying the ability to swim one hundred (100) yards within five (5) minutes, is also required and must be attached to the application. For information on where you can obtain a swim letter, please contact BeARangergov.org.

NOTE: Candidates who meet the employment standards will be required to submit proof of successful completion of a POST‑standardized physical agility test within the last 12 months. All candidates who meet the employment standards will be supplied with dates and availability of the agility test.

Following the interview process, if selected, candidates will be required to successfully pass a full background investigation, medical exam, and psychiatric evaluation.

Pursuant to California Senate Bill 960, it is no longer required for peace officers to either be a citizen of the United States or be a permanent resident who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship; instead, peace officers must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

• In a trainee capacity, assists in law enforcement and public safety duties;
• 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;
• May make court appearances;
• 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.

Sufficient education, training and experience, which demonstrates possession and application of the following knowledge and abilities.

The knowledge and abilities required to perform this function are acquired through possession of a two (2) year degree from an…