Park Services Ranger I/II
Ventura
Thursday, 18 June 2026
THE AGENCY - The General Services Agency (GSA) is comprised of Fleet Services, Facilities, Procurement, Special Services, Parks, Security, and Business Support and is responsible for a broad spectrum of services to all the County departments and agencies. It requires a very diverse workforce to accomplish the GSA mission of contributing to the quality of life in Ventura County by partnering with their customers to provide expertise and cost-effective service delivery, and foster the preservation of natural resources. THE POSITION - Under general supervision, patrols park facilities, enforces rules, regulations and ordinances governing county parks; answers questions, provides park information, presentations and direction to the public; performs general maintenance, custodial, grounds duties and repair of park facilities; provides direction to subordinate staff and volunteers; and performs related duties as required. The ideal candidate will be experienced in both customer service and enforcement of regulations, enjoy working outdoors, have related education in natural resources, forest management, outdoor recreation or a related area, be adept at modern software based record keeping, and be dedicated to ensuring park visitor satisfaction. Park Services Ranger I: $24.81 - $33.32 per hour. Park Services Ranger II: $25.89 - $36.27 per hour. WHAT WE OFFER - Educational Incentive - Some positions may be eligible for educational incentive. This incentive may be 2.5%, 3.5%, or 5% for incumbents in eligible positions based on completion of an Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master's degree that is not required for the classification. Bilingual Incentive - Incumbents may also be eligible for bilingual incentive depending upon operational needs and certification skills. Proficiency levels by exam are $.69 per hour (Level I), $1.00 per hour (Level II), or $1.32 per hour (Level III). Vacation Accrual - New regular, full-time employees shall accrue approximately 14 days of vacation a year for the first 10,400 hours or 5 years of service; vacation accruals increase at 5, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 years of service. Deferred Compensation - Eligible to participate in the County's 401(k) Shared Savings Plan and/or the Section 457 Plan. This position is eligible for up to a 2.5% match on your 401(k) contributions. Health Insurance Plans – Medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your dependents. Flexible Spending Accounts - Increase your spending power by reimbursement with pre-taxed dollars for IRS-approved dependent care and health care expenses. Holidays - 12 paid days per year which includes a scheduled floating holiday. Pension Plan - Both you and the County contribute to the County’s Retirement Plan. If you are eligible, you may establish reciprocity with other public retirement systems, such as PERS. Additional Benefits - Disability Plans, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Wellness Program. AGENCY/ DEPARTMENT: General Services Agency - Parks Department. Park Services Rangers I and II are represented by Ventura County Professional Peace Officers Association (VCPPOA) and are eligible for overtime compensation. NOTE: If appointed at the lower level, incumbent may be promoted to the higher level without further exam upon meeting the minimum requirements, demonstrating satisfactory performance, and in accordance with the business needs of the department.
Examples Of Duties
Duties may include but are not limited to the following: Receives, registers and collects fees from park visitors and from the "iron ranger" fee payment boxes. Patrols park facilities to assist the general public and responds to inquiries from the public regarding park facilities and visually inspects facilities and grounds for safety hazards, vandalism, damage, maintenance needs, cleanliness, and supplies. Counts gate receipts, reconciles payments with park visitors; prepares funds for bank deposit, updates software to account for drop in park visitors and campers; makes bank deposits. Enforces park regulations and California Motor Vehicle Code, issues written citations, and may testify in court. Assists in repair, maintenance, and fire hazard reduction activities on trails, stream crossings, picnic grounds, campsites, recreational areas, parking lots, restrooms and other areas within a county park facility; may operate light equipment such as mowers, edgers, blowers, power saws, and drills in the course of performing repair, maintenance and fire hazard reduction activities. May provide direction to and oversee activities of seasonal staff and volunteers. Responds to emergencies; performs and administers first aid and CPR and summons assistance; coordinates with the Sheriff's Department, California Highway Patrol, and other public agencies. Writes narrative incident reports to document unusual events. Performs routine office work such as filing and record keeping. Plans and executes projects. Performs related duties as required. In addition to the items listed above the Park Services Ranger II:Acts as a lead ranger providing direction to and oversight of subordinate staff, i.e., Park Services Ranger I, Park Services Ranger Trainee, seasonal workers, volunteers, and student workers.
Typical Qualifications
These are entrance requirements to the exam process and assure neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list. EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE Park Services Ranger I:Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: two (2) years of experience dealing with the interpretation, law enforcement, or outdoor recreation and handling the maintenance, custodial or repair of park facilities such as campgrounds, picnic areas, restrooms, community centers, and playgrounds. Completion of an Associate's degree with an emphasis in natural resources, forest management, outdoor recreation or a field that is related to the knowledge, skills and abilities is desirable. Substitution: Completion of thirty (30) semester units or forty-five (45) quarter units of college level coursework may be substituted for one year of field experience. NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS - Incumbents are required to work rotating shifts, weekends and holidays. Incumbents must possess a valid California driver license with a satisfactory driving record. Incumbents will be required to successfully complete a PC 832 course in Arrest, Search and Seizure (40-hour course) and obtain CPR and First Aid Certificates within the first six (6) months of hire or promotion. Incumbents are required to wear a uniform during working hours. Work is performed in an outdoors environment, regardless of weather conditions. Incumbents must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds unassisted and have full range of motion and normal strength in all extremities. Park Services Ranger II:Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be three (3) years of experience dealing with the interpretation, law enforcement, or outdoor recreation and handling the maintenance, custodial or repair of park facilities such as campgrounds, picnic areas, restrooms, community centers, and playgrounds. Substitution:Completion of an Associate's degree with an emphasis in natural resources, forest management, outdoor recreation or a closely related field is desirable and may substitute for two (2) years of field experience; or,Completion of thirty (30) semester units or forty-five (45) quarter units of college level coursework may be substituted for one (1) year of field experience. NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS - Incumbents are required to work rotating shifts, weekends and holidays. Incumbents must possess a valid California driver license with a satisfactory driving record. Incumbents are required to have the ability to stoop, bend, lift and carry park related items such as campground supplies. Incumbents must possess and maintain a PC 832 certification obtainable by completing a course in Arrest, Search and Seizure (40-hour course) at the time of hire or promotion; as well as CPR and First Aid Certificates. Incumbents are required to wear a uniform during working hours. Work is performed in an outdoors environment, regardless of weather conditions. Incumbents must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds unassisted and have full range of motion and normal strength in all extremities. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Park Services Ranger I:Working knowledge of:Principles and processes for providing customer service. Principles and practices for effective conservation of natural and park resources. Equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote secure parks sites and facilities. Basic facility, grounds, road and trail maintenance and repair, custodial, and landscape techniques as well as tools used in maintenance and repair. Basic math and time management. Ability to:Learn and apply park ordinances, laws and their interpretations. Work independently; analyze problems and use sound judgment in formulating solutions. Manage one's time to insure all tasks are completed. Accurately add, subtract, multiply, and divide in order to reconcile and total park gate receipts. Work effectively with subordinates, peers, superiors, and the public. Park Services Ranger II:Thorough knowledge of:Principles and processes for providing customer service. Principles and practices for effective conservation of natural and park resources. Equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote secure parks sites and facilities. Basic facility, grounds, road and trail maintenance and repair, custodial, and landscape techniques as well as tools used in maintenance and repair. Park ordinances, laws and their interpretation. Working knowledge of:The principles of supervision and ability to provide input into performance evaluations. Basic math and time management. Ability to:Work independently; analyze problems and use sound judgment in formulating solutions. Manage one's time to ensure all tasks are completed. Accurately add, subtract, multiply, and divide in order to reconcile and total park gate receipts. Perform CPR/first aid as demonstrated by possession of a CPR/ First Aid Card. Write citations as demonstrated by possession of a PC 832. Work effectively with subordinates, peers, superiors, and the public.