Park Ranger-26633205

County Of San Diego

San Diego, CA

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$56,763.20–$69,700.80 Per Year
SKILLS
Accounting, Anthropology, Archaeology, Background Investigation, Biology, Budget Management, Business Administration, Communication Skills, Compensation and Benefits, Computer Operations, Computer Skills, Customer Support/Service, Diversity, Higher Education, Interpersonal Skills, Leadership, Legal, Lift/Move 50 Pounds, Maintenance Services, Marketing, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Windows Operating System, Military, Multitasking, Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation, Physical Demands, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Public Administration, Public/Media/Press/Analyst Relations, Recreation, Reporting Skills, Resource Management, Sports, Strategic Planning, Sustainability, Translation Services, Truck Driver, Vehicle Driving, Volunteer Experience
LOCATION
San Diego, CA
POSTED
30+ days ago

Park Ranger-26633205

Salary

$56,763.20 - $69,700.80 Annually

Location

County of San Diego, CA

Job Type

Regular - Full time

Job Number

26633205

Department

Parks & Recreation Dept

Division

Park Operations

Opening Date

05/19/2026

Closing Date

5/31/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

  • Description
  • Benefits
  • Questions

Job Summary

County of San Diego

Department of Parks and Recreation

PARK RANGER

Interviews will take place the week of June 29, 2026. Job offers will be made the week of July 6, 2026

This Position is eligible for appointment at step 1, $56,763.20 annually. County Employees are subject to the County promotional rule for step placement in accordance with comp Ord 1.3.5.

Future Salary Increases

June 2026 - 5.33% increase to base pay (3.5% Across-the-Board + 1.83% Market Adjustment)

June 2027 - 4.83% increase to base pay (3% Across-the-Board + 1.83% Market Adjustment)

The County of San Diego is currently accepting job applications for Park Ranger!

The Position

Park Rangers are responsible for assisting members of the public when they visit County of San Diego parks, preserves, campgrounds, sports facilities and historic areas by providing administration, interpretation, facility safety, park rule enforcement, and maintenance services.

Please read the Park Ranger job description for more information.

The Department

The Department of Parks and Recreation is committed to enhancing the quality of life in San Diego County by providing parks and recreational opportunities and preserving regionally significant resources in a parks system that is the pride of San Diego County. This mission is at the heart of what our employees do each day and a passion that is shared and fostered among our colleagues. Every position and function within the County Parks and Recreation system plays a part in upholding the Departments motto that "Parks Make Life Better!"

Ideal Candidate Profile

  • Possesses previous experience and proven background with park operations in various settings, such as day parks, campgrounds, sports facilities, historic areas and open space preserves
  • Drives to excel, self-starter
  • Communicates effectively in verbal and written form
  • Establishes and maintains excellent interpersonal relations and customer service
  • Demonstrates ethical behavior, honesty, and trustworthiness
  • Stays current with information and trends in the field of parks and recreation and displays willingness to share ideas with staff
  • Accepts and adapts to change
  • Works independently and takes responsibility for completing assigned tasks
  • Ability to multi-task and respond to shifting priorities
  • Displays accountability for own success and the success of the department
  • Displays proficiency with computer operation and use
  • Enjoys working outdoors and with the public

Hiring Process and Timeline:

The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.

i. Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews.

Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.

ii. Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.

iii. Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.

If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.

Minimum Qualifications

  • A bachelors degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency in parks and recreation management, natural resource management, cultural resource management, anthropology, history, biology, archaeology, public administration, business administration, recreation administration, or closely related field; OR,
  • Sixty (60) semester units of college-level course work from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency toward a four-year degree in one of the fields described above; AND, one (1) year of full-time, paid experience in the operation, maintenance, and protection of a park, forest, natural recreational or historical area, or recreational programs; OR,
  • Two (2) years full-time, or equivalent, paid experience as described above. One (1) year full-time, or equivalent, volunteer experience may substitute for a maximum of one (1) year of full-time, or equivalent, paid experience; OR,
  • Two (2) years full-time experience as a Park Maintenance Worker with the County of San Diego.

Note: If qualifying under option #1 or #2 listed above, applicants must attach a copy of their unofficial or official complete transcripts, diplomas, and/or verification letters from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a foreign studies equivalency certificate during Step 1 of the online application process.

Blind Applicant Screening

The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all new recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, will hide a candidate's personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process will help contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce. The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application.

Conditions of Employment

As part of the County of San Diego's pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.

Working Conditions

Work requires the adherence to prescribed personal grooming standards and use of uniform work clothing. May be subject to work night, weekend, and holiday shifts. As a condition of employment in this classification, incumbents may be required to reside in a county-owned dwelling during duty periods. May be subject to driving cars, trucks, tractors, boats, and other equipment. May be subject to working around equipment and machinery, walking on uneven ground, and working at heights. May be subject to exposure to extremes in temperature, humidity or wetness, dust, gas, or fumes, and require the use of special visual or auditory protective equipment.

Evaluation

The names of qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) month employment list based upon scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment application and supplemental questionnaire.

Accommodation

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the job, on a case-by-case basis.

As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.

Veteran's Preference Policy

The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the Veterans Preference Policy for additional information.

Military Skills Translator

Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! Please go to the Military Skills Translator to access the tool.

Strategic Plan

The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of: a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan (sandiegocounty.gov)

Disaster Service Worker

Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.

The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.

Click here to see the Non-Management Benefits Summary

01

Please be sure to answer the following questions in a thorough and complete manner.

By checking the Yes below, I indicate that I have read and understand the instructions for completing the supplemental questionnaire.

I understand that the written responses to the supplemental question(s) listed below are required in order to evaluate my qualifications for this position.

Please do NOT indicate "See Resume," or "See Application," as these are not acceptable answers.

Please ensure that information related to your duties is reflected in your work history and application to support your responses to the supplemental questions below.

Do you understand this information?

  • Yes
  • No

02

Please select the option below that most accurately describes your level of education and/or experience. Note: In order for your education to be considered, please submit a copy of your degree(s), complete transcript(s), and/or foreign studies equivalency report with your application. Your degree verification must be in an unalterable format.

  • I have a bachelors degree from an accredited U.S. college or university or a certified foreign studies equivalency in parks and recreation management, natural resource management, cultural resource management, anthropology, history, biology, archaeology, public administration, business administration, recreation administration, or closely related field
  • I have sixty (60) semester units of college-level course work from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency toward a four-year degree in one of the fields described above; AND, one (1) year of full-time, paid experience in the operation, maintenance, and protection of a park, forest, natural recreational or historical area, or recreational programs
  • I have two (2) years full-time, or equivalent, paid experience as described above. One (1) year full-time, or equivalent, volunteer experience may substitute for a maximum of one (1) year of full-time, or equivalent, paid experience
  • I have two (2) years full-time experience as a Park Maintenance Worker with the County of San Diego
  • None of the above

03

If you selected one of the education and/or experience areas in the previous question, please ensure all educational documents are attached to your application and that the experience is referenced in the Work Experience section of the application. Additionally, please also provide the following information regarding your experience for each position held: 1) Job Title(s) 2) Employer Name(s) 3) Employment Dates 4) A description of your duties. Note: If you are qualifying with education only, or you selected "None of the above" in the previous question, please enter "N/A" below.

04

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

Working conditions for Park Rangers include the following: Work requires the adherence to prescribed personal grooming standards and use of uniform work clothing. May be subject to work night, weekend, and holiday shifts. As a condition of employment in this classification, incumbents may be required to reside in a county-owned dwelling during duty periods. May be subject to driving cars, trucks, tractors, boats, and other equipment. May be subject to working around equipment and machinery, walking on uneven ground, and working at heights. May be subject to exposure to extremes in temperature, humidity or wetness, dust, gas, or fumes, and require the use of special visual or auditory protective equipment.

Physical requirements for Park Rangers include: extensive walking, climbing or hiking, standing, bending and twisting of neck, bending and twisting of waist, squatting, climbing, kneeling, simple grasping with both hands, pushing and pulling, and reaching below shoulder level. Occasional: sitting, crawling, repetitive use of hands, including power grasping and fine manipulation, and reaching above shoulder level. Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs., and occasionally 75 lbs. with assistance.

Do you understand these working conditions?

  • Yes
  • No

05

If you have paid work experience working in a park and/or recreational facility setting, please select all settings in which you have experience. If you do not have this experience, please check "N/A".

  • Local or Neighborhood Parks
  • Community Centers
  • Picnic Parks
  • Campgrounds
  • Open Space Preserves
  • Lakes and Reservoirs
  • Historic Sites
  • Large Regional Parks
  • Sports Facilities
  • N/A

06

If you selected any of the park and/or recreational facility setting boxes in Question 5, please provide a detailed description of the paid experience gained in each of the applicable settings. If you do not possess the experience and selected N/A in Question 5, please enter "N/A" below.

07

Do you have paid work experience performing any of the following in a park operations/administration setting? Please select all that apply.

  • Resource Management
  • Recreation Programs
  • Using Windows Operating System/Microsoft Office
  • Public Education/Interpretation
  • Budget Management
  • Public Relations
  • Marketing
  • Report Writing
  • Fee Collection/Accounting
  • Rule Interpretation and Enforcement
  • None of the above

08

If you selected any of the paid work experience boxes in Question 7, please provide a detailed description of the experience gained in a park operations/administration setting for each of the box(es) checked. If you checked None of the Above in Question 7, please enter "N/A" below.

09

Do you have paid customer service work experience resolving difficult situations involving members of the public?

  • Yes
  • No

10

If you selected Yes in Question 9, please provide a detailed description of the experience below. Please include your job title(s), your employer name(s), length of your experience, and a description of the experience resolving difficult situations involving members of the public and how the issue was resolved. If you do not possess this experience, please enter "N/A" below.

11

Where did you first hear about this job opportunity?

  • San Diego County website
  • Governmentjobs.com
  • Veteran Outreach / FFSC
  • Mana de San Diego
  • Family, Neighbors, Friends
  • County Employee Resources Group
  • Employee Resource Group (ERG)
  • Other

Required Question

Employer County of San Diego

Address 5500 Overland Ave., Suite 370

San Diego, California, 92123

Phone (619) 236-2191

(866) 880-9374

Website http://www.SanDiegoCounty.gov

About the Company

C

County Of San Diego

We are committed to provide and retain a skilled, adaptable, and diverse workforce for County departments so they may deliver superior services to the residents and visitors of the County of San Diego.

COMPANY SIZE
10,000 employees or more
INDUSTRY
Government and Military
WEBSITE
https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/hr/