Park Ranger
Salary
$50,904.00 - $61,872.00 Annually
Location
Vista City Hall - 200 Civic Center Drive Vista 92084, CA
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
26-54-O
Department
RCS Recreation
Opening Date
07/24/2026
Closing Date
8/9/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit
VCEA
Position
Under general supervision, a Park Ranger supervises general park usage at the Citys parks; and performs related work as required. The Park Ranger is expected to resolve most problems confronted by applying their professional judgment and precedent, referring only those which involve a significant deviation in policy or new procedures, to their supervisor or Law Enforcement. The Park Ranger may supervise and monitor the work of temporary part-time park rangers. Park Rangers typically work evening and weekend hours.
Examples of Essential Functions
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Supervises general park usage at the Citys parks; supervises and monitors work of temporary part-time rangers; enforces park ordinances and maintains order in the parks; answers questions and handles complaints from the public; issues recreation equipment, performs routine maintenance tasks and oversees department activities on location; checks and insures facilities and equipment are safe, clean and ready for public usage; monitors park usage; plans and coordinates training workshops; attends public meetings as assigned; some report writing involved and performs other related work as required
Minimum Qualifications
Any combination of training, education and experience which demonstrates an ability to perform the duties of the position.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
A typical qualifying entrance background would be an Associates of Arts degree and one year experience in recreation, public relations or related duties desired. Possession of the P.C. 832 is highly desirable.
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Basic law enforcement and environmental interpretation principles and pertinent local and state regulations and codes.
ABILITY TO:
Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with public and fellow staff and operate a City vehicle observing safe driving practices.
LICENSE REQUIRED & CERTIFICATION
Requires a valid California Class C drivers license to be secured by date of appointment and maintained as a condition of continued City employment.
Certification in CPR and safety and first aid will be required within 30 days after employment.
Completion of a P.C.832 course required within the first year of employment.
Other Information
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:
Requires the use of City vehicle. Requires extensive foot patrol over a variety of terrains, willingness to comply with rules and regulations governing wearing attire.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
A City application form and supplemental questionnaire MUST be submitted and received online by the closing date. Please apply online at www.vista.gov. All other employment inquiries can be directed to the City of Vista, Human Resources Department, Telephone: (760) 726-1340.
SELECTION PROCESS:
Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application materials that they meet the employment standards outlined above. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the position may consist of any combination of written, performance, and oral exams to evaluate the applicants skill, training, and experience for the position. Successful applicants will be placed on an eligibility list. The City may also merge lists. The selected candidate(s) must successfully complete pre-employment clearances which may include a physical, drug screen, and fingerprinting.
The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in the announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
We welcome and celebrate diversity, inclusion and belonging in the workplace!
All qualified candidates and veterans are welcome to apply!
Recruitment Closes - Sunday, August 9th, 2026
Virtual Interview Panel (Microsoft Teams) - Week of August 17th
VACATION
85 Hrs. - 1-5 years of continuous service
125 Hrs. - 6-10 years
160 Hrs. - 11-15 years
180 Hrs. - 16-20 years
200 Hrs. - 20+ years
SICK LEAVE
Full time employees receive 96 hours per year.
HOLIDAYS
Full time employees working the 9/80 flex schedule receive 99 hours of holiday leave per fiscal year to cover scheduled holidays as wells as one floating holiday
INSURANCE
Excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance programs. A portion of the employees and dependents premiums are paid by the City.
WELLNESS PROGRAMMING
The City offers comprehensive wellness programming to its employees including onsite wellness facilities and onsite wellness sessions.
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
The Citys Tuition Reimbursement Plan can assist employees in paying the cost of books and tuition for pre-approved classes which relate to their job.
RETIREMENT
Depending on eligibility, based on CalPERS criteria, new employees will be provided the 3% @ 60 Plan or newly established 2% @ 62 Plan. Employees currently contribute the entire employee contribution amount of 8%.
The City does not participate in Social Security, but employees must be enrolled in the Medicare portion.
01
ATTENTION APPLICANTS: Copying and pasting duplicate answers and stating "See resume" and/or "see previous answer" are not acceptable to the questions below. By completing this supplemental questionnaire, you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate and understand that the statements made in this supplemental questionnaire will be considered part of and subject to the terms of my employment application for this position. Please acknowledge your understanding by selecting "Yes".
02
Which best describes your level of education?
03
How many years of experience do you have in Recreation or Community Service (i.e. public relations). IF YOU HAVE NO EXPERIENCE IN THIS FIELD, select "None".
04
Do you possess a valid California Class "C" Drivers License with a satisfactory driving record or do you have the ability to obtain one by the time you are hired?
05
Are you able to work weekends and/or evening shifts?
06
Do you possess a PC 832 certificate? Please attach a copy.
07
If you possess a PC 832, explain the duties you performed. If not, please type "NONE" in the space provided below.
08
Describe the level of public contact, both in person and on the telephone, in each of your past positions. Indicate where you gained this experience.
09
Describe your experience enforcing established standards and requirements related to park ordinances and directives.
10
Please describe your experience working with the public including youth, recreation programs, senior citizens and at-risk populations, including those how are experiencing homelessness.
Required Question
Employer City of Vista
Address 200 Civic Center Drive
Vista, California, 92084
Phone 760-639-6145
Website https://www.vista.gov/
| Location | Vista, CA |
| Salary | $50,904–$61,872 Per Year |