Park Ranger I/II at County of Riverside in Riverside, California

Job Description:

ABOUT THE POSITION

The County of Riverside seeks candidates to fill positions throughout Riverside County. A list of eligible candidates will be established to fill current and future vacancies.

The County of Riverside's Regional Park and Open-Space District has an opportunity for a Park Ranger I/II position based in the Santa Ana River Bottom (SARB) located in Jurupa. The Park Ranger I/II will patrol the Santa Ana River Bottom on foot or in a truck while enforcing policies, state and county laws, and ordinances. The role encompasses off-highway vehicle patrolling, habitat restoration, invasive species removal, fence repairs, and clearing encampment debris, with a dedicated emphasis on community engagement, particularly with the unhoused. Additionally, the Park Ranger I/II will work to identify the needs of unsheltered individuals and connect them with appropriate resources, fostering a supportive environment that encourages positive outcomes. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

Park Ranger Santa Ana River Bottom brochure (Click Here)

The department seeks candidates who possess:

• Park operations experience in aPark Ranger, Park Attendant or Park Maintenance or similar position.


• Ability to evaluate environments for potential hazards, including contraband presence.


• Diffusing potentially difficult situations and providing support to law enforcement and fire officials where necessary.


• Experience interacting with a wide range of individuals, including the unsheltered and unhoused, in potentially difficult situations.


• Bridging and facilitating connections to resources and services for unhoused individuals.


• Interacting with OHV "off-highway vehicle patrols" users and the public to provide information and gather feedback about the area.


• Ability to operate small to heavy equipment from weed trimmers to large tractors.


• Possess a California or out of state commercial class A or B driver license.


• Familiarity with Microsoft Office and GIS applications.

Work Schedule: 5 /40 Monday through Friday from 7:00 am- 3:30 pm with weekends off. ( Shifts may rotate based on departmental needs, and employees will also be required to work evenings and holidays.)

Incumbents are expected to progress to the Park Ranger II level upon meeting the minimum qualifications for the higher level and satisfactory job performance.

The level at which the position will be filled is at the Department's discretion and contingent on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
Meet the Team!

The Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District is a nationally accredited agency who strives to be the regional leader in improving lives through people, parks, places, and programs. Their mission is to acquire, protect, develop, manage, and interpret for the inspiration, use, and enjoyment of all people, a well-balanced system of areas of outstanding scenic, recreational, and historic importance.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Both Levels
• Explain and enforce park policies, rules, regulations, and County ordinances; oversee the registration of park visitors, the collection of fees.

• Participate in custodial duties and the maintenance and cleanup of park structures and grounds; work with park maintenance personnel on minor construction, maintenance, repair, and improvement of park structures, facilities, and grounds.

• Answer public inquiries and complaints concerning park operations and maintenance.

• Provide assistance in emergency situations; maintain fire prevention standards and practices as established by the State Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention and the United States Forest Service.

• Patrol open-space, wildlife habitat reserves, and conservation land to communicate and ensure compliance with park regulations, laws, and ordinances; work with maintenance personnel to maintain signs and access controls.

• Plan and participate in habitat creation and restoration; assist in the planning of prescribed burns with County, state, and federal fire agencies.

• Monitor and participate in court referral/ work release programs.

• Maintain records and prepare reports.

Park Ranger II - Parks (in addition to the duties above) • Train assigned staff in the safe and effective promotion, protection, and utilization of park resources at assigned parks and open-space and wildlife preserves.

• Interpret, explain and enforce park policies, rules, regulations, and County ordinances.

• Assist in reviewing plans and specifications for park site projects and recommend modifications.

•Requisition equipment and supplies; inform supervisor on progress of work and on observed performance and attendance of subordinates.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Park Ranger I ( $42,853.57 - $58,313.96 Annually)

Experience: Two years of interacting with the public that included conflict resolution and customer service or customer support. (College coursework from an accredited college or university in public administration, park or recreation management, forestry, botany, environmental science, or a closely related field to the assignment may substitute for the required experience on the basis of 30 semester or 45 quarter units equaling one year of full-time experience.)

Other Requirements: Within 12 months of employment, incumbents must possess valid certificates in First Aid, CPR/AED, Basic Water Rescue issued by the American Red Cross or YMCA, and have successfully completed PC 832.

Park Ranger II ( $46,315.43 - $63,085.54 Annually)

OPTION I
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in public administration, park or recreation management, forestry, botany, environmental science, or a closely related field to the assignment.

OPTION II
Experience: Three years of working in the operations, maintenance, development, or protection of a park, forest, or public recreational or historical area. (College coursework from an accredited college or university in public administration, park or recreation management, forestry, botany, environmental science, or a closely related field may substitute for up to three years of the required experience on the basis of 30 semester or 45 quarter units equaling one year of full-time experience.)

OPTION III
Experience: One year as a Park Ranger I with the Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District.

Other Requirements: Incumbents must possess valid certificates in First Aid and CPR/AED. Within the first six months of employment, incumbents must successfully complete P.C. 832. Within one year of employment, incumbents must possess a valid certificate in Basic Water Rescue issued by the American Red Cross or YMCA.

If you are applying for the Level II, you must upload your valid certificates in First Aid and CPR/AED with your application.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL LEVELS:

License/Certificate: Possession of a valid California Driver's License Class C at time of application.

Assessment:Candidates will be required to take a general abilities assessment prior to being considered for any Park Ranger position.

Physical Requirements: The incumbent will be exposed to inclement weather, including extreme heat, cold, and wet conditions, for long periods of time. Additionally, they will encounter living and dead wild and domestic animals, as well as noxious plants, including rattlesnakes, bees/wasps, mountain lions, dogs, poison oak, and stinging nettle. The position requires the ability to patrol parks and perform maintenance under these conditions.

** Uniforms are provided. **

Knowledge of: Principles and practices of natural resources conservation, park management, and general law enforcement; principles and practices of first aid and safety.
Ability to: Read, interpret, and enforce appropriate laws and regulations in accordance with County policy; train subordinates in park and open-space procedures; maintain records and prepare clear, complete, and concise reports; speak and write effectively; establish and maintain cooperative relationships with the public and other employees.

Some Regional Park and Open-Space District Park Ranger - Parks positions are designated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) as safety-sensitive.

For those positions designated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) as safety-sensitive, applicants are required to complete a DOT mandated alcohol and drug-screening. (A positive test or refusal to test during the past two years will disqualify an applicant from consideration for County employment). Reference checks from former DOT regulated employers are also required. Applicants must submit a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) driving record prior to hire.

Employees in safety-sensitive positions are subject to DOT alcohol/drug testing in the following situations: random, reasonable suspicion/cause, return-to-duty, and post-accident.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
This recruitment is open to all applicants.

For specific questions regarding this position, contact the Silvia Trammell at strammell@rivco.org.

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APPLICATION INFORMATION

Veteran's Preference
The County has a Veterans Preference Policy applicable to new hires. To qualify, upload a copy of your (or your spouse's) Member-4 Form DD-214 indicating dates of service, and a copy of your spouse's letter of disability (if applicable) with your application. For privacy reasons, it is recommended that you remove your social security information from the document(s). A Human Resources Representative will review the materials and determine if you qualify for veterans' preference.The Veterans Preference Policy, C-3 is available here: https://rivcocob.org/board-policies

Reasonable Accommodations
The County of Riverside is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter for the position noted above. For additional information and/or to obtain the appropriate form for requesting a reasonable accommodation, please visit the Disability Access Office web page located at: https://rc-hr.com/disability

Proof of Education
If using education to qualify or when requested by the recruiter, upload a copy of any license(s), official/unofficial transcript(s), degrees, and/or related employment documents to your NeoGov account at the time of application and before the closing date. Official or unofficial transcripts will be accepted.

If your education was completed outside of the United States, you will need to provide a copy of your Foreign Education Equivalency evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services ( NACES ) or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. ( AICE ).

Equal Opportunity Employer
The County of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the County of Riverside to provide equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, or any other non-job-related factors.

Pre-Employment
All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment requirements including a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from County employment). A pre-employment physical examination and background check may be required.

Probationary Period
As an Approved Local Merit System, all County of Riverside employees, except those serving "At Will," are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, County Resolution, or Salary Ordinance. Temporary and Per Diem employees serve at the pleasure of the agency/department head.

General Information
Current County of Riverside and/or current employees of the hiring department may receive priority consideration. Qualified candidates may be considered for future County vacancies.

Job postings may close without notice based on application volume. Submit your complete application by the recruitment close date; no late applications are accepted. Ensure all relevant experience/education is reflected on your application/resume, as a failure to demonstrate position requirements may disqualify applicants. A description of job duties directly copied from the job classification or job posting will not be considered.

Please read and follow any special application instructions on this posting. Click the 'Apply' link located on this page to submit your application. For additional instructions on the application process, examinations, Veteran's preference, pre-employment accommodation or other employment questions, please refer to our web site, www.rc-hr.com .

If you are experiencing technical problems, you may contact the governmentjobs.com applicant support desk Monday through Friday, 6 am to 5 pm Pacific Time at support@governmentjobs.com or toll-free 1-855-524-5627.

MEDICAL/DENTAL/VISION INSURANCE: A choice of different medical, dental and visions plan are available to elect. The County provides a Flexible Benefit Credit contribution as governed by the applicable SEIU Memorandum of Understanding to contribute towards the cost of these plans.

Note: Employees on assignment through the Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) receive different benefits. See the list here .
MISCELLANEOUS RETIREMENT: County of Riverside has three retirement Tiers through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS).

• 
  Tier I (Classic Member - Formula 3% @ 60): Applicable to current and former County of Riverside local miscellaneous employees hired prior to 08/24/2012 and did not withdraw CalPERS contributions. The employee contribution is eight (8%) percent.


• 
  Tier II (Classic Member - Formula 2% @ 60): Applicable to local miscellaneous employees 1) hired after 08/23/2012 through 12/31/2012; 2) Previously employed with another CalPERS contracting public agency or a reciprocal retirement system, with a break in service of less than six months between the separation date with the previous employer and the appointment date with the County of Riverside. The employee contribution is seven (7%) percent.


• 
  Tier III (PEPRA New Member - Formula 2% @ 62): Applicable to CalPERS local miscellaneous new members hired on or after the implementation of the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) which took effect January 1, 2013. As of July 1, 2023, the employee contribution is 8.25% and subject to change annually.
  

A new member is defined as any of the following:

A new hire who enters CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who has no prior membership in any California Public Retirement System.

A new hire who enters CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who was a member with another California Public Retirement System prior to that date, but who is not subject to reciprocity upon joining CalPERS.

A member who first established CalPERS membership prior to January 1, 2013, and who is rehired by a different CalPERS agency after a break in service of greater than six (6) months.

CalPERS refers to all members that do not fit within the definition of a new member as "classic members".

Contribution rates are subject to change based on the County of Riverside annual actuarial valuation.

Note:

This summary is for general information purposes only. Additional questions regarding retirement formulas can be sent to retirement@rivco.org or by calling the Benefits Information Line at (951) 955-4981,
Option 2.

If you have prior service credit with another CalPERS agency or within agencies, please contact CalPERS at (888) 225-7377 to determine which retirement tier would be applicable to you. CalPERS is governed by the Public Employees' Retirement Law. The Retirement Law is complex and subject to change. If there's any conflict between this summary and the law, the law will prevail over this summary.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Voluntary employee contribution with a choice between two 457 deferred compensation plan options.

VACATION ACCRUAL (Bi-Weekly Accrual):

0< 3 year = 80 Hours (10 Days)
4< 9 years = 120 Hours (15 Days)
10 or more years = 160 Hours (20 Days)

Maximum Vacation leave accumulation is 480 hours.

SICK LEAVE: Four (4) hours Sick Leave accrual per pay period with unlimited accrual.

HOLIDAYS: Normally 12 paid holidays per year.

BEREAVEMENT LEAVE: Allowed 5 days (3 days are County paid; 2 additional days can be taken from accrued Sick Leave balance).

BASIC LIFE INSURANCE: Equal to one times annual base salary not to exceed $50,000 of term life coverage. Premiums are paid by the County. Additional Supplemental Life plan is available for employee purchase.

DISABILITY: Short-term Disability benefit pays up to a maximum of $461.54 weekly, payable up to a maximum of 52 weeks.

POST RETIREMENT MEDICAL CONTRIBUTION: A monthly contribution is made by the County towards retiree health insurance offered through the County as governed by the applicable SEIU Memorandum of Understanding.

OTHER: There may be other benefit provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding. Please contact the recruiter listed on the job posting directly for more information.

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