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  • Senior Park Ranger

    Santa Rosa, California United States Sonoma County, CA Full Time $79,936.70 - $97,176.31 Annually Apr 14, 2026
    County of Sonoma Employer:

    Sonoma County, CA

    Room to Move. Room to Grow. Diverse services. Various options. Build your career with the County of Sonoma. Our County's mission is to provide superior and courteous services to support, preserve, and enhance the health, safety and quality of life for the people of Sonoma County. Explore Your Career: As the region’s largest employer, the County of Sonoma offers you a level of career diversity that is as expansive as the county itself. From nursing to engineering, information technology to land management and everything in-between, we’ve got over 800 different opportunities waiting for you. But even more than just opportunity, we give you flexibility. Follow your dreams of working at the top. Or follow your interests and work where you want. Either way, you can have it all here. Explore Your Life: With over 1,600 square miles of rolling hills and staggering coastline, you could spend a lifetime exploring everything that Sonoma County has to offer. Whether you explore wineries and epicurean delights, or our uncharted expanses of backcountry wilderness, our 300 plus days of sunshine will provide the perfect setting for the lifestyle you’ve always wanted.      

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    Job Description

    Position Information

    If you have a passion to preserve, protect, and provide access to Sonoma County's parks, join the Regional Parks Department as a Senior Park Ranger!

    Starting salary $38.30/hour ( $79,936 /year) and a competitive total compensation package!*

    As a Senior Park Ranger, you will assist Supervising Park Rangers with the day-to-day operation of a Regional County Park area or will oversee a smaller park facility's operations and maintenance activities. This position will educate visitors about park rules and promote safety through positive engagement. Additional responsibilities include:
    • Providing customer service by answering questions, addressing concerns, and collecting visitor day-use and camping fees
    • Patrolling park areas, inspecting facilities for cleanliness and safety, and correcting hazardous conditions, which may include performing light maintenance
    • Serving as a liaison between field staff and the Supervising Ranger
    • Following dispatch communication protocols and administering basic medical care
    • Updating and maintaining accurate records

    The ideal candidate will have a working knowledge of park management practices and operations, and will possess many of the following:

    • Effective lead-worker skills and the ability to serve as a positive role model for staff
    • A solid understanding of visitor services, including public interaction and resolving complaints
    • Excellent organizational skills with the ability to develop and coordinate staff assignments and training schedules, and oversee the management of small projects
    • Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Office proficiency
    • Effective communication skills

    Please note: Senior Park Rangers are required to wear a uniform and perform most duties outdoors year-round in varying weather conditions. This position works all shifts, including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Successful completion of a PC 832 Arrest Course and current, valid certifications for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Medical Response or equivalent are required.

    What We Offer

    Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:
    • Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
    • Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays per year
    • County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
    • Staff Development/Wellness - An annual Staff Development and Wellness benefit of $850
    • Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement health insurance/benefits
    • Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security
    • Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
    • Additional Benefits - Excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, employee assistance program, professional development, and more
    • Student Loan Debt Relief - County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education


    *Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the Sonoma County Law Enforcement Association (SCLEA) Memorandum of Understanding (SCLEA MOU) and our Employee Benefits Directory .

    This recruitment is being conducted to fill a Senior Park Ranger position in the Regional Parks Department. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help (temporary) positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.

    Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire to be completed.

    Minimum Qualifications

    Experience and Education: Any combination of experience, training, and/or education which directly relates to the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, one year of journey-level experience in park management or operations and possession of a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate, would provide such opportunity.

    License: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid State of California Class C Driver License is required by date of hire and must be maintained throughout employment in this classification.

    Certifications: Requires successful completion of a PC 832 Arrest Course AND current and valid certifications for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Medical Response or equivalent.

    Prior to the expiration of the probationary period, incumbents must demonstrate completion of the County of Sonoma Park Ranger certificate coursework or equivalent and obtain an Emergency Medical Technician certification recognized by the Sonoma County medical authority.

    Incumbents shall be required to maintain applicable certifications while in the position.

    Additional Requirements: Candidates must be willing to work in uniform, and willing to work all shifts, including days, evenings, nights, weekdays, weekends, and holidays. Background Requirements: Incumbents shall be required to successfully complete additional background and/or criminal history checks as determined by county, state, and/or federal regulations.

    Background Requirements: Incumbents shall be required to successfully complete additional background and/or criminal history checks as determined by county, state, and/or federal regulations.

    Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

    Working knowledge of: park operations,; general principles of park administration, such as fee collection, park patrol, park law enforcement resources, and park interpretation; county park rules, and state regulations, laws and ordinances; State Fish and Game rules, regulations, and laws; basic hand and power tools; monetary and statistical record keeping; county park features and natural resources; effective principles and practices of personnel supervision and training; emergency medical techniques and practices, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

    Ability to: deal effectively and tactfully with the public and county employees; follow written and oral instructions; effectively train, schedule, assign, and supervise subordinate personnel; perform arithmetic calculations involving United States monetary units and other basic arithmetic calculations; tactfully enforce park rules, regulations, and ordinances, and to issue written citations and violations; read and interpret illustrative construction drawings; comply with common safety practices and procedures; detect safety hazards within a park area and take corrective action; learn and apply Emergency Medical Technician basic medical services to park visitors; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax; speak effectively before groups and audiences; understand and accept differences in human behavior; effectively interact with all populations; perform moderately heavy physical labor; safely drive and operate light motorized vehicles.

    Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying

    • Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
    • You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
    • You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
    • Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.

    Please visit Getting a Job with the County of Sonoma to review more detailed information about the hiring process, including the application process, examination steps, and department selection process.

    Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire to be completed.

    Responses to supplemental questions may be scored using position-specific criteria. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state, "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient and therefore may not be scored.

    The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:

    An Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant's application and supplemental questionnaire for satisfaction of minimum qualifications (pass/not pass); and for educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities which relate to this position. Personally identifiable information (PII) is removed from the standard application fields and applicable attachments. This PII blind screening practice redacts a candidate’s personal information that could potentially influence or bias the scoring process. Personal information includes the applicant’s name, former last name, address, phone number, email, driver's license number, school name, education start and end dates, age, date of birth, gender, and race. This PII blind screening practice helps contribute to a fair and equitable examination process.

    Each applicant will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
    • Relevance of work history, related experience, and achieved level of education and/or training as described in the application and responses to the supplemental questions.

    Candidates demonstrating possession of the minimum qualifications will be placed on an employment list in order of most qualified to least qualified based on the achieved score received in the Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination which evaluates the education, training, experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, and other qualifications that you demonstrate in your application and/or response to the supplemental questionnaire. Please be aware that resumes and cover letters are not typically evaluated in the Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination. Scores may be adjusted based on such factors as the number of candidates, anticipated vacancies, past practice, and natural breaks in the scores achieved by this group of candidates.

    Additional Information

    A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.

    Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the Job Classification Screening Schedule to determine the requirements for this position.

    How to Apply

    Applications are accepted online at www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org . Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job announcement must be received by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.

    The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.

    HR Analyst: KK

    HR Technician: NM

    Important Note: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.

    County of Sonoma Benefits:*

    These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:

    Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation accrual and sick leave accruals; additional management leave annually; 12 paid holidays; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.

    Health Plan: Choose from nine health plans (three HMOs, three deductible HMOs, and three HSA-qualifying plans) with a generous County contribution to the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit). For more information, please see the appropriate MOU.

    Retirement: Fully integrated with Social Security. For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit https://scretire.org/active-/-deferred/when-you-are-hired .

    IRS 457 Plan: Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.

    Retiree Medical: County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.

    Student Loan Debt Relief: County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education.

    Plus, excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.

    For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331. Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at Labor Agreements & Salary Resolution . For specific information about health and welfare benefits, including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts, go to Human Resources or contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at benefits@sonomacounty.gov or (707) 565-2900.

    *Important Notes: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.

    Closing Date/Time: 4/23/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
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    Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

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Find Your Dream Job: Top Parks and Recreation Jobs to Apply For

Find Your Dream Job: Top Parks and Recreation Jobs to Apply For

Parks and recreation play a vital role in creating vibrant communities, and the demand for professionals in this field continues to grow. Whether you’re passionate about maintaining state parks, overseeing golf courses, or helping preserve our natural resources, countless career opportunities are waiting for you. In this guide, we’ll explore various jobs in parks and recreation, the departments that make up this sector, and the benefits of pursuing a rewarding career in this dynamic industry.

 

Exploring Career Opportunities in Parks and Recreation

The field of parks and recreation offers diverse career opportunities, ranging from management and administration to maintenance and operations. Whether you’re interested in overseeing community programming or keeping city parks beautiful, you have a role. From seasonal positions to full-time jobs, parks and recreation departments provide a range of employment options.

If you’re interested in helping preserve nature for future generations, many state parks offer specialized positions focused on conservation and sustainability. Let’s consider some of the top parks and recreation jobs.

 

Types of Parks and Recreation Jobs

Management and Administration

  1. Park Manager: Oversee the daily operations of a park or recreation center, ensuring it runs smoothly.
  2. Recreation Director: Develop and implement programs that engage the community and foster active participation.
  3. Administrative Assistant: Provide key administrative support to the park team, handling tasks such as scheduling and communications.

Maintenance and Operations

  1. Park Maintenance Worker: Perform essential tasks like landscaping, cleaning park facilities, and repairing equipment.
  2. Equipment Operator: Operate heavy machinery such as tractors and mowers to maintain parks and golf courses.
  3. Janitor/Cleaner: Ensure the cleanliness and safety of park facilities, making them enjoyable for visitors.

Recreation and Programming

  1. Recreation Coordinator: Plan and execute engaging activities and events at city parks and recreation centers.
  2. Park Ranger: Patrol parks, ensuring safety and enforcing rules while educating the public about natural resources.
  3. Lifeguard: Monitor swimming pools, ensuring the safety of swimmers during peak seasons.
 

Specialized Roles in Parks and Recreation

Golf Courses and Sports Facilities

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If you have a passion for sports and golf courses, there are specialized jobs available in these areas:

  1. Golf Course Superintendent: This person oversees the maintenance and operations of a golf course, ensuring it’s in top condition.
  2. Sports Facility Manager: Manage daily operations at a sports complex, including field maintenance and event coordination.
  3. Athletic Field Maintenance Worker: Keep athletic fields and facilities in excellent condition for sporting events and community use.

State Parks and Conservation

Working in state parks often involves a focus on preserving and promoting natural resources. Some of the specialized roles include:

  1. Park Naturalist: Educate visitors about the flora, fauna, and ecosystems within a state park, helping to foster a connection with nature.
  2. Conservation Biologist: This person works to protect and preserve natural resources within state parks, ensuring their sustainability for future generations.
  3. Park Ranger (State Parks): Enforce regulations and ensure the safety of visitors in state parks while educating the public on conservation efforts.
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Working in City Parks and Recreation Departments

City parks offer a range of career opportunities for those interested in working at the local level. Whether you’re involved in recreation programming or keeping the parks maintained, plenty of rewarding jobs are available.

  1. Seasonal positions: Help with specific projects during peak seasons, such as working in swimming pools or leading summer programs.
  2. Full-time positions: Take on more permanent roles within city parks, including management and operations.
  3. Team-based roles: Work collaboratively with other employees to keep parks running smoothly and provide an excellent experience for visitors.
 

Job Opportunities and Application Process

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If you want to start your career in parks and recreation, you can search for openings through your local government’s career center or statewide listings. Many parks departments are constantly recruiting new talent, offering a variety of roles that match different skill sets and interests.

The application process typically involves submitting a resume and completing an online application. If you’re selected for an interview, you’ll likely meet with a hiring manager to discuss your qualifications and how you can contribute to the parks team.

 

The Benefits of a Career in Parks and Recreation

There are many perks to working in parks and recreation, from the opportunity to work outdoors to making a meaningful difference in your community. Some of the key benefits include:

  1. Rewarding career: Working in parks and recreation directly impacts your community’s quality of life, providing spaces for recreation and relaxation.
  2. Opportunities for advancement: Many parks departments offer clear career pathways, with chances for promotions into management or specialized roles.
  3. Job security: Public spaces like parks and recreation centers are essential to communities, so there’s a constant need for qualified professionals in this field.
  4. Diverse work environments: From urban city parks to expansive state parks, you can work in various settings, depending on your interests.
 

Conclusion

A career in parks and recreation is fulfilling and offers a chance to make a lasting impact on your community. Whether you’re interested in managing golf courses, preserving natural resources, or planning recreation programs, there are countless career opportunities in this field. You can take the next step by exploring job openings and start your journey toward a rewarding career today.

Remember, parks are essential to the health and happiness of communities, and the professionals who maintain and manage these spaces play a critical role. Join the world of parks and recreation and help shape the future of public spaces for future generations.

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