Park Ranger Trainee
Under direction, attends structured training courses designed to qualify trainees for the position of Park Ranger and learns the duties necessary to protect park patrons, resources and properties administered by the Kern County Sheriff’s Office.
This classification is a trainee position in the Park Ranger series requiring no previous law enforcement experience. Incumbents shall be required to enter into a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified PC 832 ‘Arrest, Search and Seizure’ and ‘Arrest & Firearms’ training program upon appointment. Employees in this classification will be required to work evenings, nights, weekends and holidays. Vacations may be limited to low recreational usage months.
Appointment to Park Ranger is subject to the approval of the Sheriff or his designee. Failure to be enrolled in a PC 832 ‘Arrest, Search and Seizure’ and ‘Arrest & Firearms’ certification program and/or successfully complete courses within six (6) months of the date of appointment will result in termination. Incumbents in the Trainee classification are temporary employees, and time spent in the classification does not meet the probationary requirements for Park Ranger.
Requirements
EXAMINATION SCHEDULE:
- Written Exam: qualified candidates will be notified five days prior to the examination
- Physical Agility Exam: qualified candidates will be notified five days prior to the examination
WRITTEN EXAM (Weight 100%): May include knowledge of English grammar and spelling, general mathematics, and other relative subjects.
PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST (PASS/FAIL): The Kern County Human Resources Division will schedule, notify and administer a Physical Ability Test. See below for a full description of the Physical Ability Test.
The Human Resources Division may limit the number advancing to the physical ability exam to approximately the TOP 40, based upon the final earned results of the written exam.
Applicants must attain at least a 70% score on each phase of the examination process. Names will be placed on one eligible list in order of final grades.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- High School Diploma, G.E.D. or equivalent.
- Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License is required upon appointment.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Physical Exam: Passing of a rigid medical exam by the County is required.
- Vision: Correctable to 20/20. No color deficiency or permanent/progressive eye abnormalities.
- Hearing: No deficiency
- Character: Applicants must have a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness. Felony law violations will be disqualifying, and except for a limited number of minor traffic offenses, misdemeanor offenses may also be disqualifying. Must be a U.S. Citizen or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship. Appointees will be fingerprinted and required to pass an extensive background investigation.
- Knowledge of: English grammar and spelling, and general mathematics.
- Ability to: Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the public; to think and react quickly and adapt an effective course of action; understand and follow oral and written directions; read, interpret and understand state and federal laws and County ordinances; stay calm and respond appropriately during highly stressful situations; develop skill in the use of firearms and other law enforcement equipment; write clear, grammatically correct and concise reports; and perform general mathematical calculations.
Salary
- $31.66 – $37.84 Hourly
- $2,532.82 – $3,026.95 Biweekly
- $5,487.78 – $6,558.39 Monthly
Benefits
Benefits include but are not limited to:
- Paid Holiday Leave: 12 set days (per calendar year)
- 3 Days of Paid Winter Recess Leave
- Up to 80 Hours of Paid Time Off Per Year
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Deferred compensation