Public Safety Classifications
State Park Peace Officers and Communications Operators
More than 85 million people visit California State Parks each year. The Department employs over 600 peace officers to safeguard both visitors and the resources themselves. State Park Peace Officer Rangers and Lifeguards provide not only public safety law enforcement and aquatic rescue services; they also provide public education through interpretation.
State Park Communications Operators are a vital link in public safety and operate multi-frequency/channel radio systems giving support not only California State Park Peace Officers, but also in providing dispatch services for the Department of Fish and Game Wardens along with other enforcement and emergency services agencies.
State Park Peace Officer
Job Duties and Minimum Requirements
State Park Peace Officer - Ranger
State Park Peace Officer - Lifeguard Ranger and Lifeguard - Employment Brochure State Park Peace Officer Incentive Compensation FAQs for Ranger/Lifeguards Candidates
Hiring and Selection Process
Rangers/Lifeguards and Cadets
Training Facilities
Currently most cadets attend Park Operations (Department-specific training) at William Penn Mott Jr. Training Center in Pacific Grove before continuing the California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) academy at the Camp San Luis Obispo National Guard Facility. U.S.Veterans - You may be eligible for Preference Points
Learn about the advantage you have because of your military experience!
Montgomery G.I. Bill benefits may be claimed by eligible veterans for time spent training at our Academy. For more information, go to: http://www.gibill.va.gov, to see education benefits. Law Enforcement Vacancies are only listed in our Career Opportunity Bulletin
LATERALS and TRANSFERS
A County/City or other municipal Peace Officer needs to participate in the entire selection/hiring process in order to be eligible for hire. This includes submitting an application during a Cadet Exam “open filing period,” taking the written exam and physical agility test, followed by oral interview, background investigations, medical/psychological evaluation, and drug screening. At the time of the Background Investigation, our Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division will assess a candidate’s level of POST Certification to determine which portions of the academy he or she must attend. If the candidate meets Basic POST requirements, he or she may not be required to attend the POST portion of State Parks’ Academy, but must attend the Park Operations portion, which is approximately 6 – 8 weeks. It may be possible for a candidate to begin working in State Park Peace Officer capacity before completing Park Operations, so that they may begin on-the-job training including, but not limited to: Field Training Program, Emergency Medical Response Training, and Firearms Training.
Current State Peace Officers A state civil service peace officer (Under PC830.2: CHP, DFG, etc.) who possesses a POST Basic Certificate can apply for a lateral into an open (advertised) State Park Peace Officer (SPPO) position found in our Career Opportunity Bulletin; however, the priority hire would be to any other SPPO who applies. If no SPPO applies, the position may be filled by a lateral candidate, at the discretion of the park District, pending successful completion of a comprehensive background investigation, psychological and medical evaluations, complete the Field Training Program and attend our 6 – 8 week Park Operations training at our academy.
More info How to Transfer within State Service Current County/City or other Municipal Peace Officers
Please contact the Peace Officer Selection Unit with questions regarding the application process by e-mailing Erin Gayton or Kelly Ahrendt.
Communication Operators (Dispatchers)
JOB SPECIFICATION AND SALARY INFORMATION
Pay Differentials for SPPO, Superintendent and Fire/Security Officers
State Park Ranger Series
State Park Peace Officer Cadet (Ranger)
State Park Peace Officer Ranger
State Park Peace Officer Supervisor (Ranger)
Lifeguard Series
State Park Peace Officer Cadet (Lifeguard)
State Park Peace Officer Lifeguard
State Park Peace Officer Supervisor (Lifeguard)
State Park Superintendent Series
State Park Superintendent
Firefighter/Security Guard Series
Firefighter/Security Officer
Captain Firefighter/Security Officer
Chief, Firefighter/Security Officer
Communications Operator Series
Dispatcher-Clerk
Communications Operator
Communications Supervisor
Related Pages
