Ranger I/II

Ranger I/II

Salary

$57,360.00 - $86,808.00 Annually

Location

City of Santa Cruz, CA

Job Type

Regular Full-Time

Job Number

27-003

Department

Water

Opening Date

07/23/2026

Closing Date

8/6/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

The Position

The current vacancy is for Ranger II in the Water Recreation Division of the Water Department at the Loch Lomond Recreation Area at 100 Loch Lomond Way in Felton. Under supervision, the Ranger I/II assists with the protection and preservation, general maintenance and enhancement of the recreation and open space areas, facilities and city properties and/or watershed facilities in the Water Department. Provides information and visitor services and assistance to the public in the use of the facilities and areas; performs resource management projects, patrols assigned areas to ensure compliance with municipal rules and regulations; responds to emergency medical situations; may oversee seasonal employees or volunteers responsible for routine park operation and maintenance tasks; may be directed to lead a task or project and performs related duties as assigned.

The Loch Lomond Recreation Area offers fishing, boating, picnicking and hiking in a unique mountain lake environment in Santa Cruz County. To read more about the Loch Lomond Recreation Area, go to https://www.santacruzca.gov/Things-to-Do/Loch-Lomond.

Ranger I salary range is $4,780 - $6,725 monthly ($27.58 - $38.80 hourly)

Ranger II salary range is $5,142 - $7,234 monthly ($29.67 - $41.73 hourly) (CURRENT VACANCY)

The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill other Regular and Temporary Ranger I/II vacancies that may occur during the life of the list. The eligible list established from this recruitment is valid for up to one year from the date established unless the list is extended or abolished by the Human Resources Director.

Recruitment #27-003

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

The following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Director. The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

• On Thursday, 08/06/26 recruitment will close. All application materials must be received by the Human Resources Department by 5:00 pm; postmarks are not accepted. To apply, submit:

• Application- online application only. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of filling out the application form completely. Click the Apply button to begin the online process.

• Response to supplemental questions- will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Any work experience described here must also be included in your employment history on the main application.

• Week of 08/10 and 08/17/26: Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications for this position. Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment by 08/28/26.

• Week of 08/31 and 09/07/26: Interviews will be tentatively scheduled for top candidates. The examination process will include an interview and may include a written and/or performance exercise.

Basic Function

Under supervision, assists with the protection and preservation, general maintenance and enhancement of the recreation and open space areas, facilities and city properties and/or watershed facilities in the Water Department. Provides information and visitor services and assistance to the public in the use of the facilities and areas; performs resource management projects, patrols assigned areas to ensure compliance with municipal rules and regulations; responds to emergency medical situations; may oversee seasonal employees or volunteers responsible for routine park operation and maintenance tasks; may be directed to lead a task or project and performs related duties as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Ranger I classification is the next advancement in the series from the Ranger Assistant classification. The Ranger I classification is also considered a training classification requiring additional on the job training to reach a higher level of competency in experience, skills and education. After demonstrating proficiency at the Ranger I level, incumbents are expected to advance to the Ranger II level in the Ranger series. The Ranger II classification is the full journey level classification in the Ranger series. Incumbents at this level are capable of performing the full range of the Ranger duties for which they have trained and have gained experience.

The Ranger I/II is distinguished from the next lower classification of Ranger Assistant in that the latter classification performs tasks in park maintenance, and performs resource management duties, provides public assistance, and communicates and enforces rules and regulations in the recreation and watershed areas.

The Ranger I/II is distinguished from the next higher- level classification of Senior Ranger in that the latter is responsible for supervising the workgroups within the Ranger program.

Typical Duties

(May include, but are not limited to, those duties listed below).

• Learns the natural history of the area and applies this knowledge when performing park maintenance, operations, interpretive and protection duties.
• Provides general information about the recreation area and its facilities to the public; may be responsible for fee collection, reservations, facility and equipment rentals, and related record-keeping; maintains supplies and inventories.
• Provides a uniformed presence and performs patrol duties; educates and provides assistance to visitors.
• Trains, leads and assists seasonal staff in the operation of the toll gate, park store and boat rental dock and the maintenance of related facilities.
• Receives and processes purchases, fees, fines, or other transactions; sets up cash drawers and operates cash registers and/or point of sales equipment (POS); prepares receipts, balances money received and prepares deposits; reconciles user fees with daily receipts; maintains financial records; contacts vendors for the park store; places orders and monitors inventories.
• May monitor water quality conditions, collect water samples, and record data from water gauges; and, may act as the shift operator for the on-site water treatment facility.
• Ensures compliance with rules and regulations; as a public officer, may issue citations related to violation of the Municipal Code related to regional parks, recreational facilities, open space, and/or watershed lands.
• Responds to citizen complaints, resolves conflicts, and writes incident reports; contacts appropriate law enforcement agencies for assistance, as necessary.
• Provides first response emergency services within established response areas, including administering emergency medical aid, and completes incident reports; may perform fire watch activities, and may provide fire suppression support upon request from the Fire Department; may assist with emergency response operations outside of established response areas.
• Constructs and maintains parks and open space facilities, such as buildings, picnic areas, signs, irrigation systems, turf, trails, fuel breaks, fences, gates and grounds; plans and constructs exhibits; may place orders for equipment, materials, and services; performs maintenance and repair work on facilities and structures, including minor carpentry, plumbing and painting; may clean restrooms and empty trash receptacles; may operate and maintain various types of power tools, construction equipment and vehicles, including tractors, tractor accessories, trailers, fire equipment, vessels and reservoir maintenance equipment.
• Assists with the development of interpretive flyers, programs and exhibits concerning natural history, operations, and resource management practices in open space lands; assists with developing and conducting interpretive talks and hikes on natural history and/or water resource topics for park visitors, local schools and the public.
• Assists with resource management by observing and reporting environmental hazards, such as slides, erosion, and disease and insect activity in trees; recommends removal of hazardous trees and eradication of undesirable flora; performs open space maintenance operations and resource management projects.
• As directed, may be assigned to direct and train, lower- level Ranger employees and volunteers.
• May be assigned to assist with the coordination efforts in support of facility operations.
• Performs other related duties that may be reasonably expected as part of this classification.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Position requires: prolonged sitting, standing, and walking on uneven and slippery surfaces, including mountain trails; reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping and making repetitive hand movements in the performance of daily duties. The position also requires both near and far vision when patrolling parks, inspecting work and operating assigned equipment. The need to lift, carry and push tools, equipment and supplies weighing up to 80 pounds is also required. Additionally, the incumbent in this position works outdoors and in all weather conditions, including rain, heat and cold. The job duties may expose the employee to blood-borne pathogens, certain types of insect and rodent borne disease, dermatitis caused by poison oak, fumes, dust, air contaminants, stinging insects, mountain lions, feral pigs, and rattlesnakes. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to climb ladders, use power and noise producing tools and equipment, drive motorized vehicles and construction equipment, and respond to emergency situations to provide rescue assistance or fight fires. Some positions may require the incumbent to work around a reservoir and operate watercraft. The incumbent may be required to respond to after- hours emergency call outs.

Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

Minimum Qualifications

The minimum qualifications for Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities are the following:

Education and Experience

Ranger I:

• High school diploma or tested equivalent; and
• Six (6) months of public contact experience in a parks related job such as participating in an outdoor recreational program.

Ranger II: (CURRENT VACANCY)

• High school diploma or tested equivalent; and
• The equivalent of one (1) year of public contact experience interpreting rules and regulations and some experience performing parks maintenance tasks.
• An Associate degree in environmental studies, forestry or a related field may substitute for six (6) months of the required experience.

Knowledge:

• The use of various hand and power tools to perform grounds keeping, basic carpentry, plumbing, and general maintenance.
• Occupational hazards and safety practices and procedures related to park maintenance.
• Natural resources management and natural history.

Skills:

• Safely operate a variety of hand and power tools, construction equipment, and vehicles used in park maintenance.
• Proven excellent customer service

Abilities:

• Interact courteously and effectively with members of the public.
• Read, understand, and review documents for accuracy and relevant information.
• Learn to operate hand and power tools related to resource management such as shovels, axes, saws, Pulaskis, McLeods, weed wrenches and rakes.
• Interpret, apply, explain and enforce procedures, rules, regulations, and codes, including state and local ordinances and the Municipal Code.
• Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing; make oral presentations.
• Assist with training of assigned staff and volunteers; as directed may monitor work activities to ensure safe work practices, work quality and accuracy of lower-level Ranger staff and volunteers.
• Make sound decisions within established guidelines; respond appropriately in potentially hazardous or emergency situations.
• Follow verbal and written instructions.
• Operate handheld, mobile, and base station radios.
• Organize and prioritize work assignments.
• Assist with the preparation, development and may be assigned to lead interpretive talks and hikes for park visitors.
• Perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately.
• Work independently and as a member of a team.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Read, interpret and record data accurately; maintain manual and computerized record keeping systems.
• Make observations of reservoir water (e.g., color, odor, turbidity) and take measurements to monitor water quality and conditions.

Licenses and Certificates

• Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California class C driver's license.
• Possession, and continued maintenance of, Title 22 First Aid for Public Safety Personnel and CPR certification within 6 months of hire for Ranger I and within 6 months of hire for Ranger II.
• Completion of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) PC832 Arrest & Control training within 1 year of hire for Ranger I and within 6 months of hire for Ranger II.
• Possession of a Grade T1 Water Treatment Plant Operator certificate issued by the State of California Department of Health Services within two years of hire.
• Possession of a valid California Boater Card within six months of hire, or qualification under an approved exemption as defined by law, such as California Harbors and Navigation Code §678.11.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Willingness to wear a uniform.
• Willingness to perform call-back and as needed shifts.
• Willingness to work irregular shifts, holidays and weekends.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• College-level coursework in natural resources management, forestry, environmental science, or a related field.
• Ability to speak Spanish.
• Experience in interpreting, applying, explaining and enforcing procedures, rules, regulations, and codes; including state and local ordinances and the Municipal Code.
• Possession of POST Certified PC 832.
• Possession of Standard First Aid and CPR.

Career Ladder

• Chief Ranger
• Senior Ranger
• Ranger I/II
• Ranger Assistant

SALARY - This classification belongs to the Service bargaining unit. The current salary range for this position is posted on the City website. See the CITY OF SANTA CRUZ SERVICE EMPLOYEE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING on the City website for details on pay rates and practices.

UNION REPRESENTATION - This classification belongs to the Service Employees bargaining unit. All employees within this unit are represented by the Service Employees International Union.

APPOINTMENT - Any candidate selected by the appointing department may be required to pass a pre-employment medical exam administered by a City-selected physician before hire to non-sedentary positions. Prior to starting work, all newly hired employees will be fingerprinted, to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment. Candidates must present documentation verifying authorization to work in the United States and take a loyalty oath as required by the State of California at the time of hire. Appointments to regular positions are subject to a six-month probationary period (unless specified as 12-month by Service Employees MOU) which is considered a part of the selection process. Probationary employees may be terminated without recourse during this period. Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing.

LEAVE

Vacation - 80 hours/year up to 5 years, 120 hours/year 6-10 years, plus 8 hours for each year after 10 years up to a maximum of 160 hours/year.

Sick - 12 days/year

Holidays - up to 11 days/year

Floating Holidays - 24 hours per year - prorated for part-time

INSURANCE - (available to employee and eligible dependents)

Medical - Depends on plan selected; City generally pays 95% of the cost of coverage (pro-rated for part-time).

Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program - City currently pays full cost of employee and family coverage (pro-rated for part-time). Plus an additional $29.50 per pay period.

Life - City provides a $20,000 life insurance policy.

Long Term Disability - City provides a long term disability plan.

RETIREMENT

All new regular employees become members of PERS. Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) 2% @ 62 (3 year average). Prior PERS membership may affect retirement formula. Employees contribute 9.75% of their salary to PERS on a pre-tax basis. An employee is vested after 5 years of membership. No Social Security is withheld.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS (not all inclusive)

457 Deferred Compensation Plan

Accident Protection Insurance

Bilingual Pay if required by position

Cancer and Critical Illness Insurance

Direct Deposit

Discount Bus Pass Program

Flexible Spending Plans for Health & Dependent Care

Longevity Pay (after 10 years and 15 years)

In lieu Medical Reimbursement of $200 /month (if not participating in City offered Medical Plan)

Shift Differential

Supplemental Life Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

The information included in this listing is subject to change and does not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Leaves and most Insurance contributions are pro-rated for part-time benefited employees.

01

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: The following supplemental questions are designed to obtain specific information regarding your work experience. Please answer each question as thoroughly as possible, as your responses will be utilized to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position. For applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, these responses may also be used as an evaluation tool in later stages of the competitive process to determine which applicants will be invited to continue in the examination process. All experience described here must correspond to employers listed in the Work Experience section of your application to receive credit. Please refrain from using AI or computer-generated responses. Applicants are responsible to clearly, completely, and accurately describe their qualifications. You may attach a resume, but this cannot be used in lieu of completing an application. Failure to complete all required questions and/or providing incomplete responses may result in an incomplete application. Do not answer any question with "see resume" and if you do not have any experience and/or education in a given area, please write "N/A."

• I acknowledge that I have read and understood these instructions

02

This position requires possession and continued maintenance of a valid California drivers license.

• Yes, I have a valid California drivers license.
• I do not have a valid California drivers license. I understand that I will be required to obtain one prior to appointment as a condition of employment if selected for this position.

03

Do you possess a high school diploma or tested equivalent?

• Yes
• No

04

If you have completed college-level coursework or possess an Associate's degree or higher in Environmental Studies, Forestry, Natural Resources Management, or related field, please indicate your coursework or degree, field of study, and the accredited college or university from which you graduated. If you do not possess college-level coursework or an Associates degree or higher, please write "N/A."

05

The Ranger I position requires public contact experience in a parks related job, such as participating in an outdoor recreational program. Please select the appropriate duration of public contact experience in a parks related job you possess. The experience selected here must be reflected in the work experience portion of your application in order to receive credit.

• Less than 6 months.
• At least 6 months, but less than 1 year.
• At least 1 year, but less than 2 years.
• 2 or more years.

06

Based on your answer above, please describe your public contact experience in a parks related job such as participating in outdoor recreational program. Be very specific, indicating employer name, job title and duties in detail, and duration of each experience. If you do not have experience in a parks related job, please write "N/A."

07

Ranger II requires public contact experience interpreting rules and regulations. Please select the appropriate duration of experience you possess of public contact experience interpreting, applying, explaining and enforcing procedures, rules, regulations, and codes; including state and local ordinances and the Municipal Code. The experience selected here must be reflected in the work experience portion of your application in order to receive credit.

• Less than 6 months.
• At least 6 months, but less than 1 year.
• At least 1 year, but less than 2 years.
• At least 2 years, but less than 3 years.
• At least 3 years, but less than 4 years.
• 4 or more years.

08

Based on your answer above, please describe your public contact experience interpreting, applying, explaining and enforcing procedures, rules, regulations, and codes; including state and local ordinances and the Municipal Code. Please indicate the employer name, job title, job duties, and duration of each experience. Answers to this question will help determine how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position and may make you more competitive against other candidates in this recruitment. All experience described here must relate back to the work experience portion of your application in order to receive credit. If you do not have public contact experience interpreting rules and regulations, please answer "N/A."

09

The Ranger II position requires some experience performing parks maintenance tasks. Please describe any experience you have performing parks maintenance tasks such as basic carpentry, plumbing, trail and road drainage management, invasive species management, or related activities, specifying what types of hand and power tools, construction equipment, and vehicles you have used.

10

This position provides first response emergency services within established response areas which requires the ability to respond appropriately in potentially hazardous or emergency situations. As such, this position requires possession and continued maintenance of Title 22 First Aid for Public Safety Personnel and CPR certification within 6 months of hire for the Ranger I and within 6 months of hire for Ranger II.

• I currently possess this certification and have scanned and attached proof.
• I do not currently possess this certification but I understand and accept this requirement.
• I do not accept this requirement and understand this response will eliminate my application from consideration.

11

This position may issue citations related to violation of the Municipal Code related to regional parks, recreational facilities, open space, and/or watershed lands. As such, this position requires completion of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) PC832 Arrest & Control training within 1 year of hire for Ranger I and within 6 months of hire for Ranger II.

• I have completed this training and have scanned and attached proof.
• I have not completed this training but understand and accept this requirement.
• I do not accept this requirement and understand this response will eliminate my application from consideration.

12

This position may monitor water quality conditions, collect water samples, and record data from water gauges, and may act as the shift operator for the on-site water treatment facility. As such, this position requires possession of a Grade T1 Water Treatment Plant Operator certificate issued by the State of California Department of Health Services within two years of hire.

• I currently possess this certification and have scanned and attached proof.
• I do not possess this certification but understand and accept this requirement.
• I do not accept this requirement and understand this response will eliminate my application from consideration.

13

This position requires possession of a valid California Boater Card within six months of hire, or qualification under an approved exemption as defined by law, such as California Harbors and Navigation Code §678.11.

• I currently possess this card or qualify under an approved exemption as defined by law and have scanned and attached proof.
• I do not possess this card but understand and accept this requirement.
• I do not accept this requirement and understand this response will eliminate my application from consideration.

14

This position requires a willingness to wear a uniform, to perform call-back and as needed shift, and to work irregular shifts, holidays and weekends. (NOTE: A "no" response to this question will eliminate your application from consideration). I accept these requirements:

• Yes
• No

15

Desirable Qualification: Ability to speak Spanish. I possess this bilingual ability:

• Yes, Spanish
• No, Not Applicable

Required Question

Employer City of Santa Cruz

Address 809 Center St.

Room 6

Santa Cruz, California, 95060

Phone 831-420-5040

Website http://www.cityofsantacruz.com