Park Ranger I/II

About The Position

The Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District seeks a Park Ranger who will support the Lake Skinner Recreation Area. The position will be filled at either the I or II level.

Nestled in the rolling hills of Winchester, CA, beautiful Lake Skinner Recreation Area offers visitors expansive natural vistas and invigorating recreational opportunities, including camping, picnicking, splash pad, hiking, horseback riding, sailing, and fishing.

The Park Ranger will be responsible for maintaining public safety in the park and this can take shape in many forms. Park Rangers enforce rules and regulations, perform boat patrols, assist at the kiosk, perform some maintenance, problem solve park issues, and perform janitorial style work which can include restroom cleaning, fish cleaner cleaning, and a host of other tasks.

Essential Duties

• Explain park policies, rules, regulations, and County ordinances; oversee the registration of park visitors, the collection of fees, the issuance of camping permits, and the assignment of the general public to various camping areas within the parks.
• 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 park areas to promote an orderly and congenial atmosphere among park visitors, and to resolve problems; issue warnings and citations under appropriate laws or ordinances for non-compliance of park regulations, and if needed, utilize law enforcement agencies to achieve compliance.
• 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.
• Maintain records and prepare reports.

Minimum Qualifications

• PARK RANGER I:
  • Experience: Two years of interacting with the public that included conflict resolution and customer service or customer support.
  • Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• PARK RANGER II (Option I):
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in public administration, park or recreation management, forestry, botany, environmental science, or a closely related field to the assignment.
• PARK RANGER II (Option II):
  • Experience: Three years of working in the operations, maintenance, development, or protection of a park, forest, or public recreational or historical area.
  • Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• PARK RANGER II (Option III):
  • Experience: One year as a Park Ranger I with the Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District.
  • Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Additional Requirements

• Valid California Driver's License class C is required at the time of application.
• Candidates will be required to take a general abilities assessment prior to being considered for any Park Ranger position.
• Physical and Environmental Requirements: The Park Ranger – Parks role involves lifting, carrying, standing, walking, bending, squatting, and maintaining a high level of physical activity in an outdoor environment, often encountering varied weather conditions, a range of animals, and diverse public interactions within the same 8-hour shift.