Park Rangers are stewards of the park system, providing public safety services, protecting and preserving natural and cultural resources, and inspiring future generations to love and nurture nature. Park Rangers provide crucial maintenance and restorative work on natural and historical elements within our parks. They teach and enforce state and local laws and enforce park rules so that all park visitors can enjoy their visit, aiming to resolve situations with the lowest appropriate level of enforcement. Park Rangers are often first on scene for medical, fire and other emergencies in the parks they oversee. Park Rangers offer nature-based programming for individuals of all ages and abilities to inspire a love for the outdoors and encourage access to our parks system.

Park Ranger is the entry level position for the Park Ranger Series with the City of San José.

Minimum Qualifications

You must meet the following qualifications. If you meet them, move on to step #1 below of the Application Process:

• Possession of a valid driver’s license authorizing operation of a motor vehicle in the U.S.
• U.S. high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED); waived if you have earned a college degree from an accredited college within the U.S.
• MUST POSSESS AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION, 60 semester college credits from a U.S. accredited college or university.
• Military Veterans with an honorable discharge can substitute four (4) years of active duty service in the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines or Coast Guard in lieu of the minimum college credit requirement - Reserve time excluded.
• College units earned outside of the U.S. are accepted if translated and evaluated for this requirement.

The position of Park Ranger for the City of San José requires appointment as a peace officer. To meet the requirements to be appointed as peace officer applicants must also meet the following qualifications:

• Must be a citizen of the United States or have applied for citizenship.
• No felony, domestic violence or misdemeanor assault convictions; cannot currently be on probation or parole.
• No financial accounts currently in "collections".

APPLICATION PROCESS

STEP 1: SUBMIT AN APPLICATION

If you meet the qualifications listed above, Submit an Application.

STEP 2: SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION

Complete the Supplemental Application. The Supplemental Application consists of approximately 40 questions that allow you to demonstrate your job suitability.

STEP 3: WRITTEN TESTS

Candidates must pass ONE of the below written examinations:

• National Testing Network (NTN): Complete the National Testing Network Test (NTN). Pass Point scores are 65% Video, 70% Reading, and 70% Writing. Nationwide classroom and/or virtual exams available. Results valid for three years. NTN will forward exam results to the City of San José. For more information or to register go to: https://www.nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/
• PELLETB: Complete the California P.O.S.T. Reading & Writing Test (PELLETB). Pass Point is a T-Score total of 50 or higher. Applicants are responsible for submitting verification of their exam results with their application. Results are valid for three years. For more information or to register go to: http://www.theacademy.ca.gov/tests; OR

STEP 4: Oral Board Interview

This is a structured panel interview. Candidates will be asked five to eight questions about your experience, education or training. Scenario based questions may also be presented. Pass Point is 70% or higher.

STEP 5: Secondary Oral Interview

This is a panel interview with two to three members of the Park Ranger program's command staff. This is a less structured interview where candidates will be asked 2 or 3 questions and there may be follow up questions.

Candidates who successfully complete the Application Process will be placed on a list of eligible candidates. Candidates selected to advance to the Background Investigation Process will be notified approximately 3 weeks later.

STEP 6: Background Investigation Process

Eligible candidates will complete a Personal History Statement (PHS) packet. Background investigators will then be assigned to assist candidates through the process. Candidates will be required to complete a polygraph examination and LiveScan fingerprinting during the background process.

Upon successful completion and review of the background investigation, the hiring board will make their employment selections. Those selected will receive a conditional offer of employment, contingent upon successfully passing a medical and psychological exam.

• More about the Background Investigation Process

STEP 7: The Academy

Park Rangers are considered a City of San José employee while attending the Academy. Recruits are paid the current contract hourly rate while in the Academy. Upon graduation, you will enter the Field Training Program (FTO) for additional training as a San José Park Ranger

For the current Park Ranger hourly rate view the City Pay Plan.

Those who successfully complete the FTO program are assigned as a solo patrol Park Ranger.

STEP 8: The San Jose Park Ranger Field Training Officer (FTO) Program

The Field Training Officer (FTO) program is the “in park” training for Park Rangers just graduating from the academy. This is a period where newly graduated Park Rangers will take what they learned in the academy and apply it to the park environment. Newly graduated Park Rangers will be assigned to experienced San José Park Ranger Field Training Officers throughout the FTO program. Daily evaluations are given to document progress through this training period.

Those who successfully complete the Field Training Program are assigned to a Park Ranger team as a solo patrol Park Ranger.