A Lateral Entry Applicant is someone currently employed as a peace officer Park Ranger in the State of California and has successfully completed either a California POST Basic Academy, the National Park Service Park Ranger Law Enforcement Training Program or a park ranger law enforcement training program approved by this department.

Lateral Applicant Qualifications

If you meet the following qualifications, move on to the Lateral Application Process below:

• Currently employed as a California Peace Officer Park Ranger with a California Basic P.O.S.T. certificate or other department approved law enforcement training program and have completed a minimum of one year of field experience.
• Must possess a valid California driver’s license.
• Must possess a U.S. high school diploma or General Education Development (GED), waived if you have a college degree from an accredited college within the U.S.
• Must have completed 60 semester college credits from a U.S. accredited college or university. The education requirement will be waived for the following:
  
  • Laterals from any California agency within Major Cities Chief and Major County Sheriffs with four (4) years active police experience.
  • Military Veterans with an honorable discharge and four (4) years of service in the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines or Coast Guard.
• Must be a citizen of the U.S. or permanent resident alien who has 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: 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 3: Secondary Oral Interview

This is a panel interview with two to three members of the Park Ranger programs 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 4: 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 5: The San José Park Ranger Field Training Officer (FTO) Program

The Field Training Officer (FTO) program provides the “in park” training and orientation to the City of San José park ranger program. Lateral Park Rangers are assigned to experienced San José Park Ranger Field Training Officers while attending 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 under the supervision of a Senior Park Ranger. They will continue to be evaluated and receive a final performance evaluation before completing probation to determine if the new Park Ranger will be retained as a permanent employee.