The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Midpen) Ranger is a challenging generalist position offering a wide variety of responsibilities and opportunities to exercise independent judgment while working on Midpen preserves. Rangers are sworn peace officers and ensure safe public use of preserves and provide visitors information while enforcing Midpen land use regulations and applicable laws. Rangers also respond to emergency calls including medical aid and wildland fires. Rangers provide public relations, interpretive services, and perform limited maintenance and resource management work on Midpen properties and facilities. Rangers patrol on foot, in all-terrain vehicles, on motorcycles, and in four-wheel drive patrol trucks. For additional information about Ranger duties, see the Job Description on the District website.
Midpen is a regional greenbelt system in the Santa Cruz Mountain region comprised of nearly 65,000 acres of land in 26 open space preserves, protected for public enjoyment and recreation. As a small organization that is mission driven, every employee at Midpen makes an impact. If you are looking for a challenging opportunity to contribute to the legacy of open space preservation, we invite you to apply.
Peace Officer Standards for Rangers: Applicants must meet the standards for being a California Peace Officer as outlined in Government Code Section 1031. Probationary Ranger employees must complete Midpen’s requirements for training of Peace Officers by attending and successfully completing a Midpen approved law enforcement academy by the end of their probationary period, unless they have recently successfully passed an equivalent academy, and possess or have the ability to obtain a California Penal Code 832 certificate.
Basic Job Requirements: Must have the ability to enforce pertinent laws and regulations; administer first aid and CPR; operate and maintain various power tools and equipment; operate emergency patrol vehicles and two-way radios; communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing; and perform wildland fire suppression duties as needed.
Certificates Needed: A valid California driver license; valid professional rescuer CPR certificate and Medical First Responder or equivalent; a Midpen approved Fire Suppression Training certificate; certification in the Incident Command System courses as specified under the National Incident Management System (NIMS) or, the ability to obtain required certificates prior to completion of the employment probationary period.
Education & Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Equivalent to an Associate degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in law enforcement, resource management, natural sciences, or a related field and one (1) year of experience in the protection, operation, or maintenance of a park, forest, public recreation area, or the equivalent. Experience or training in wildland firefighting and law enforcement is desirable.
Working Conditions: Most work is outdoors within Midpen’s open space lands with exposure to inclement weather conditions. This requires the ability to patrol on foot, off trail, and in rugged terrain. Also requires the ability to perform all related emergency services and maintenance and construction work on Midpen lands. Shift schedules may include evening, weekend, and holiday hours.
Employee Benefits: Midpen provides a competitive benefits package including health, life, and disability insurance as well as a CalPERS pension. Detailed information is available on the Benefits page of the District’s website.
HOW TO APPLY: Final Filing Date: Friday, March 12, 2021 at 5 p.m.
Apply online via the public agency job board CalOpps.org. Answers to supplemental questions must be submitted with the application. Applicants with the most relevant experience and qualifications suitable for the position will be invited for interviews.
INTERVIEW DATES & HIRING PROCESS: We recommend applicants be available for interviews on the following dates for panel interviews (we are unable to accommodate vacation schedules):
First interviews: Thursday, March 25 & Friday, March 26, 2021 (Interviews will be held virtually. Candidates will be scheduled on one of two days)
Skills assessment: Saturday, April 3, 2021 (The Skills assessment will be held in-person and Midpen will be following Covid safety protocols. Candidates may be expected to do a health check and wear a mask on the day of the assessment)
Final interviews: Friday, April 9, 2021 (Candidates may be scheduled for a combination of in person and virtual interviews)
Candidates selected to advance after completing the interview process will be required to successfully complete the Peace Officer Standards & Training Personal History Statement, as well as an in-depth background investigation and psychological and fitness testing. It is recommended to review the 27-page Personal History Statement and the required documents on the POST website at www.post.ca.gov/forms.aspx. Select "Background/Hiring" and form 2-251, Personal History Statement for details on the information and certificates you will be required to provide.
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation by contacting the Human Resources department at 650-691-1200.
Put your passion for Open Space to work!
