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Apply by Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 5:00 PM

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.  We reserve the right to close the recruitment before the "apply by" date if position is filled.

ABOUT THE CITY

San Rafael is the economic and cultural heart of Marin County, and its high quality of life is centered on its commercial districts, engaged neighborhoods, active lifestyle, and natural environment.

With a population of approximately 60,000, San Rafael is a full-service city with a City Council/City Manager form of government with 12 departments, more than 400 employees, and an annual budget in fiscal year 2025-2026 of approximately $193 million. The City’s vision is to be a vibrant economic and cultural center reflective of its diversity.

San Rafael’s Organizational culture framework is an initiative called “Together San Rafael.” City employees are our greatest assets, and we seek talented individuals with diverse backgrounds who are creative, curious, and excited about a challenge. We are a results-driven team focused on the needs of community members. The Together San Rafael initiative is focused on modernizing City services and increasing the engagement of employees. This initiative recognizes the interconnectedness of the customer and employee experience.

THE DEPARTMENT

The San Rafael Police Department (SRPD) is deeply committed to building a better San Rafael community – providing essential services, quality of life programs, and working to enhance community safety for everyone in San Rafael. The department works to meet these goals with approved headcount of 93 FTE and an operating budget of approximately $31 million in Fiscal Year 2025-26.

THE POSITION

The Open Space Ranger will primarily work in the open space areas of incorporated San Rafael.  The Ranger will be responsible for judiciously enforcing all laws, with particular emphasis on identifying unlawful campsites mitigating fire hazards, and coordinating with other private, city, county, and state agencies to clean up the campsites.  They will work with patrol officers, business owners, residents, and other members of the public to prevent crime, resolve problems, and solve crime.  The Ranger is responsible for keeping accurate records and must remain organized.  The Ranger will use a variety of methods to accomplish their goals, including foot patrol, bicycle patrol, 4-wheel drive truck, and the ATV.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including but not limited to): 

• Patrol designated open space areas within the City using foot, bicycle, ATV, and four-wheel drive vehicle patrols.
• Enforce federal, state, and local laws and City ordinances, with particular emphasis on open space regulations.
• Identify, investigate, and address unlawful encampments in open space areas in coordination with City, County, and State partners.
• Mitigate public safety and environmental hazards, including fire risk, illegal dumping, and resource damage.
• Mitigate fire risk through ignition reduction, coordination with Marin Wildfire Prevention Officers, and vegetation abatement for fire road access.
• Removal of ignition sources (warming fires, propane tanks, etc.) in open space.
• Conduct proactive crime prevention, enforcement, and problem-solving activities in parks and open space areas.
• Respond to calls for service related to open space areas, including quality-of-life issues, suspicious activity, and criminal behavior.
• Coordinate cleanup operations with Public Works, Parks, Fire Code Enforcement, and outside agencies.
• Engage with community members, hikers, residents, business owners, and visitors to promote safety and voluntary compliance.
• Prepare clear, accurate, and timely reports, citations, and documentation related to enforcement actions and activitIes.
• Collect evidence, conduct investigations, and follow up on criminal cases occurring in open space areas.
• Provide court testimony as required.
• Assist with emergency response operations, including search and rescue and wildfire-related incidents.
• Maintain familiarity with open space geography, access routes, and environmental sensitivities.
• Perform related duties as assigned in support of Department and City objectives.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
• Possession of California P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate or completion of a California P.O.S.T. approved basic academy.
• No college and/or previous experience required.
• U.S. Citizen and at least age 21.
• Valid driver's license.