
Posting number: 001949-26-YPCE-2
Department: Youth, Parks & Community Enrichment
Division: Park Safety
Job classification: Chief Park Ranger
Posting type: Open
Categories: Administration, Code Enforcement, Accounting and Finance, Public Relations, Public Safety, Recreation, Management, Investigative, Professional, Parks and Recreation, Miscellaneous, Parks, Urban Forestry, Project Management, Organizational Development, Training, Communications, Program Management
Please Note: a candidate must successfully pass a thorough background investigation, including a criminal history check for job-related convictions, fingerprinting, polygraph test, credit check, and a drug use history to be considered for this position.
The City of Sacramento is seeking an experienced and strategic Chief Park Ranger to lead the Park Ranger Division within the Department of Youth, Parks, & Community Enrichment. This position oversees 14 full-time employees, provides oversight for division operations, including enforcement of municipal code, to ensure the safe and lawful use of the City's 243 parks, parkways, bike trails, and open space areas spanning over 4,360 acres.
The ideal candidate for the Chief Park Ranger is an experienced, forward-thinking public safety leader who is committed to protecting parks, natural resources, and the well-being of the community. They bring a strong background in law enforcement within a parks or public-lands environment and have demonstrated success managing and developing diverse teams. This individual excels at strategic planning, operational management, and building effective field-training and mentoring programs. They possess exceptional judgment and the ability to interpret, apply, and enforce city ordinances, government codes, and state laws with fairness, consistency, and professionalism. The ideal candidate is a collaborative problem-solver who builds strong relationships with internal departments, community groups, and partner agencies. They are skilled at evaluating service delivery methods, identifying opportunities for improvement, and implementing systems that enhance efficiency and impact.
The purpose of this position is to manage, supervise, plan, organize, and coordinate the activities and services of the Park Ranger Division.
The Chief Park Ranger is a single-position management-level classification and designated Peace Officer. The incumbent is responsible for the management, supervision, planning, administering the day-to-day operations of the Park Ranger Division to enforce the application of city ordinances, government codes, and state law related to the use of parks and public facilities of the city.
This classification is distinguished from the next lower-level classification of Park Ranger Supervisor in that the latter is responsible for day-to-day supervision, training, and assigning work of personnel whereas the former is responsible for a broader range of management activities.
Limited supervision is provided by the Assistant Director, or other higher-level personnel. Directly and indirectly supervise lower-level supervisory and technical personnel.
None
Five (5) years of experience supervising personnel performing ranger activities in a public recreational park or historical area, law enforcement work, or investigative work.
OR
Five (5) years of supervisory experience in a position involving field investigations in code, ordinance, or regulation violations.
Substitution of Experience:
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in criminal justice, park administration, recreation administration, natural resource management, or a closely related field may substitute for two (2) years of the required experience.
OR
An associate degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in criminal justice, park administration, recreation administration, natural resource management, or a closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.
Should education be used to qualify for this position, then proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment. Unofficial documents and/or copies are acceptable.
An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credential's evaluation service. Evaluation of education records will be due at time of appointment.
Driver License:
Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License is required at the time of appointment.
Certification:
Proof of the required certificate and/or license should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment. Unofficial documents and/or copies are acceptable.
Felony Convictions
Free of felony convictions (California Government Code 1029).
Background:
Must pass a background investigation, which includes a criminal history check for job-related convictions, fingerprinting, and drug use history.
Medical/Drug Test:
Must pass a medical examination and drug test.
Work conditions
Incumbent may be required to work irregular hours, including days, evenings, weekends and holidays.
Environmental Conditions:
May work outside in various types of weather.
Physical Conditions:
Walking, running, standing or climbing on slippery, even or uneven, paved or unpaved surfaces, may carry heavy objects up to 50 lbs.
Not applicable. This is an exempt from civil service, at-will classification and does not serve a probationary period.
Please note, the City of Sacramento's preferred method of communication with applicants is via e-mail. As such, please ensure you verify the e-mail address on your application, and check your e-mail frequently, including your spam and junk folders. All e-mail notifications can also be accessed through the governmentjobs.com applicant inbox.

Founded in 1849, the City of Sacramento is the oldest incorporated city in California. In 1920, Sacramento city voters adopted a City Charter (municipal constitution) and a City Council Manager form of government, which is still being used today.
The City Council consists of a Mayor, elected by all City voters, and eight Council members, elected to represent separate districts in the City. Each Council member is required to live in the district they represent. The Mayor and Council members serve four-year terms. Elections are staggered.
The Council establishes city policies, ordinances and land uses; approves the City’s annual budget, contracts, and agreements; hears appeals of decisions made by city staff or citizen advisory groups, and appoints four Council Officers: a City Manager, City Attorney, City Treasurer, and City Clerk. Council members serve on several working committees, which include Transportation and Community Development, Law and Legislation, and Personnel and Public Employees. The Mayor and Council members receive an annual salary and benefits.
The City Council holds public meetings most Tuesday afternoons and evenings, at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. respectively, in the City Council Chamber on the first floor of City Hall, located at 915 I Street. The Council also holds special meetings and committee meetings, which are open to the public. Agendas for City Council and Council Committee meetings are available in the City Clerk’s Office, 1st Floor, in the Historic City Hall building. The Mayor and City Council Offices are located in City Hall on the fifth Floor.