In California, ranger candidates must meet all the following requirements:
Two Years of College*
Possess a Valid California Driver's License of the Appropriate Class
Be Physically Sound
Eighteen Years of Age
Must Pass a Comprehensive Background Investigation
Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident Alien
20/20 Corrected Vision
No Felony Convictions
* 60 Semester Units of study at an state accredited college or university, including a minimum of 21 semester units of course work satisfying General Education Curriculum standards. Specialization in park administration, natural sciences, social sciences, law enforcement, or related fields is desirable.
The State Park Peace Officer Cadet Ranger/Lifeguard is the entry and training level for men and women interested in a law enforcement career with California State Parks. Career opportunities are available throughout the entire State.
The process for entering into this classification takes approximately 12 months and generally involves the following steps:
Exam Preparation
Submit an Application Standard State Application - Form 678
Written examination
Oral examination/Interview
Physical Agility Tests
Background investigation
Psychological and medical evaluations
Upon successful completion of each of the steps in the examination process, you may be invited to attend the26-week POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) academy as a State Park Ranger/Lifeguard Cadet. Here you will be trained to become a State Park Peace Officer Ranger.
You could also consider becoming a federal park ranger in California.
