STATE PARK PEACE OFFICER (LIFEGUARD)
Merced County, CA, USA
USD 5,563-8,802 / month
Job Posting: STATE PARK PEACE OFFICER (LIFEGUARD)(K9)
Department of Parks & Recreation
STATE PARK PEACE OFFICER (LIFEGUARD)
$5,563.00 - $8,802.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Final Filing Date: 7/29/2026
Job Description and Duties
***This is a Peace Officer Position. To be eligible, you must meet the minimum qualifications established by the Department of Human Resources AND either be currently eligible or eligible for reinstatement as a PC 830.2, California State Peace Officer.
If you are not a current peace officer and in possession of a POST – Academy, Basic, Intermediate or Advanced Certificate, you are not eligible for this position.
For further information regarding your rights and eligibility please visit the Department Link listed below before calling or emailing the listed contact.***
Department Link: Click Here
STATE PARK PEACE OFFICER (LIFEGUARD)(K9) – CENTRAL VALLEY DISTRICT / RIVERS SECTOR / MCCONNELL STATE RECREATION AREA
The reporting location for this position is McConnell State Recreation Area in Ballico, CA. This position will work under the supervision of State Park Peace Officer Supervisor (Ranger).
This position is assigned to the Rivers Sector but also patrols the Rancho San Luis Sector and is responsible for immediate K-9 response throughout Central Valley Parks. The K-9 Handler will work as part of a team with the State Park Peace Officer Rangers and Lifeguards in Rivers and Rancho San Luis Sector park units. The duties of this position will include law enforcement, public safety, resource protection, interpretation, education and other duties associated with general park operations.
The K-9 Handler will work evening and night shifts, and others as assigned, and may work special assignments throughout the State of California. The K-9 Handler will maintain a high level of fitness with respect to one’s person and maintain his/her equipment in good working order to represent the Department in a professional manner. Night shift patrol operations, canine program, alarm/detection systems (development, monitoring and maintenance), special assignments, special events, administrative assignments, and special operation.
This position may also be required to provide coverage to other locations or events throughout the District, based on operational need, with an emphasis on stewardship and operation of state park units with the goal of discouraging and preventing illegal cannabis cultivation, consistent with Revenue and Taxation Code 34019 (f)(2)(B). This position may be required to work in rugged outdoor terrain. This position may be assigned to assist the Special Enforcement Team with cannabis enforcement operations.
State Park Peace Officer (Ranger)(K9) will also be considered for recruitment purposes.
In order to be eligible for this position, candidates must have a minimum of two years’ experience as a DPR State Park Peace Officer (Ranger/Lifeguard).
The incumbent will be expected to complete the annual POST canine team evaluation. Interested Canine and non-Canine Handlers should both apply at this time. A supplemental application process will be required for all non-Canine Handler applicants. Candidates that will be eligible for selection to the Canine Program by the final filing date are encouraged to apply. The incumbent will be expected to maintain canine certification and training.
For specific canine related inquiries, applicants should contact Canine Superintendent Mike Gleckler at (916) 893-3539 or Michael.Gleckler@parks.ca.gov.
Appointment to the Canine position to be based on an interview, physical fitness and skills assessment, not seniority. Skills testing may involve proficiency evaluation or scenarios involving firearms, defensive tactics and first aid.
This position is designated as not telework eligible.
State housing is required. For further information regarding this position, please contact Duke Heberling at (209) 710-3464 or email at gerald.heberling@parks.ca.gov.
This recruitment may be used to fill identical vacancies which may occur within 180 days of the Final Filing Date of this job posting.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
Office work, outdoors, inclement weather conditions, weekends, holidays, odd and unusual hours.
Effective July 1, 2025, the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025). PLP 2025 directs that each employee receives a temporary reduction in pay in exchange for PLP 2025 leave credits. The percentage of the temporary salary reduction and the number of PLP 2025 leave credits are determined by the position’s assigned bargaining unit. The salary range(s) included in this job advertisement do not reflect the temporary salary reduction. For additional information regarding PLP 2025, please click here.
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.Additional Documents
Position Details
Department Information
The mission of California State Parks is to provide for the health, inspiration, and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state's extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.
All employees are responsible for contributing to an inclusive, safe, and secure work environment that values diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, and is free from discrimination.
Special Requirements
- The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.
- The position(s) require(s) completion of educational courses as specified in the Class Specification (link available in the Minimum Requirements section).
- The position(s) require(s) a Drug Screening be passed prior to being hired.
- The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
- The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.
- The position(s) require(s) Psychological Evaluation clearance prior to being hired.
- The position(s) require(s) a(n) POST Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced License. You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to being hired.
Per California Code of Regulations (CCR) 599.961, this is a sensitive position, and therefore subject to drug and alcohol testing. It should be noted that testing is not mandatory, but is allowed to be conducted only if and when there is a determination of reasonable suspicion as defined in CCR 599.962.
The selected candidate is required to submit to a background investigation process utilizing Live Scan fingerprinting prior to appointment.
The position(s) require(s) a Drug Screening be passed prior to appointment.
Candidates that believe they meet the Minimum qualifications based on a pattern of education from the classification description (specifications) must provide a copy of your degree/transcripts and/or license along with your application (STD. 678) to be considered for this position. If selected for the position transcripts will be required prior to appointment.
DO NOT include any confidential information to your application or supporting documents (i.e., Social Security Number, birthdate, marital status, medical information, examination results, method of eligibility, etc.)
SROA/SURPLUS Applicants: You must check the SROA/Surplus as your claimed method of eligibility and attach your SROA/Surplus letter as an additional document.
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 7/29/2026Who May Apply
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Duke Heberling
(209) 710-3464
gerald.heberling@parks.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:Sharon Comas - EEO Office
(916) 653-9990
sharon.comas@parks.ca.gov
Additional Instructions
If submitting your completed Application Package by mail or hand delivery, you must include the Position # 548-750-0992-400 and the Job Control # JC-524768 in the “Examination or Job Title for which you are applying” section on the STD. 678.
Note: If you are applying for multiple positions, you must complete a STD. 678 for each position separately. Incomplete applications or applications received with multiple positions listed on one application will not be considered.
Employment History on the STD 678 must be complete and include dates, accurate hours per week, total time worked, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Failure to submit a completed STD 678 may result in you being screened out. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview.
Eligibility Information
To be appointed you must satisfy one of the following requirements:
- List Eligibility – Successfully complete the civil service exam for State Park Peace Officer (Lifeguard). There is currently no open exam for the classification. Check back at a later date here.
- Transfer Eligibility – Must have current employment with the State of California in the same classification or in a classification that is comparable. If in a different classification, you must meet the minimum qualifications (see Minimum Qualifications section and associated links above).
- Reinstatement Eligibility – Previously obtained permanent employment with the State of California in the same classification or in a classification that is comparable. If in a different classification, you must meet the minimum qualifications (see Minimum Qualifications section and associated links above).
In some special circumstances, candidates who meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position, but who do not have one of the types of eligibility listed above, may be hired. However, this is rare, and the preferred method of appointment is through eligibility as described above.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
