Park Ranger Trainee

Position Information

Amended: 6/5/26

JOIN US FOR A SPECIAL Q&A EVENT FOR THIS POSITION ON:

JUNE 9, 2026, from 4:00pm - 6:00pm at 34970 McMurtrey Ave Bakersfield, CA 93308

Examination Schedule

• Written Exam In-person: June 24, 2026
• Physical Agility Exam In-person: Tentatively scheduled for July 11, 2026

WRITTEN EXAM ( Weight 100%): May include knowledge of English grammar and spelling, general mathematics, and other relative subjects.

PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST (

PASS/FAIL

): The Kern County Human Resources Division will schedule, notify and administer a Physical Ability Test. See below for a full description of the Physical Ability Test.

The Human Resources Division may limit the number advancing to the physical ability exam to approximately the TOP 40, based upon the final earned results of the written exam.

Applicants must attain at least a 70% score on each phase of the examination process. Names will be placed on one eligible list in order of final grades.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma, G.E.D. or equivalent.

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License is required upon appointment.

In accordance with Government Code Section 1031, to be appointed as a peace officer in California, incumbents must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.

Physical and Psychological Requirement: Applicants must be found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition including bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, disability, or sexual orientation, that might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer.

Physical Exam: Passing of a rigid medical exam by County physician is required.

Vision: 20/100 uncorrected in each eye, correctable to 20/20. No color deficiency or permanent/progressive eye abnormalities.

Hearing: No hearing deficiency.

Minimum Age: 20.5 years of age by the final filing date, must be 21 years of age upon appointment to Park Ranger Trainee.

Character: Applicants must have a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness and be of good moral character, as determined by a thorough background investigation. Felony law violations will be disqualifying, and except for a limited number of minor traffic offenses, misdemeanor offenses may also be disqualifying. Appointees will be fingerprinted and required to pass an extensive background investigation.

Psychological Examination: Emotional and mental conditions shall be evaluated by a psychologist that meets the applicable education and training requirements as set forth by the Commission of Peace Officer Standards and Training. Evaluation is designed for the conduct of pre-employment psychological screening of peace officers.

Knowledge of: English grammar and spelling, and general mathematics.

Ability to: Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the public; to think and react quickly and adapt an effective course of action; understand and follow oral and written directions; read, interpret and understand state and federal laws and County ordinances; stay calm and respond appropriately during highly stressful situations; develop skill in the use of firearms and other law enforcement equipment; write clear, grammatically correct and concise reports; and perform general mathematical calculations.

Full job description for: Park Ranger Trainee

Learn more about this position with the Kern County Sheriff's Office! Watch our recruitment video here

If you have any questions about this recruitment, please contact Tiffany Nacke at ***email_hidden*** or call 661-868-3157.

This position works within the Kern County Sheriff's Office. For more information about the department, please view their website here.

About Kern County

Kern County employees provide opportunities that are purposeful to our community. Every employee and every action contributes to the improvement and strengthening of our county.

Growth Mindset

We always encourage our employees to grow and develop. Kern County has a culture of innovation that allows employees to explore creative and more efficient ways to accomplish their work. We provide access to training and continued professional development in an effort to ensure that our employees have opportunities for career growth.

Additional Information

Admittance to the examination will require a valid government issued photograph identification. Applicants who are unable to present proper identification must make arrangements with the Human Resources Division prior to the test date.

A background check may be conducted for this classification.

Following an offer of employment, you may be required to submit to post offer medical and drug screening tests at County expense.

This examination will establish an eligible list from which permanent appointments will be made at the Kern County Sheriff's Office. Permanent appointments will be made as needed in geographic area throughout Kern County. Candidates are encouraged to indicate, on their application, ALL acceptable geographical locations in which they would accept employment.

For more information regarding Kern County's recruitment process, please see our FAQ page.

Kern County Sheriff’s Office will seek and retain qualified individuals who maintain a high moral character, are ethical in all facets of life, and are trustworthy and professional when serving our community. To learn more about the 7 pillars of the ideal candidate please click here.

KERN COUNTY HUMAN RESOURCES DIVISION

Park Ranger Trainee/Park Ranger/Senior Park Ranger Applicant Physical Ability Test

Purpose Of The Test

The Physical Ability Test has been designed to simulate physical skills necessary for field service as a Park Ranger Trainee/Park Ranger/Senior Park Ranger.

Wearing Apparel

Clothing should be worn which will allow you the greatest freedom of movement, yet provide protection against abrasions, especially to the legs. Barefoot candidates or those wearing other than standard athletic shoes will not be permitted to take the test. Rest rooms will be available for changing for the swimming portion of the examination. Do not bring valuables to the test location. Spectators (friends, relatives, etc.) will not be allowed.

Physical Condition

Persons who are not in good physical condition should not participate in the test. You will be required to sign a Waiver of Civil Liability which releases the County of Kern and the Kern County Sheriff's Office from liability for any injury which might result from your participation in the Physical Ability Test.

Composition Of The Test

The test consists of three separate stations (events) which are described below. Successful completion of each station is required.

Failure to successfully complete a required station will fail you for the entire test. If you fail a station on the first attempt, you will be given a second opportunity to complete that station. The second opportunity will take place on the same date. Failure to successfully complete a station on the second attempt will fail you for the entire Physical Ability test.

Station I - Obstacle Run

You will be required to complete the obstacle run, which consists of the following:

• 200-yard run
• Two vaults
• 3-foot vault
• 4-foot vault
• S-curve around three cones

Maximum time allowance: 56 seconds

Course Map

You will be required to drag a victim simulator a distance of approximately 30 feet. The simulator will weigh approximately 160 pounds.

Maximum time allowance: 12 seconds.

Station III - Water Course

You will be required to dive into water and swim three (3), twenty-five (25) yard laps for a total of approximately seventy-five (75) yards.

Kern County is an ADA compliant and an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Kern County Employee Benefits

• As a regular or provisional employee of Kern County, working twenty (20) hours or more per week, you are presently eligible for the following benefits as described below:

Health Insurance: (Medical/Dental/Vision): Kern County offers five affordable medical options. Kern Legacy Health Plans are medical and prescription health plan options administered directly by the County of Kern. Kaiser Permanente is also an option. Employees may also choose from two dental plans; Liberty Dental PPO or HMO. The vision coverage is provided through Vision Service Plan (VSP).

Retirement Program: Kern County Employees' Retirement Association (KCERA). This Section 401 (a) defined benefit retirement plan requires employer and employee contribution and pays retired employees a pension based on salary, years of service, and age upon retirement.

Deferred Compensation: This section 457 plan allows employees to contribute on a pre-tax basis to a supplemental retirement account which is then paid out to them when they retire.

Social Security Administration

Note: Both Kern County and the employee contribute to Social Security and Medicare as follows:

• The County of Kern withholds 6.2% for Social Security (FICA1) and 1.45% for Medicare (FICA2) from employee's payroll warrants
• The County matches the employee's 6.2% for Social Security and 1.45% for Medicare

Employee Assistance Program: EAP is available to help you take control of your life!

Voluntary Benefits: Chimienti & Associates (Administrator) offers the following voluntary benefits and can be deducted on a pre-tax bases: Short Term Disability Coverage, Accident Plan, Cancer Plan and a Flexible Spending Account.

Paid Holiday Leave: 12 set days (per calendar year)

I will be at least 20.5 years of age by the final filing date; must be 21 years of age or more upon appointment to Park Ranger Trainee.

• Yes
• No

Once I receive my background packet, I will provide the following documents:

Birth Certificate

Social Security Card

Proof of legal right to work (In accordance with Government Code Section 1031 to be appointed as a peace officer in California, incumbents must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law).

Proof of Select Service Registration

DD214 (If applicable)

Military Records Request Form (If applicable)

Drivers License

Proof of Auto Insurance

Marriage Certificates (If applicable)

Marriage Dissolution (If applicable)

Name change documents (If applicable)

High School transcripts

College transcripts (if applicable)

• Yes
• No

Have you ever been convicted of any offense other than a minor traffic violation?

Please Note: You are not required to disclose convictions of

Marijuana-related offenses per Labor Code 432.8; if those convictions are more than two years old. If you are not required to disclose a conviction, you may answer "NO" to the question above.

The fact that a conviction has been relieved or expunged does not necessarily relieve you of the obligation to disclose that conviction. (For instance, you are legally required to list all convictions relieved under Penal Code Section 1203.4.) Failure to list any conviction which you are legally obligated to disclose is an omission of a material fact which will cause forfeiture of all rights of employment with the County of Kern.

• Yes
• No

If you answered "YES" to the above question, complete the Conviction Summary below. If you answered "NO" to the above question, enter "NA" below.

Starting with your most recent conviction, please list all convictions (not arrests) you have received, with accurate dates and in full detail. As per Civil Rule 307.10.01, a "conviction," shall include a plea of guilty or a conviction following a plea of nolo contendere.

The Human Resources Division will review your application and this supplement to determine whether or not your conviction record affects your eligibility for examination or certification. The Civil Service Commission may refuse to examine or, after examination, to certify as eligible or may remove an eligible from the eligible list for good cause.

Conviction Summary--For EACH conviction you must provide all of the following information:

• Convicted of (Code # & Offense)
• Date
• Location
• Disposition (fine, sentence, etc.)
• Explanation of circumstances of case (add additional information as an attachment if needed)
• Current Status (Probation, Parole, etc.)
• Required Question