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. 

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.

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Kern County is actively engaged in creating a culture that promotes excellence, innovation and continuous improvement. LaunchKern is Kern County's continuous improvement initiative based on the principles of Lean Six Sigma. LaunchKern empowers our valued employees to change the way government works by improving their work environment, saving taxpayer dollars and enhancing services to residents.

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.

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.

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:

Maximum time allowance: 56 seconds

Course map: 

Station II - Weight Drag:
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.