The City of Laguna Beach Police Department is seeking enthusiastic and an energetic candidate to join our team as a Park Ranger. This dynamic position involves engaging with City residents, business owners, and visitors on City streets, parks, beaches, and trails while wearing the approved City uniform. As a key member of the Neighborhood Enhancement Team (N.E.T.), the Park Ranger plays a crucial role in advising the public on City, County, and State ordinances related to littering, smoking in public, possessing alcoholic beverages, and other disturbance-related violations. This position is recognized as a peace officer and is pivotal in implementing neighborhood enhancement goals, and addressing quality of life issues through community engagement, problem-solving, and enforcement actions. The Park Ranger reports directly to a Police Lieutenant, Police Sergeant, or Watch Commander and will take on special duty assignments as required.

When you’ll work: Employees in this position must be available to work weekdays and weekends as necessary. Full Time Park Rangers generally work a minimum of 80 hours per two-week pay period.

The normal duties for this position can be found in the job description for Park Ranger. They are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Any combination of education and experience demonstrating the ability to effectively and successfully perform the duties of the position is considered qualifying. A typical combination is as follows:
Must be at least 20 years of age.

Education: High school graduation or possession of a General Education Diploma is required. Related college-level coursework or possession of a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice or a related field is highly desirable.
Experience: Previous law enforcement experience or other relevant work experience, including extensive public contact, is highly desirable.
License/Certificate Requirements: Due to the performance of field duties, which require the operation of a personal or City vehicle, a valid California Driver's license and an acceptable driving record are required. Graduation from a California Basic Course Police Academy Modular Level I, II or Ill is highly desirable. Possession of PC 832 certification is also highly desirable. Candidates must successfully obtain PC 832 certification, through training provided by the Department, within six months of appointment.

Application/Selection Process: All interested applicants must submit a completed online city application. Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis, with a first review on May 30, 2024. Applications will be screened carefully and selected applicants will be invited to the Structured Panel Interview to assess for the required knowledge, skills and abilities for the position. Those who pass the Structured Panel Interview will be placed on an eligibility list to be considered for a Department interview.

Pre-employment Process: Prospective candidates must successfully pass a police background check (including a polygraph examination), fingerprint check with the Department of Justice (with no prior felony convictions), a pre-placement physical, and a psychological exam.
Why work for Laguna Beach: Laguna Beach is a beautiful coastal city located in Orange County, California, with a vibrant art scene and cultural events. We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages, including City paid health insurance for employees, retirement plans, and paid time off. The City has a strong commitment to its employees, providing opportunities for professional growth and development through training and education programs.
The Department: The Police Department is organized into two divisions, Support Services and Field/Investigative Services, and provides general law enforcement services, including animal control.