Park Ranger Trainee - Shift

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 10, 2026

WRITTEN EXAM ( Weight 100% ): May include knowledge of E nglish 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 ... or call ....

This position works within the Kern County Sheriff's Office. For more information about the department, please view their website here . 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.
To learn more about Kern County, click here or follow us:
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. 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 Sheriffs 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:
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.
Kern County is an ADA compliant and an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.